Quantum AnalogyHardQuestion 31390
Question
Standing waves on a string are analogous to quantum mechanical particle-in-a-box because:
- ABoth involve photons
- BBoundary conditions impose quantised energy levels via discrete allowed wavelengthsCorrect
- CBoth are relativistic
- DString tension equals Planck's constant
Correct answer
Boundary conditions impose quantised energy levels via discrete allowed wavelengths
Explanation
In a quantum particle-in-a-box: ψ = 0 at walls → standing waves with λ_n = 2L/n → quantised k_n → quantised E_n = ℏ²k_n²/(2m). The mathematics is identical to string standing waves.