Which mechanism creates current through a thin insulator?

💡 Explanation

Quantum tunneling permits electrons to propagate through potential barriers that classical mechanics forbids, because wavefunction amplitude is non-zero. Therefore, current flows, rather than complete insulation, under bias.

• Which mechanism prevents complete dissociation into constituent ions within weak acid molecules?
• Which outcome occurs when rapid vaporization inside pump introduces cavitation?
• Which risk increases when uncombusted methane reaches catalytic converter temperatures?
• Which risk increases when back-pressure elevates during chemical vapor deposition?
• Which consequence results when an absorption refrigerator cycle’s generator temperature is excessively increased?
• Which limit occurs as input temperature decreases in a Carnot engine?