According to quantum mechanics, the behavior of macroscopic objects, such as an apple on a table, is typically described by classical physics rather than quantum physics. Quantum mechanics primarily applies to microscopic particles, such as atoms and subatomic particles, where quantum effects become significant.
In the context of quantum mechanics, the concept of a "potential barrier" refers to a situation where a particle encounters a region with a higher potential energy compared to its initial energy. This scenario is commonly studied in quantum mechanics to understand phenomena like tunneling, where particles can pass through such barriers despite lacking sufficient classical energy to do so.
For macroscopic objects like an apple on a table, the behavior is governed by classical mechanics, which doesn't involve the same quantum phenomena as microscopic particles. In the classical framework, the apple's interaction with the table is primarily described through forces such as gravity and contact forces, rather than potential barriers.
In summary, the notion of a "potential barrier" in quantum mechanics is not applicable to the apple on the table scenario in the usual context. Quantum mechanics typically applies to microscopic particles, while macroscopic objects like an apple on a table are more accurately described by classical physics.