Question

Could the situation depicted in the following diagram represent a particle in a bound state? Explain.

Short answer

The answer is no.

Step-by-step solution

Definition of bound state

The bound state of a particle is defined as the quantum state in which a particle has a tendency to remain localized in space when subjected to a potential barrier.

Explanation and conclusion

The particle within any barrier would hit walls back and forth. But in case of this potential, the particle will keep on bouncing back and forth and eventually get out of the barrier.

Hence, this diagram does not depict a bound state.