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Propagation of a Wavepacket

by Manuel Joffre

Ratings

Overall Rating:
Content Quality:
Effectiveness:
Ease of Use:

Reviewed:	Jan 12, 2002 by Physics
Overview:	The item displays a one dimensional free wavepacket propagating in time. The user may select three different initial wavepacket widths and may display either the probability density or the real part of the wavefunction. The velocity, position, and width appear to have arbitrary units and thus convey qualitative information about wavepacket evolution. The initial wavepacket appears to be guassian. This item is part of a Meta Site, found in MERLOT at: http://physics.merlot.org:9200/artifact/ArtifactDetail.po?oid=1000000000000002732
Learning Goals:	The goal of this item is to observe the difference in free wavepacket spreading for an initially narrow versus a wide wavepacket. Also to understand how the propagation of wavepacket relates to the Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle.
Target Student Population:	Undergraduate introductory quantum mechanics or modern physics.
Prerequisite Knowledge or Skills:	Introductory physics and taking introductory quantum mechanics.
Type of Material:	Demonstration or tutorial.
Technical Requirements:	None

Evaluation and Observation

Content Quality

Rating:

Strengths:

The item gives clear and concise qualitative information regarding the spreading of a free wavepacket. The concepts illustrated by this applet are central to the understanding of basic quantum mechanics. Illustrating both the modulus-squared and real part of the wavefunction reveals many insights into fundamental aspects of quantum mechanical propagation in position space.

Very good at the one concept addressed, focused and well executed.

Concerns:

This item is best used in conjunction with other related Meta Site items.

Potential Effectiveness as a Teaching Tool

Rating:

Strengths:

Recommended Uses for Material: Lecture /Demo, Lab/Recitation, Tutorial

Clear display of qualitative information. Ability to toggle between mod-squared and real part representations. The range of available widths are sufficient to illustrate the concept focus.

Concerns:

Use Material is not Suited For: Homework

Related questions are not addressed by this single item. A user linking directly to this single item should acquaint themselves with the broader Meta Site.

Very effective at conveying the intended topic, however other questions may arise.

Ease of Use for Both Students and Faculty

Rating:

Strengths:	The item runs well and is very clear and easy to use. Easy to use interface.
Concerns:

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Peer Review

Propagation of a Wavepacket

Ratings

Overall Rating:

Evaluation and Observation

Content Quality

Potential Effectiveness as a Teaching Tool

Ease of Use for Both Students and Faculty