Quantum Tunneling: A Comprehensive Guide
Quantum tunneling is a quantum mechanical phenomenon where a particle passes through a potential barrier, even when it does not have sufficient energy to overcome that barrier classically. This effect is a direct consequence of the wave-like properties of particles and plays a crucial role in many physical processes, both natural and technological. Understanding quantum tunneling is essential for grasping how quantum systems defy classical expectations and exhibit behaviors that are pivotal in fields like electronics, chemistry, and nuclear physics.