Perturbation of hydrogen energy due to nucleus

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around estimating the energy correction to the ground state of the hydrogen atom due to the finite size of the nucleus, modeled as a uniformly charged shell. Participants are exploring the implications of this model on the perturbation theory and the resulting energy corrections.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to construct the interaction Hamiltonian for the perturbation and calculate the expectation value using the wave function for the ground state. Some participants question the dependence of the perturbation on the radial coordinate and discuss the implications of the nucleus's radius being a constant.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively discussing the formulation of the perturbation and its implications. There is recognition of the need to clarify the dependence of the perturbation on the radial coordinate, with some guidance provided regarding the normalization of the wave function and the integration process.

Contextual Notes

Participants are working under the assumption that the nucleus can be treated as a uniformly charged shell, and there are discussions about the implications of this assumption on the calculations being performed.

JamesJames
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Consider the ground state of the hydrogen atom. Estimate the correction [tex]\frac{\Delta E}{E_1s}[/tex] caused by the finite size of the nucleus. Assume that it is a unifromly charged shell with radius b and the potential inside is given by [tex]\frac{-e^2}{4\pi \epsilon b}[/tex]

Calculate the first order energy eorrection to the ground state and expand in [tex]\frac{b}{a_0}[/tex]. Keep the leading term and observe [tex]\frac{\Delta E}{E_1s}[/tex] for b = 10^-15m.

Ok, I need help in constructing the interaction W (or H'). Once I get that, I would then calculate the expectation value of it by sandwiching it between [tex]\psi_1s[/tex]. Is this correct and how would I construct the interaction?

Here is what I have so far

H0 = (p^2)/2m - e^2/r and H = H0 for r > r0

H = (p^2)/2m -e^2/(4pi epsilon b) = H0 + H' for r < r0

Then I would solve for H' and use the perturbation equation. Is this correct ?

James
 
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Ok, i tried it and it is not making any sense. H' somehow does not depend on r. What am I doing wrong?

James
 
Anything guys...whatever you can suggest would be great.

James
 
The perturbation is a constant,indeed...The radius of the nucleus is a constant.And because the [tex]\psi_{1,0,0} (r,\theta,\phi)[/tex] is normalized,the integration will be trivial.

Daniel.
 
Are the steps I used correct?
 
Ok, I think I made a mistake. H' does in fact depend on r.

H' = H0 + e^2/r - e^2/(4pi epsilon b)

So I am going to get a constant term plus a term that depends on r so there will be some dependence. Where am I slipping up?

James
 

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