Particle in one-dimensional box

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on the quantum mechanics of a particle in a one-dimensional box, specifically addressing the separation of variables method used to derive the time-independent Schrödinger equation. The Hamiltonian is defined as H = p²/2m, leading to the conclusion that the eigenvalues of the Hamiltonian represent the energy levels of the particle. It is clarified that the constant derived from the separation of variables is not the total energy but rather the energy divided by ℏ (h-bar).

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  • Understanding of quantum mechanics principles, particularly the Schrödinger equation.
  • Familiarity with Hamiltonian mechanics and eigenvalue problems.
  • Knowledge of separation of variables technique in differential equations.
  • Basic concepts of wave functions and their physical interpretations.
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Students and professionals in physics, particularly those specializing in quantum mechanics, as well as educators looking to deepen their understanding of the particle-in-a-box model and its mathematical foundations.

kasse
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By separation of variables, I have found that


[tex]\frac{-\hbar}{2mg(x)}\frac{d^{2}g(x)}{dx^{2}} = \frac{i}{h(t)}\frac{d h(t)}{dt}[/tex]

Both sides there have to equal the same constant. But why is this constant the total energy of the particle?
 
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The idea is that you have that Hamiltonian [tex]H = \frac{p^2}{2m} = -\frac{\hbar^2}{2m}\frac{\partial^2}{\partial^2x}[/tex]. The energy of the particle are eigenvalues of the Hamiltonian, so [tex]H\psi=E\psi[/tex], so [tex]\frac{-\hbar^2}{2m}\frac{\partial^2}{\partial^2x}\psi=E\psi[/tex].

(And in the way you wrote it, the constant won't be the energy of the particle, but rather the energy divided by hbar)
 

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