A potential step is a sudden change in the potential energy of a particle, typically in the context of quantum mechanics. This change can occur in a variety of systems, such as a particle approaching a potential barrier or a particle moving between different potentials in a crystal lattice.
When E > V0 in a potential step, it means that the energy of the particle is greater than the potential energy of the barrier it is approaching. This indicates that the particle has enough energy to overcome the barrier and continue moving forward.
In a potential step where E > V0, the particle has a non-zero probability of being transmitted through the barrier. The ratio of the transmitted probability amplitude to the incident probability amplitude is given by the transmission coefficient λ. In a potential step, the transmission coefficient λ is twice the incident coefficient, indicating that there is a higher likelihood of the particle being transmitted through the barrier rather than being reflected back.
When E < V0 in a potential step, the particle does not have enough energy to overcome the potential barrier. This results in a higher likelihood of the particle being reflected back rather than being transmitted through the barrier.
The energy of the particle and the potential barrier in a potential step are directly related. If the energy of the particle is greater than the potential barrier, the particle has a higher probability of being transmitted through the barrier. If the energy is less than the potential barrier, the particle has a higher probability of being reflected back.