The horizontal axis displays a line segment that has a particle
'trapped' in its boundaries.
This represents a one-dimensional 'box'
This represents a one-dimensional 'box'
The vertical axis displays the magnitude of the wave function.
this corresponds to the likelihood that the particle will be found at any particular position along the x-axis.
this corresponds to the likelihood that the particle will be found at any particular position along the x-axis.
The red line represents one part of the wave equation.
We call it the 'real' part because it doesn't involve imaginary numbers (these numbers rely on the square root of -1).
We call it the 'real' part because it doesn't involve imaginary numbers (these numbers rely on the square root of -1).
The blue line represent the other part of the wave equation.
We call it the 'imaginary' part because it involves using the square root of -1.
We call it the 'imaginary' part because it involves using the square root of -1.
Together, the red and blue lines represent the solution to Schrodinger's equation.
This famous equation is a differential equation that describes how electrons, photons, and other very small particles behave. One fascinating takeaway is that these particles have a 'wave-like' quality to them. This animation shows that 'wave-like' quality!
This famous equation is a differential equation that describes how electrons, photons, and other very small particles behave. One fascinating takeaway is that these particles have a 'wave-like' quality to them. This animation shows that 'wave-like' quality!
The black line represents the probability distribution.
This tells us the likelihood of finding the particle at any given position along the horizonal axis. For example, when the black is at its peak, that shows the most likely place to find the particle. We obtain the black line by multiplying the red equation together with the blue equation.
This tells us the likelihood of finding the particle at any given position along the horizonal axis. For example, when the black is at its peak, that shows the most likely place to find the particle. We obtain the black line by multiplying the red equation together with the blue equation.