Spreadsheet Implementation for Momentum Representation of Gaussian Wave Packet and Uncertainty Principle

Abstract

The objective of this article is to graphically illustrate to the students the Gaussian wave packet and its momentum representation using spreadsheets. Gaussian wave packet with different standard deviations is obtained using interactive spreadsheet. Using Fourier transform the momentum representation is obtained. Using Gaussian wave function and its momentum representation the uncertainties in position and wave number are obtained and the uncertainty relation is verified. This will make the concept, which so far, is left to the abstract imagination come alive for the student, and initiate a deeper understanding of quantum physics problems.