Physics
Schrödinger Equation
A quantum particle is a wave of probability. Launch a wave packet at a barrier taller than its energy and, instead of simply bouncing back, part of it leaks through to the other side. That is quantum tunneling, and it is why the sun shines and flash memory works.
Energy E—
Barrier V₀—
Transmitted—
What to observe
- Set the barrier higher than the particle's energy (V₀ > E). Classically nothing should get through, yet a sliver of the packettunnels out the far side. The taller or wider the wall, the less leaks.
- The packet also spreads as it travels: a well-localized particle has a spread of momenta, so it smears out over time. Position and momentum cannot both be sharp, that's uncertainty.
- Lower the barrier below E and most of the wave sails over, but a bit stillreflects, another purely wave-like effect with no classical counterpart.
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