In quantum mechanics there is a process by which an electron can ...

[deesands]

In quantum mechanics there is a process by which an electron can start in a region of relatively weak forces, enter a classically forbidden region, and then reemerge on the other side of that region. The electron, it can be said, travels through a wall. How do scientists commonly refer to this process?
  a. Boring
  b. Bremsstrahlung
  c. Spontaneous fission
  d. Correspondence
  e. Tunneling

Question 2

Which of the following is an important difference between the infinite square-well potential and the finite square-well potential?
 

a. Particles can exist in classically forbidden regions outside the finite square-well potential.
  b.The number of energy levels is limited in the infinite square-well potential but not limited in the finite square-well potential.
  c. The infinite square-well potential utilizes Schrdinger's equation to describe particle motion while the finite square-well potential does not.
  d. The energy levels are quantized only in the finite square-well potential.
  e. Only the energy levels in the finite square-well potential depend on Planck's constant.

[ktidd]

Answer to Question 1

e.
The process known as tunneling is one of the most bizarre occurrences in nature and is proven both theoretically with quantum mechanics and experimentally with optics and nuclear decay, among other things.

Answer to Question 2

a.
When the particle encounters a barrier of finite potentialeven if the particle has less than the potential classically to surmount the barrierthe particle can exist beyond the barrier. The process described is called tunneling and cannot occur in the infinite potential well.

[deesands]

Gracias!

[gcook]

Thanks for the timely response, appreciate it