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Description
The programme shows how Schrodinger's equation admits solutions which indicate the passage of particles through a potential barrier. It goes on to examine Heisenberg's Uncertainty Principle for a s...quare well potential and a simple harmonic oscillator potential.
Metadata describing this Open University video programme
Module code and title: SM351, Quantum theory and atomic structure
Item code: SM351; 06
First transmission date: 10-06-1974
Published: 1974
Rights Statement:
Restrictions on use:
Duration: 00:24:15
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Producer: Edward Smith
Contributors: Alan Cooper; John Richmond; Russell Stannard
Publisher: BBC Open University
Keyword(s): Alpha particle decay; Barrier `tunneling'; Eigenfunctions; Harmonic oscillator potential; Heisenberg's Uncertainty Principle; Nuclear well; Pendulum; Schroedinger's equation; Square well
Footage description: Alan Cooper introduces the programme. He shows how Schrodinger's equation admits solutions which indicate the passage of particles through a potential barrier. The case considered is that of a free particle approaching a barrier. Several graphic aids, a model and computer animations are used. Russ Stannard with a cloud chamber. He explains how the apparatus works, then goes or to confirm the above experimentally by examining alpha decay. Alan Cooper explains how the energy and half life of particles can be determined from the cloud chamber data. These are plotted on a graph for alpha particles. Stannard explains why alpha particles have a unique value of energy. He draws and writes on a board. John Richmond, assuming the role of a student discusses with Stannard Heisenberg's Uncertainty principle in the light of bound states for a square well potential. Stannard and Richmond use the simple harmonic oscillator problem to show how, in a limit, quantum mechanics leads to the expected classical behaviour. The case of a particle whose energy is represented by a coherent sum of wave functions is shown using diagrams and computer animations.
Master spool number: 6HT/71364
Production number: 00525_1143
Videofinder number: 1046
Available to public: no