Document Type

Article

Department or Administrative Unit

Physics

Publication Date

6-1995

Abstract

In this paper we discuss our study of a string–mass chain and its anology to quantum mechanical systems. Theoretical predictions are made based upon the numerical solution to the wave equation. These predictions are tested experimentally using both normal mode analysis and pulse analysis. The frequency band structures for periodic and disordered string mass chains are studied as well as their corresponding eigenfunctions. The theoretical and experimental results are in accord. This experiment, suitable for advanced physics majors, demonstrates many important features of quantum mechanics: eigenvalues, superposition principle, band structure, gap modes, and Anderson localization.

Comments

This article was originally published in American Journal of Physics. The full-text article from the publisher can be found here.

Journal

American Journal of Physics

Rights

© 1995 American Association of Physics Teachers.

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