Initialize the Simulation:
o Open the simulation interface in your web browser. You will see a graphical canvas along with sliders for adjusting the potential depth and lattice spacing.
Adjust Parameters:
o Use the Potential Depth Slider to set the depth of the potential wells. As you move the slider, the value displayed next to it will update accordingly.
o Use the Lattice Spacing Slider to adjust the distance between potential wells. This will also update the value displayed next to the slider.
Visualize the Periodic Potential:
o The simulation will automatically display the periodic potential wells as green vertical lines or rectangular barriers on the canvas.
o Observe how the potential wells are structured and how they repeat across the canvas.
Analyze Energy Bands:
o The simulation will draw horizontal blue lines to represent energy bands. These lines indicate the allowed energy levels for electrons within the periodic potential.
o Notice how the number and position of these bands change with different potential depth and lattice spacing settings.
Examine Electron Wavefunctions:
o The simulation will also display electron wavefunctions as red sine waves. These curves show how electrons behave within the potential wells.
o Adjust the sliders to see how changes in potential depth and lattice spacing affect the wavefunctions.
Explore the Effects of Parameter Changes:
o Modify the potential depth and lattice spacing using the sliders to explore their effects on the energy bands and wavefunctions.
o Observe how increasing or decreasing these parameters alters the formation of energy bands and the characteristics of electron wavefunctions.
Draw Conclusions:
o Based on your observations, analyze how the periodic potential influences the energy bands and wavefunctions.
o Relate your findings to concepts such as band gaps, the behavior of conductors, semiconductors, and insulators.
Document Your Findings:
o Take notes on how different parameter values affect the system. Pay attention to any patterns or insights you gain about the relationship between the periodic potential and electronic properties.
