The ability of a particle to tunnel through a potential energy barrier is a quantum mechanical phenomenon that arises from the wave-like nature of particles. In quantum mechanics, particles are described by wave functions, and these wave functions can extend beyond classical barriers. This phenomenon is known as quantum tunneling.
When a particle encounters a potential energy barrier, such as a potential energy hill, there is a non-zero probability that the particle can tunnel through the barrier, even if its energy is lower than the height of the barrier. This probability arises because the wave function of the particle can extend into the classically forbidden region.
In the case of an atom within a solid, the situation is different. The atoms in a solid are bound together by strong forces, such as the electromagnetic forces between electrons and the positively charged atomic nuclei. These forces create a potential energy well that traps the atom within the solid.
To escape from the solid, the atom would need to tunnel through the potential energy barrier created by the surrounding atoms and overcome the strong forces that bind it to the solid. While tunneling is possible for particles, including atoms, it becomes highly improbable when the barrier is large and the forces holding the atom in place are strong.
In the case of Coulomb's force, which is the electrostatic force between charged particles, it is typically very strong within a solid. The potential energy barrier created by this force is substantial, making it extremely unlikely for an atom to tunnel through and escape from the solid via quantum tunneling.
Therefore, while quantum tunneling is a fascinating phenomenon that allows particles to penetrate barriers, the strong forces and large potential energy barriers within a solid make it highly improbable for atoms to overcome the Coulomb's force and escape from the solid via quantum tunneling.