Sunday, October 21, 2007

What is quantum tunnelling?

http://www.almaden.ibm.com/vis/stm/images/stm1.jpg

In Physics, quantum is the particle which obeys quantum mechanics. When a quantum particle has to cross a potential barrier which has more energy than the particle, then, according to classical physics, it cannot do so. But, in quantum mechanics, it can, however small it be. This phenomenon is known as quantum tunnelling. The best example of quantum tunnelling is the emission of alpha particles from a radioactive nucleus . Although the energy of alpha particles is less than nuclear potential, they can tunnel through it.

No comments: