Electron Tunneling
| Physics: | Quantum Mechanics, Electron Tunneling |
| Grade Range: | Elementary School, Middle School, High School |
| Format: | Stage |
This demonstration is a part of the Quantum Mechanics Show. This demonstration is not typically performed by itself, since it does require background knowledge in the topic to be understood. In the Quantum Mechanics Show, this demonstration is scripted, so although this write-up does not provide a script, one should be aware of the differences that happen between scripted and non-scripted demonstrations.
In order to perform this demonstration, you need two presenters.
Materials
- Box from Schrodinger's Cat demonstration
- Tennis Ball
- Two Small Identical Balls (Ping-pong balls or similar)
- Electron Tunneling Diagrams
Safety Precautions
Please read the General Safety Precautions section of the Demonstration Safety page before performing this demonstration.
Demonstration
- Before the demonstration begins, be sure that Presenter A and Presenter B already each have one of the identical balls in a pocket. Have Presenter B set up the box while Presenter A introduces the idea of tunneling through a wall.
- Presenter A only: Ask for a volunteer from the audience, and give the volunteer the tennis ball. Ask the volunteer to try and throw the tennis ball through the wall of the box. Try as they might, the volunteer will fail.
- Presenter A can either ask for a new volunteer for keep the volunteer on stage. Presenter B will now adjust the box so there is only one panel standing, angled so it looks like a thin wall. Presenter A during this time will explain the change to be a way to think of a very thin barrier.
- Have the volunteer now stand with Presenter B. Presenter B will show the audience the small ball and give it to the volunteer, explaining that this will represent an electron.
- Presenter A will now ask the volunteer to throw the small ball at the barrier. Presenter B should whisper to the volunteer to throw it over the barrier. Once it is thrown over, Presenter A will toss it back, explaining how this would have worked.
- Presenter A will not ask the volunteer to throw the small ball one last time. Presenter B should whisper to the volunteer to fake throwing it. When it is "thrown", Presenter A will pretend to "catch" it, and reveal the ball that they had hidden. Presenter B should quickly and secretly hide the ball the volunteer had.
Why This Works
COMING SOON
Additional Information
- Electron Tunneling is the phenomenon that allows for touchscreen technology! A touchscreen detects where the voltage increases across the potential gap, which happens due to an increase in electrons tunneling across.
- This demonstration is a part of the Quantum Mechanics Show