Now you can use the rules to sketch wave functions for an electron in a transmission electron microscope. Consider an electron has a total energy of 1eV, and it is approaching a metal sample in which its potential energy due to repulsion from other electrons is 3eV (Figure 10)
Draw the potential energy diagram of the electron indicating its potential and total energies inside the metal sample as well as in the empty space on either side.
Describe the energy diagram below:
Based on the steps that you have learned, use the Wave Function Sketcher program to sketch the wave functions for the electrons in each region.
Draw wave function and describe it below.
Sketch the probability densities and then write a brief interpretation of the wave function by concentrating on the probability of an electron being in each region.
In this case some of the electrons may be found on the right side of the metal. Conservation of energy would say that none of them should be there. This effect of electrons being where they should not be is called quantum tunneling. It is observed in nature.