A potential energy barrier is a region in a field of potential energy where the energy level is higher than the surrounding areas, creating an obstacle that particles must overcome to proceed. It plays a crucial role in quantum mechanics, as particles have a probability of tunneling through the barrier even if they do not possess enough energy to overcome it classically.

Potential Energy Barrier

potential energy barrier

region in a field of potential energy

In physics, an energy level refers to the fixed energies that a quantum system such as an atom, electron, or nucleus can have. These discrete energy levels play a critical role in determining the chemical and physical properties of matter, influencing how atoms bind with each other and interact with electromagnetic radiation.

energy level

surrounding areas

obstacle that particles must overcome

Quantum mechanics is a fundamental theory in physics that describes the physical properties of nature at the smallest scales, such as atoms and subatomic particles. It introduces concepts like wave-particle duality, uncertainty principle, and quantum entanglement, which challenge classical intuitions about the behavior of matter and energy.

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