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← ScienceWhich outcome results when a quantum mechanical wave function passes through a classically forbidden region of potential energy?
A)Exponential decay of wave function amplitude✓
B)Complete reflection of the wave function
C)Increase in the wave function frequency
D)Superposition into multiple wave functions
💡 Explanation
When a wave function enters a classically forbidden region, quantum tunnelling causes its amplitude to decay exponentially because the particle's kinetic energy is effectively negative, inhibiting propagation. Therefore exponential decay occurs, rather than alternatives such as reflection or superposition, which would entail other barrier transmission effects or measurements.
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