Visualizing Particle-in-a-Box Wavefunctions using Mathcad©
Edmund L. Tisko Department of Chemistry University of Nebraska at Omaha Omaha, NE 68182 United States mail to: etisko@mail.unomaha.edu
Abstract
Using the built-in differential equation solvers and graphical capabilities of Mathcad, students can visualize the wavefunctions of the particle-in-a-box potential. Seeing the wavefunction allows students a way of understanding the quantization of bound particles. Also, the step potential and barrier potential can be examined thus allowing students to see how applying the mathematical requirements of the wavefunction result in the quantum mechanical phenomenon of tunneling. The instructor notes include graphics from Mathcad that illustrate the some of the peculiar features of the simple particle-in-a-box, the step potential and the double well barrier potential.
Commentary
Editor's Commentary
Keywords
Audiences: Upper-Division Undergraduate Pedagogies: Computer-Based Learning Domains: Physical Chemistry Topics: Mathematics / Symbolic Mathematics, Quantum Chemistry, Theoretical Chemistry
Documents
File Name Description Software Type Software Version Particle-in-a-box.pdf Read-Only Document PIB Instructor.nb Instructor version, Mathematica. Mathematica PIBStudent.nb Student version, Mathematica Mathematica Instructor Notes.PDF Instructor Notes pibStudent2001i.mcd Student version, Mathcad 2001i. Mathcad 2001i pibInstructor2001i.mcd Instructor version, Mathcad 2001i. Mathcad 2001i pibInstructor6.mcd Instructor version, Mathcad 6. Mathad 6 pibInstructor8.mcd Instructor version, Mathcad 8. Mathcad 8 pibStudent6.mcd Student version, Mathcad 6. Mathcad 6 pibStudent8.mcd Student version, Mathcad 8. Mathcad 8 pib_instructor_nb.pdf Instructor Notes for Mathematica. pib.pdf Inatructor Notes for Mathcad. pibStudent_nb.pdf Student Notes for Mathematica. pibStudent.pdf Student Notes for Mathcad. JCE Subscribers only: name and password or institutional IP number access required.
Citations
Tisko, E. L. J. Chem. Educ. 2003, 80, 581.
Comments to: Edmund L. Tisko
©Copyright 2003 Journal of Chemical Education