How Does Adding a Constant Potential Affect Quantum Wave Functions?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a quantum mechanics exercise from Griffiths that explores the effect of adding a constant potential energy on wave functions. Participants are examining how this addition influences the wave function and its implications for expectation values, particularly in the context of the Schrödinger equation.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are discussing the derivation of the time-dependent phase factor associated with the wave function when a constant potential is added. Some are considering analogies to stationary states and questioning how the addition of potential affects the solutions to the Schrödinger equation.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants sharing their thoughts and seeking clarification. Some have expressed a need for further exploration of the concepts involved, while others have indicated they will provide their ideas in future posts.

Contextual Notes

There is a mention of limited knowledge regarding potential energy and the Schrödinger equation, which may be impacting participants' ability to engage fully with the problem. Additionally, there is a reminder about the forum's purpose not being to complete homework for others.

broegger
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I am having trouble with an exercise from Griffiths "Introduction to Quantum Mechanics". The exercise is this:

"Suppose you add a constant [tex]V_0[/tex] to the potential energy. In classical mechanics this doesn't change anything, but how about quantum mechanics? Show that the wave function picks up a time-dependent phase factor: [tex]exp(-iV_0t/\bar{h})[/tex]. What effect does this have on the expectation value of a dynamical variable?"

This is an exercise from the first chapter - the Scrödinger equation has only been introduced briefly and he hasn't really talked about potential energy yet. How am I supposed to do this with the limited knowledge I have?
 
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What are your ideas??Have you seen the derivation of the [itex]exp(-\frac{1}{i\hbar}Et)[/itex] for the stationary states??If so,u may make an analogy.

Daniel.
 
broegger said:
I am having trouble with an exercise from Griffiths "Introduction to Quantum Mechanics". The exercise is this:

"Suppose you add a constant [tex]V_0[/tex] to the potential energy. In classical mechanics this doesn't change anything, but how about quantum mechanics? Show that the wave function picks up a time-dependent phase factor: [tex]exp(-iV_0t/\bar{h})[/tex]. What effect does this have on the expectation value of a dynamical variable?"

This is an exercise from the first chapter - the Scrödinger equation has only been introduced briefly and he hasn't really talked about potential energy yet. How am I supposed to do this with the limited knowledge I have?

Well, you have seen the Schrödinger equation which contains the potential V! What happens to the solotution of this equation if you add [itex]V_0[/tex] to V?[/itex]
 
That's the question :)
 
We're waiting for your post in which to come up with ideas and maybe some calculations.It is not in the intention of this forum to DO HOMEWORKS.It is still your job...

Daniel.
 
I found out. Pretty simple... Thanks anyway, I'll be needing your help in the future...

I'll sketch my ideas in the future, I'm pretty lazy. Sorry :/
 

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