Activity: Gaussian Parameters

Periodic Systems (2 years)
Students use an applet to explore the role of the parameters \(N\), \(x_o\), and \(\sigma\) in the shape of a Gaussian \begin{equation} f(x)=Ne^{-\frac{(x-x_0)^2}{2\sigma^2}} \end{equation}
What students learn
  • Increasing \(N\) increases the height of the Gaussian,
  • increasing \(x_0\) shifts the Gaussian to the right,
  • increasing \(\sigma\) makes the Gaussian wider.

A Gaussian is a function of the form \begin{equation} f(x)=Ne^{-\frac{(x-x_0)^2}{2\sigma^2}} \end{equation} Use the applet at Gaussians to explore the role of the parameters \(N\), \(x_o\), and \(\sigma\) in the shape of a Gaussian. Make sure that not only do you know the role of each parameter, but also that you can EXPLAIN this behaviour based on the algebraic expression for the Gaussian function.


Keywords
Learning Outcomes