In order to tunnel through a potential barrier a particle must:
A) have energy greater than the barrier height
B) have spin
C) be massive
D) have a wavelength longer than the barrier width
E) none of the above

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Quantum tunneling, the phenomenon described, does not require the particle to have energy greater than the barrier height, have specific spin, mass, or a wavelength longer than the barrier width. It is a quantum mechanical effect that allows particles to pass through a barrier that they classically shouldn't be able to, based on their energy.

In Order to Tunnel Through a Potential Barrier a Particle