What is a wave packet?

Name: Exam Paper Generator | JEE NEET Paper Generator | Vedclass
Brand: Vedclass
Rating: 5 (35 reviews)

Question

(B) wave packet is a short 'burst' or 'envelope' of wave action that travels as a unit. In quantum mechanics,a single de Broglie wave (monochromatic w

Vedclass · Accepted Answer

$A$ group of waves with slightly different wavelengths and frequencies that interfere to form a localized wave disturbance.

Vedclass · Answer

(B) wave packet is a short 'burst' or 'envelope' of wave action that travels as a unit. In quantum mechanics,a single de Broglie wave (monochromatic wave) extends infinitely in space,which makes it impossible to localize a particle. To represent a particle localized in space,we superimpose a group of waves with slightly different wavelengths and frequencies. This superposition results in constructive interference over a small region of space and destructive interference elsewhere,creating a localized 'packet' of waves. Thus,a wave packet represents the probability distribution of finding a particle at a specific position.

Similar Questions

The ratio of momentum of an electron and an alpha particle which are accelerated from rest by a potential difference of $100\,V$ is

Compute the typical de Broglie wavelength of an electron in a metal at $27\,^{\circ} C$ and compare it with the mean separation between two electrons in a metal which is given to be about $2 \times 10^{-10} \; m$.

Which of the following particles has the shortest de-Broglie wavelength,assuming they have the same kinetic energy?

If the kinetic energy of an electron is increased four times,the wavelength of the de-Broglie wave associated with it would become

The energy of a photon is equal to the kinetic energy of a proton. The energy of the photon is $E$. If $\lambda_1$ and $\lambda_2$ are the de Broglie wavelengths of the proton and the photon respectively,then find the ratio $\lambda_1 / \lambda_2$.

Vedclass Test Series

Exam Paper Generator

Online Exam Module