QM: Potential Energy & Particle Free Fall

In summary, in classical mechanics, potential and kinetic energy are defined for a specific particle, while in quantum mechanics, the potential is defined for a certain region of space. However, both in classical mechanics and quantum mechanics, the total energy is a property of the particle. One major difference is that in quantum mechanics, the particle can exist in locations where it does not have enough energy to be in according to classical mechanics. This can be represented by taking the Fourier transform of a matrix element to obtain a potential.
  • #1
LagrangeEuler
717
20
In classical mechanics is defined potential and kinetical energy for particular particle. For example, in case of free fall potential energy of the particle is ##mgh## and kinetic energy is ##\frac{m\upsilon^2}{2}##. In QM there isn't potential of the particle, but potential of part of the space. For example particle could be in the space part where whole energy of the particle is less then potential. Could you explain me this? I'm really confused with this.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
There is no such difference between classical mechanics and QM. The potential for a specific particle is a function of space both in quantum mechanics and classical mechanics. The total energy is a property of the particle both in quantum mechanics and classical mechanics.
or example particle could be in the space part where whole energy of the particle is less then potential.
That is a difference, right. In quantum mechanics, the particle can be at locations forbidden for a classical particle (as it does not have enough energy).
 
  • #3
In case one can get a matrix element and take it's non relativistic form,fourier transform of it gives a potential.
 

1. What is potential energy in quantum mechanics?

Potential energy in quantum mechanics is a measure of the energy that a particle has due to its position or configuration in a given system. It is represented by the potential energy function, which describes the relationship between the particle's position and its energy.

2. How is potential energy related to particle free fall in quantum mechanics?

In quantum mechanics, potential energy plays a crucial role in determining the behavior of a particle in free fall. As the particle falls, its potential energy decreases and its kinetic energy increases. This relationship is described by the law of conservation of energy, which states that the total energy of a system remains constant.

3. Can potential energy be negative in quantum mechanics?

Yes, potential energy can be negative in quantum mechanics. This occurs when the particle's energy is lower than its reference energy level. In this case, the potential energy function will have a negative value, indicating that the particle is in a bound state.

4. How does potential energy affect the behavior of a particle in a potential well?

A potential well is a region in space where the potential energy is lower than its surroundings. In quantum mechanics, a particle in a potential well will be confined to the well and will not be able to escape unless it gains enough energy to overcome the potential barrier. The shape of the potential well determines the energy levels that the particle can occupy, and thus affects its behavior.

5. What is the relationship between potential energy and quantum tunneling?

Quantum tunneling is a phenomenon where a particle can pass through a potential barrier even though it does not have enough energy to do so classically. This is possible because in quantum mechanics, there is a probability of finding the particle in a region where its potential energy is higher than its kinetic energy. Thus, the particle can tunnel through the barrier and continue its motion, demonstrating the wave-like nature of particles in quantum mechanics.

Similar threads

  • Quantum Physics
Replies
26
Views
2K
Replies
4
Views
875
Replies
13
Views
1K
  • Quantum Physics
Replies
15
Views
2K
  • Quantum Physics
2
Replies
36
Views
2K
Replies
4
Views
1K
  • Quantum Physics
Replies
11
Views
1K
Replies
4
Views
855
Replies
1
Views
689
  • Quantum Physics
Replies
2
Views
996
Back
Top