Infinite potential well energy question

In summary, the problem involves a particle in one dimension confined to the region 0 ≤ x ≤ a with a potential that is zero inside the region and infinitely large outside. The wavefunction at time t = 0 is given by ψ (x,0) = Ax(a - x) inside the region and ψ (x, 0) = 0 outside the region. The value of A is determined by normalizing the wavefunction and the ground state energy of the particle is found to be ħ2π2 / 2ma2. To find the probability of measuring this energy level, one must calculate the probability of the particle being in the state corresponding to that energy level, which can be evaluated through the process
  • #1
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Homework Statement



A particle of mass m is confined (in one dimension) to the region 0 ≤ x ≤ a by a potential which is zero inside the region and infinitely large outside.

If the wavefunction at time t = 0 is of the form

ψ (x,0) = Ax(a - x) inside the region
ψ (x, 0) = 0 outside the region

(a) Find the value of A to normalise the wavefunction
(b) The probability of measuring the ground state energy of the particle.


Homework Equations



P = integral of ψ times its complex conjugate = 1


The Attempt at a Solution



So for (a), I used the formula above and integrating with respect to x from 0 to a, I got A = square root of 30/a5

(b) Since this is an infinite potential well, the energy values would be E = ħ2n2π2 / 2ma2 so the ground state energy would be ħ2π2 / 2ma2

So am I supposed to find the probability of getting the above ground state energy function?

I was thinking that this might have something to do with energy expectation values but then that has a dψ/dt under the integral so I would end up getting zero which wouldn't make any sense.
 
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  • #2
Does anyone have an answer? :biggrin:
 
  • #3
When thinking about the probability to get a certain energy level, another way to ask the question is what is the probability that the particle will be in the state corresponding to that energy level? In other words, you know the actual wavefunction at t = 0 and you want to know what the probability is that it will be found in the state with the wavefunction corresponding to the ground state energy level. What is the process for evaluating that likelihood?
 

1. What is an infinite potential well energy question?

An infinite potential well energy question is a theoretical problem in quantum mechanics that involves calculating the energy levels of a particle confined to a one-dimensional region with infinitely high potential barriers at both ends.

2. How is the energy of an infinite potential well calculated?

The energy levels of an infinite potential well are calculated using the Schrödinger equation, which describes the behavior of quantum particles. The equation is solved by applying boundary conditions, such as the wave function being equal to zero at the boundaries of the well.

3. What is the significance of the infinite potential well energy question?

The infinite potential well energy question is important in quantum mechanics because it is one of the simplest systems that can be solved using the Schrödinger equation. It also serves as a useful model for understanding the behavior of particles in more complex systems.

4. How does the width of the well affect the energy levels?

The width of the well has a direct impact on the energy levels of the particle. As the width increases, the energy levels become more closely spaced, and the energy of the particle increases. Conversely, as the width decreases, the energy levels become more widely spaced, and the energy of the particle decreases.

5. Can the infinite potential well energy question be applied to real-world systems?

The infinite potential well energy question is a simplified model and does not fully represent real-world systems. However, it can be used to approximate the behavior of particles in certain situations, such as in the study of semiconductor devices or quantum dots.

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