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Quantum Mechanics

Alastair I. M. Rae

Chapter 2

The one-dimensional Schrödinger equations - all with Video Answers

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Chapter Questions

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Problem 1

An electron is confined to a one-dimensional potential well of width $6 \times 10^{-10} \mathrm{~m}$ which has infinitely high sides. Calculate: (i) the three lowest allowed values of the electron energy; (ii) the wavelength of the electromagnetic wave that would cause the electron to be excited from the lowest to the highest of these three levels; (iii) all possible wavelengths of the radiation emitted following the excitation in (ii).

Sikandar Baig
Sikandar Baig
Numerade Educator
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Problem 2

If $u_{m}$ and $u_{n}$ are the wavefunctions corresponding to two energy states of a particle confined to a one-dimensional box with infinite sides, show that
$$
\int_{-\infty}^{\infty} u_{n} u_{m} d x=0 \quad \text { if } n \neq m
$$
This is an example of 'orthogonality' which will be discussed in chapter $4 .$

Sikandar Baig
Sikandar Baig
Numerade Educator
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Problem 3

Consider a particle of mass $m$ subject to a one-dimensional potential $V(x)$ that is given by
$$
V=\infty, \quad x<0 ; \quad V=0, \quad 0 \leqslant x \leqslant a ; \quad V=V_{0}, \quad x>a
$$
Show that bound $\left(E<V_{0}\right)$ states of this system exist only if $k \cot k a=-\kappa$ where $k^{2}=2 m E / \hbar^{2}$ and $\kappa^{2}=2 m\left(V_{0}-E\right) / \hbar^{2}$

Sikandar Baig
Sikandar Baig
Numerade Educator
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Problem 4

Show that if $V_{0}=9 \hbar^{2} / 2 m a^{2}$, only one bound state of the system described in problem $2.3$ exists. Calculate its energy as a fraction of $V_{0}$ and sketch its wavefunction, using an iteration similar to that discussed in Section 2.4.

Sikandar Baig
Sikandar Baig
Numerade Educator
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Problem 5

Show that if $V(x)=V(-x)$, solutions to the time-dependent Schrödinger equation must have definite parity-that is, $u(x)=\pm u(-x)$.
Hint: Make the substitution $y=-x$ and show first that $u(x)=A u(-x)$ where $A$ is a constant.

Sikandar Baig
Sikandar Baig
Numerade Educator
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Problem 6

Consider a particle of mass $m$ subject to the one-dimensional potential $V(x)$ that is given by
$$
\begin{array}{ll}
V=0 & \text { if }-a \leqslant x \leqslant a \quad \text { or } \quad \text { if }|x|>b \\
V=V_{0} & \text { if } a<|x| \leqslant b
\end{array}
$$
where $b>a$. Write down the form of an even-parity solution to the Schrödinger equation in each region in the case where $E<V_{0}$. Note that the particle is not bound in this potential as there is always a probability of quantum-mechanical tunnelling, so solutions exist for all values of $E$. Show, however, that if $\kappa(b-a) \gg 1$ (where $\kappa$ is defined as in problem 2.3) the probability of finding the particle inside the region $|x|<a$ is very small unless its energy is close to that of one of the bound states of a well of side $2 a$ bounded by potential steps of height $V_{0}$. In the case where this condition is fulfilled exactly, obtain an expression for the ratio of the amplitudes of the wavefunction in the regions $|x| \leqslant a$ and $|x|>b$.

Sikandar Baig
Sikandar Baig
Numerade Educator
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Problem 7

The hydrogen atom in a water molecule can vibrate in a direction along the $\mathrm{O}-\mathrm{H}$ bond, and this motion can be excited by electromagnetic radiation of a wavelength about $4 \times 10^{-6} \mathrm{~m}$, but not by radiation of a longer wavelength. Calculate the effective spring constant for this vibration and the zero-point energy of the oscillator. Given that every molecular degree of freedom has a thermal energy of about $k_{B} T$, where $k_{B}$ (Boltzmann's constant) $\simeq 1.4 \times 10^{-23} \mathrm{~J} \mathrm{~K}^{-1}$ and $T$ is the temperature, what is the most probable vibrational state in the case of a water molecule in steam at $450 \mathrm{~K}$ ?

Sikandar Baig
Sikandar Baig
Numerade Educator
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Problem 8

Calculate the normalization constants for the two lowest energy states of a harmonic oscillator and verify that they are orthogonal in the sense defined in problem $2.2$.

Sikandar Baig
Sikandar Baig
Numerade Educator