Solving Schroedinger's equation for Step Potential

In summary, the conversation discusses the case of a particle with energy E in a region with different potential energies. The first region has a potential of 0 for x<0 and the second region has a potential of Vo for x>0. The Schrodinger's equation for the time-independent case is written as -h^2/2m d2ψ/dx2 = Eψ for the first region and -h^2/2m d2ψ/dx2 = (Vo-E)ψ for the second region. The question is raised about the difference in energy in the second region due to an impulse at x=0. The response clarifies that while the potential and kinetic energies may be different in
  • #1
uday1236
3
0
Consider the case for a particle with energy E in a region where :
V = 0 , x<0; V=Vo, x>0;
for the first region when we write Schrodinger’s equation(Time independent) it will be
-h^2/2m d2ψ/dx2 = Eψ

and for second region it was
-h^2/2m d2ψ/dx2 = (Vo-E)ψ;


My doubt is that won't the Energy E be different in the second region because the particle experiences an impulse at x=0.

The case is where E<Vo.
 
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  • #2
The potential energy U and the kinetic energy E - U are of course different in the two regions, but the total energy E is the same everywhere, by conservation of energy.
 
  • #3
ok thanks...how could i forget E was total energy.
 

What is Schroedinger's equation?

Schroedinger's equation is a fundamental equation in quantum mechanics that describes the behavior of particles in a quantum system.

What is a Step Potential?

A Step Potential refers to a sudden change in potential energy in a quantum system, typically represented by a step-like shape in a graph.

Why is it important to solve Schroedinger's equation for Step Potential?

Solving Schroedinger's equation for Step Potential allows us to understand the behavior of particles in a quantum system when they encounter a sudden change in potential energy, which has important applications in fields such as nanotechnology and electronics.

What are the methods for solving Schroedinger's equation for Step Potential?

There are various methods for solving Schroedinger's equation for Step Potential, including the shooting method, the transfer matrix method, and the WKB approximation.

What are some real-world examples of Step Potential?

Step Potential can be seen in various real-world scenarios, such as the potential barrier encountered by electrons in a semiconductor device, the potential energy barrier in a chemical reaction, and the potential energy barrier in nuclear fusion reactions.

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