New Mac Software Highlights Correspondence Between Classical and Quantum
Mechanics

Physics Academic Software Releases QUANTUM SCATTERING

December 4, 1992 -- QUANTUM SCATTERING examines the quantum-mechanical time
evolution of a Gaussian wave packet interacting with a potential barrier
or well in one dimension, underscoring the correspondence between
classical and quantum behaviors.

Developed by Daniel Lacks, Harvard University, QUANTUM SCATTERING
introduces students to the field of quantum dynamics and demonstrates
concepts such as tunneling, resonance, wave packet spreading, and the
principle of finite probability density in classically forbidden regions.

A wave packet is the quantum-mechanical description of a classical
particle. The dynamics of a wave packet provide the clearest illustration
of the relationship between classical and quantum mechanics. "Stationary
state examples, which are common in traditional quantum mechanics courses,
fail to show this correspondence," says Lacks. "QUANTUM SCATTERING makes
this correspondence clear."

QUANTUM SCATTERING treats the motion of a particle interacting with a
potential quantum mechanically and then compares this quantum description
with the classical description. It displays the probability density and
the corresponding trajectory of a classical particle to make the
comparison more vivid. You can vary the physical parameters, set the width
and height of the potential barrier or well, and choose the
shape--rectangular, triangular, or sawtooth.

QUANTUM SCATTERING is appropriate for courses that discuss the physical
interactions of atoms and molecules, such as molecular physics, physical
chemistry, or quantum mechanics. It allows students to study more
computationally difficult problems than can be studied analytically by
demonstrating many of the concepts underlying quantum-mechanical
phenomena.

Reviewers are enthusiastic about the program. "QUANTUM SCATTERING is a
major improvement in learning over the old film loops," says David Winch,
Kalamazoo College. "It helps students build intuition," says Perry Rice,
Miami University. "It is a wonderful pedagogical tool." John Gastineau,
Lawrence University, says, "QUANTUM SCATTERING animates the classic film
loops of the '60s and in addition allows user adjustment. I will
definitely use it in class."

QUANTUM SCATTERING is published and distributed by Physics Academic
Software, which is a project of the American Institute of Physics in
cooperation with the American Physical Society and the American
Association of Physics Teachers as part of a continuing series of
educational software from PAS.

QUANTUM SCATTERING operates on any Macintosh Plus computer or later with
finder version 6.0 or higher and system software version 6.0 or higher. A
printer is recommended.

QUANTUM SCATTERING may be purchased from Physics Academic Software for
$24.95 plus $3.50 shipping and handling for the first package ($7.50
foreign) and $.75 for each additional package. Lab Packs, which include
ten copies of the software and one User's Manual, are available for
$99.95.

For a limited time, you can purchase the entire PAS collection, with or
without Lab Packs, and save up to 33% off the regular price. Physics
Academic Software offers a no-risk guarantee by providing a full refund
for packages returned within 30 days.

PAS also offers a Standing Order Plan, which brings the latest in
innovative physics courseware to your door, along with exceptional
savings. When you join the Standing Order Plan, you will automatically
receive each new PAS program, with or without Lab Packs, and save up to
33% off the list price.

Orders and requests for a free catalog of all Physics Academic Software
titles should be directed to The Academic Software Library, Campus Box
8202, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695-8202. By
telephone, call (800) 955-TASL or (919) 515-7447; FAX (919) 515-2682.

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