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Quantum mechanics

Eugen Merzbacher

Chapter 7

The WKB Approximation - all with Video Answers

Educators


Chapter Questions

02:33

Problem 1

Apply the WKB method to a particle that falls with acceleration $g$ in a uniform gravitational field directed along the $z$ axis and that is reflected from a perfectly elastic plane surface at $z=0$. Compare with the rigorous solutions of this problem.

VS
Vivek Singh
Numerade Educator
02:59

Problem 2

Apply the WKB approximation to the energy levels below the top of the barrier in a symmetric double well, and show that the energy eigenvalues are determined by a condition of the form
$$
\tan \left(\int k d x+\alpha\right)= \pm 2 \theta
$$
where $\theta$ is the quantity defined in (7.48) for the barrier, $\alpha$ is a constant dependent on the boundary conditions, and the integral $\int k d x$ is to be extended between the classical turning points in one of the separate wells. Show that at low transmission the energy levels appear in close pairs with a level splitting approximately equal to $\hbar \omega / \pi \theta$ where $\omega$ is the classical frequency of oscillation in one of the single wells.

Hafiz Shahzaib
Hafiz Shahzaib
Numerade Educator

Problem 3

A particle of mass $m$ moves in one dimension between two infinitely high potential walls at $x=a$ and $x=-a$. In this interval the potential energy is $V=-C|x|$, $C$ being a positive constant. In the WKB approximation, obtain an equation determining the energy eigenvalues $E \leq 0$. Estimate the minimum value of $C$ required for an energy level with $E \leq 0$ to exist.

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14:01

Problem 4

Apply the WKB approximation to a particle of mass $m$ moving with energy $E$ in the field of an inverted oscillator potential, $V(x)=-m \omega^2 x^2 / 2$. Determine the WKB wave functions for positive and negative values of the energy, $E$. Estimate the limits of the region in which the WKB wave functions are expected to be valid approximations to the exact Schrödinger wave function.

BL
Blake Lee
Numerade Educator