Self study 1 Flashcards
1. Sketch a Gaussian function, including labelling its turning points and its characteristic width. 2. State an expression for a Gaussian wave packet. 3. Demonstrate mathematically that a Gaussian wave packet can be represented as a linear combination of freeparticle wave functions, and such a linear combination includes a range of momenta consistent with the uncertainty principle.
1
Q
What are wavepackets?
A
A more realistic model for a quantum particle. They are localised ot a non-infinite region of space such that delta p is non-zero.
2
Q
How is a Gaussian wavepacket parameterised?
A
- Half of the width of the peak at half of the maximum height
- Half of the width of the peak at 1/e times its maximum height
3
Q
What is the relationship between a Gaussian wavepacket and the uncertainty principle?
A
The characteristic width of the Gaussian wavepacket (or, phrased in a different way, the uncertainty in the position of the particle) is L.
4
Q
A
