Expectation value of: energy, angular momentum

In summary, the conversation discusses the calculation of expectation values for energy and angular momentum in a hydrogen atom with a spinless particle. The equations and attempts at solutions are shown for each point, but further steps are needed to complete the calculations. The use of the eigen-energy and angular momentum operators and their actions on the eigenstates of the system are suggested as a possible solution.
  • #1
pstq
10
0
Hi all!

Homework Statement



If we consider the hydrogen atom as a spinless particle. Let this system in the state
[itex] \Psi ( \vec{r} )= \frac{1}{6} [4 \Psi_{100} ( \vec{r} )+ 3 \Psi_{211}- \Psi_{210} ( \vec{r} ) + \sqrt{10}\Psi_{21-1} ( \vec{r} )] [/itex]

Calculate:

1) Expectation value of energy when measured from this state.
2) Expectation value of z-component orbital angular momentum
3) Expectation value of x-component orbital angular momentum


Homework Equations



[itex]\langle \vec{r} | nlm \rangle =\Psi_{nlm} ( \vec{r} ) = R_{nl} (r) Y_{lm} (\Omega) [/itex]

[itex]E_n = -\frac { \alpha^2}{2 n^2} \mu c^2 [/itex]


The Attempt at a Solution



1) For the expectation value for the energy , [itex] \langle H \rangle = \langle \Psi ( \vec{r} ) | H | \Psi ( \vec{r} ) \rangle = \frac {1}{36} [ 16 \langle \Psi_{100} | H | \Psi_{100} \rangle + 9 \langle \Psi_{211} | H | \Psi_{211} \rangle + \langle \Psi_{210} | H | \Psi_{210} \rangle + 10 \langle \Psi_{21-1} | H | \Psi_{21-1} \rangle ] =?? [/itex]


In this point I should be able to put the eigen-energy [itex]E_n = -\frac { \alpha^2}{2 n^2} \mu c^2 [/itex] but I don't know how I can do that.


2)
I did the same as before..

[itex] \langle L_z \rangle = \langle \Psi ( \vec{r} ) | L_z | \Psi ( \vec{r} ) \rangle = \frac {1}{36} [ 16 \langle \Psi_{100} | L_z | \Psi_{100} \rangle + 9 \langle \Psi_{211} | L_z | \Psi_{211} \rangle + \langle \Psi_{210} | L_z | \Psi_{210} \rangle + 10 \langle \Psi_{21-1} | L_z | \Psi_{21-1} \rangle ] [/itex] but I have no idea what's the next step-

3) the same problem as before.

Do you know what I'm doing wrong?

Thanks in advance!
 
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  • #2
Well, you know that

[tex] H|nlm\rangle =E_n |nlm\rangle [/tex]

for the discrete portion of the spectrum and also that [itex] |nlm\rangle [/itex] has unit norm. Use this for point 1)

For point 2), use that

[tex] L_z |nlm\rangle = m |nlm\rangle [/tex]

Also for point 3), express L_x in terms of L+- whose action you know on [itex]|nlm\rangle [/itex] from the general theory of angular momentum.
 

1. What is the expectation value of energy in quantum mechanics?

In quantum mechanics, the expectation value of energy is the average value of the energy of a particle or system, calculated by taking a weighted average of all possible energy values and their corresponding probabilities. It is a fundamental concept in quantum mechanics and is often used to calculate the behavior and properties of quantum systems.

2. How is the expectation value of energy calculated?

The expectation value of energy is calculated by taking the integral of the energy operator over the wavefunction of the system. The energy operator is represented by the Hamiltonian, and the wavefunction is determined by solving the Schrodinger equation for the system. The resulting integral gives the average energy value of the system.

3. What is the physical significance of the expectation value of energy?

The expectation value of energy represents the most probable energy value that a particle or system will have when measured. It also provides information about the stability and behavior of quantum systems, as deviations from this value can indicate changes in energy levels or transitions between states.

4. How does the expectation value of energy relate to the uncertainty principle?

The uncertainty principle states that it is impossible to know both the position and momentum of a particle with absolute certainty. This also applies to energy and time, meaning that the more precisely the energy of a system is known, the less precisely the time of the measurement can be determined. The expectation value of energy takes into account this uncertainty in energy measurements.

5. What is the expectation value of angular momentum in quantum mechanics?

In quantum mechanics, the expectation value of angular momentum is the average value of the angular momentum of a particle or system. It is calculated in a similar way to the expectation value of energy, by taking the integral of the angular momentum operator over the wavefunction of the system. It provides information about the rotational behavior and properties of quantum systems.

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