In quantum mechanics, particles can behave like waves and exist in a state of superposition, meaning they can occupy more than one location simultaneously. Quantum tunneling occurs when a particle passes through a potential barrier that it wouldn't be able to overcome classically. This is possible because the particle's wave-like behavior means that it has a non-zero probability of being on the other side of the barrier, even if it doesn't have enough energy to cross it by normal means.

The probability of tunneling depends on the energy of the particle, as well as the height and width of the potential barrier. If the barrier is thin and the particle has a high enough energy, the probability of tunneling can be significant.

Quantum tunneling has important applications in many areas of physics, including nuclear fusion and solid-state electronics. It also plays a role in phenomena like alpha decay, where heavy nuclei emit alpha particles that are able to tunnel through the strong nuclear force holding them in place.
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