How Do I Solve the Particle in a Box Problem with Extended Boundaries?

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on solving the Particle in a Box (PIB) problem with extended boundaries at x=L and x=3L. The wave function is expressed as U(x) = A cos kx + B sin kx, with boundary conditions leading to equations for A and B. The user seeks clarification on the ground state wave function, which is a linear combination of sine and cosine functions for the extended boundaries. The value of k is derived from the time-independent Schrödinger Equation (S.E.), and the solution mirrors that of the standard PIB problem from [0,L].

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  • Understanding of quantum mechanics principles, specifically the Particle in a Box model.
  • Familiarity with boundary conditions in wave functions.
  • Knowledge of the time-independent Schrödinger Equation.
  • Ability to perform normalization of wave functions.
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  • Study the derivation of the wave function for the standard Particle in a Box from [0,L].
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Students and professionals in quantum mechanics, physicists working on wave functions, and anyone studying the Particle in a Box problem with extended boundaries.

eku_girl83
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O.k. I posted earlier concerning this question. I think I know have a better understanding of what's going on.

Particle in a box with boundaries at x=L and x=3L.
U(x) = A cos kx + B sin kx
Applying boundary conditions, I get that
0 = A cos kL + B sin kL
and that
0 = A cos 3kL + B sin 3kL

How do I find A and B as well as the k values? Please help!

Then I normalize U(x).

I also had a question concerning the ground state wave function. In my first post, I was informed the ground state was a sine function for the situation x=0 to x=L. So for the case of x=L to x=3L, it should be a linear combination of sine and cosine. So is psi(x,0) = A cos kx + B cos kx? If not, then what?

I really thought I understood the problem for x=0 to x=L, but the x=L to x=3L situation is giving me fits!

Thanks for the help!
 
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The value of k will come from the (time-independent) S.E. A and B come from the boundary conditions.
This is exactly the same as the PIB for [0,L], except the boundary conditions are slightly different. Find the solution for the first case ([0,L]), and follow it through step by step. The solution to the present case will look almost identical.
 

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