Web-based Practice
Quantum Bound States by PhET
Course, Subject
Chemistry, Physics, Math, Science & Technology
Grade Levels
Commencement, 11th Grade, 12th Grade
Description
This simulation will allow students to explore the properties of quantum "particles" bound in potential wells. They will see how the wave functions and probability densities that describe them evolve (or don't) over time.
Using the simulation, students will:
- Visualize wave functions, probability densities, and energy levels for bound states in various potentials.
- Describe how multiple representations used for wave functions relate to one another.
- Explain what is and is not time-dependent for an energy eigenstate and a superposition state.
- Predict how the curvature and amplitude of the wave function and the spacing of the energy levels depends on the shape of the potential and the mass of the particle.
- Gain an intuition for how band structure results in a lattice of many wells.
- Gain an intuition for how to go from the microscopic potential of a single atom to the macroscopic potential of a solid.
Website(s)
PhET Interactive Simulations
Simulation
Click on the link below to view the simulation:
Requirements
Click here to view the download requirements for this website.
Content Provider
Physics Education Technology
The Physics Education Technology (PhET) project at the University of Colorado produces fun, interactive simulations of physical phenomena that make bridges to the real world.
