Particle at the edge of nothing

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the behavior of a particle at an interface with zero probability of its presence, particularly in the context of quantum mechanics and classical mechanics. Participants explore concepts related to quantum barriers, infinite potential wells, and the implications of confining a photon within a specific boundary.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions the behavior of a particle at a boundary with zero probability, considering whether it would bounce back, spread along the boundary, or disappear.
  • Another participant relates this scenario to common undergraduate quantum mechanics problems, such as the infinite square well potential and infinite barriers.
  • A different participant suggests that the original question may not pertain strictly to quantum physics, implying a need for clearer elaboration on the topic being discussed.
  • A later reply clarifies that the original poster was indeed referring to the infinite quantum well but expresses uncertainty about the outcomes related to a photon confined within a box of one wavelength, raising questions about the implications of the uncertainty principle and energy conservation.
  • The same participant speculates that confining a photon might lead to a situation where it cannot maintain the speed of light, suggesting that it could exhibit mass under confinement.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the original question or the implications of confining a photon. Multiple competing views and uncertainties remain regarding the behavior of particles at boundaries and the nature of confinement in quantum mechanics.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations in the discussion regarding the assumptions made about the nature of particles, the definitions of confinement, and the implications of the uncertainty principle. The original question lacks clarity, which affects the depth of the responses.

minio
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I was just thinking. If I would have particle and an interface behind which there is zero proability of this particle being there, what would happened if I tried to push it over this boundary? It will bounce back, spread along this boundary or happily went into oblivion pretending that it actually could be there?
 
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minio said:
I was just thinking. If I would have particle and an interface behind which there is zero proability of this particle being there, what would happened if I tried to push it over this boundary? It will bounce back, spread along this boundary or happily went into oblivion pretending that it actually could be there?

Don't we all do this in undergraduate QM class when we solve for the infinite square well potential, or an infinite barrier?

Zz.
 
Not if your undegraduate study includes neurobiology, physiology, anatomy and taxonomy of plants and animals...
 
minio said:
Not if your undegraduate study includes neurobiology, physiology, anatomy and taxonomy of plants and animals...

Then my guess is that your question really isn't about "quantum physics", but rather more general and elementary. It also means that you need to clearly elaborate what you are really asking for. A quantum particle at an infinite barrier is well-known. A classical particle at such a barrier is also well-known (basic 1st year classical mechanics). However, this doesn't appear to be what you have in mind. So a more detailed explanation is needed.

This thread may also be moved.

Zz.
 
Actually I was looking for infinite quantum well/particle in the box, but I have not known it. It is easy to find something when you know what you are looking for. However I was going to ask different question, I was not sure about the particle in the box outcome.
My real question is, athough I am not sure if it make sense, if I trapped photon inside the box from which it cannot escape and its size is one wavelength of the photon what would happened?
Because as I understand uncertanity principle I cannot determine its exact position along with its momentum. However as the size of the box is its one wavelength it cannot change to longer ones and if it change to higher ones it would break energy conservation. And being photon its velocity is c so no uncertanity there. So in my opinion such case it has to slow down so there could be uncertanity in speed and start to show some mass. Thus in confined environment nothing with mass should be able to reach speed of light and something with speed of light cannot be confined in such way. Am I totally off or does it actually make sense? Or am I missing some 101 physics knowledge again?
 

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