Ungraded pre-lab quiz to “Physically Possible Wavefunctions”
Intuitive Quantum Physics
Name:__________________________
A. We have constructed an equation to use in describing the wave function of electrons:
−k ⋅ (TE electron − PE system ) ⋅ Ψ( x ) = Curv Ψ(x)
The graph on the left below shows an s-function that describes an electron in some region in space.
(The full wave function is not shown, just this part of it between x = 0 and x = 5).
We have labeled the wave function ψ1.
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1. On the right-hand graph, sketch a picture graph that represents the wave function of the electron
when its total energy decreases. This wave function is labeled ψ2.
Ψ(x)
2
Ψ(x)
1
0
1
2
3
4
5
x
6
0
1
2
3
4
5
2. Circle one: the wavelength of ψ1 is greater than, less than, or equal to the wavelength of ψ2.
3. Circle one: the amplitude of ψ1 is greater than, less than, or equal to the amplitude of ψ2.
Explain how you arrived at your answers to question 2 and 3.
(over)
© 2003-6, University of Maine Physics Education Research Laboratory. (200701)
x
6
p.2
B. Describe the relationship between electrons and atoms in as much detail as possible. Write as much
as you can. Answer questions including
• “What makes an atom?”
• “Where is the electron in the atom?”
• “How is an electron in an atom different from an electron moving far away from an atom?”
plus any others that you wish to address.