Quantum Effects Negligible in Diffraction, Tunneling & Zero-Point Oscillation

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SUMMARY

This discussion confirms that quantum effects are negligible in three scenarios: the diffraction of a tennis ball (mass 0.1 kg, speed 0.5 m/s) through a window (1x1.5 m²), the tunneling probability of a marble (mass 5 g, speed 10 cm/s) against a rigid obstacle (height 5 cm, width 1 cm), and the zero-point oscillation amplitude of a pendulum (length 1 m, mass 1 kg). The de Broglie wavelength is calculated to demonstrate that the wavelength of the tennis ball is not comparable to the slit width, thus negating observable diffraction. The zero-point amplitude is derived using the formula Δx = √(ħ/2mω), which approaches zero in classical models, confirming negligible quantum effects.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of de Broglie wavelength calculations
  • Familiarity with quantum mechanics principles, specifically zero-point energy
  • Knowledge of tunneling probability and transmission coefficients
  • Basic grasp of harmonic oscillators in quantum mechanics
NEXT STEPS
  • Research de Broglie wavelength calculations for various masses and speeds
  • Study quantum tunneling and its applications in real-world scenarios
  • Explore the concept of zero-point energy in quantum harmonic oscillators
  • Investigate the implications of quantum mechanics in macroscopic objects
USEFUL FOR

Students and educators in physics, particularly those focusing on quantum mechanics, as well as researchers interested in the practical implications of quantum effects in macroscopic systems.

neelakash
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Homework Statement



I am to show that quantum effects are negligible in:

(i) The diffraction of a tennis ball of mass m=0.1 kg moving at a speed of 0.5 m/s
by a window of size 1X1.5 m^2

(ii)The tunneling probability for a marble of mass m=5 g moving at a speed of 10 cm/s against a rigid obstacle of height H=5 cm and width w=1 cm

(iii)The amplitude of the zero point oscillation for a pendulum of length l=1m and mass 1 kg

Homework Equations


The Attempt at a Solution



I show the first by: finding the de Broglie wavelength and arguing that for diffraction effects to be observable, we must have the incident ray's wavelength to be comparable in magnitude of the slit width length.

I show the third by: the QM amplitude is given by

[tex]\Delta[/tex][tex]\ x[/tex]=[tex]\sqrt [{h}{/2m\omega}][/tex]

where h is actually h bar.(LaTeX did not accept \hbar)

Clearly the ampitude tends to zero for classical model given...

I am not sure of the correct expression of zero point amplitude in QM harmonic Oscillator but I get it in

http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/quantum/hosc4.html#c1

Please let me know if it is correct...
 
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due to some technical problem,there has been some problem with this thread...And another thread of the same name is appearing.I do not know why it is,but ifg it is my fault,I am expressing regret to Administrator
 
I show the first by: finding the de Broglie wavelength and arguing that for diffraction effects to be observable, we must have the incident ray's wavelength to be comparable in magnitude of the slit width length.

I show the third by: the QM amplitude is given by

[tex]\Delta[/tex][tex]\ x=[/tex][tex]\sqrt{\frac{\hbar}{2m\omega}}[/tex]

where h is actually h bar.(LaTeX did not accept \hbar)

Clearly the ampitude tends to zero for classical model given...

I am not sure of the correct expression of zero point amplitude in QM harmonic Oscillator but I get it in

http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/quantum/hosc4.html#c1

Please let me know if it is correct...


I found a formula of Transmission coeff here

http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/quantum/barr.html

T~exp[-2kL] where k~[tex]\sqrt{U-E}/h[/tex]

Then the exponential is so small that the probability tends to zero.
 
Last edited:

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