Schrodinger using a Hermite Polynomial

Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around solving the Schrödinger equation for the first energy level of a one-dimensional harmonic oscillator (1D HO) using Hermite polynomials. Participants are exploring the relationship between the wavefunction and the energy levels, specifically aiming to confirm that the first excited state energy equals \(\frac{3}{2}\hbar \omega\).

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the use of Hermite polynomials as eigenfunctions in quantum mechanics and suggest checking textbooks for established methods. There are mentions of applying creation operators to derive wavefunctions and verifying solutions by substitution into the Schrödinger equation.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active, with participants sharing insights and methods related to the problem. Some guidance has been provided regarding the algebraic method for finding wavefunctions, and there is a focus on confirming the energy levels through substitution rather than direct solving.

Contextual Notes

Some participants express uncertainty about specific notation and methods, indicating a range of familiarity with the concepts involved. There is also a note about the typical operator relationships in the context of the harmonic oscillator.

QuantumMech
Messages
16
Reaction score
0
Can some1 help me solve a first energy level Schrödinger ([tex]\psi_{1}[/tex])with a the Hermite polynomial and also show that it equals to [tex]\frac{3}{2}\hbar \omega[/tex]?

I got as far as
[tex] \newcommand{\pd}[3]{ \frac{ \partial^{#3}{#1} }{ \partial {#2}^{#3} } }\frac{\hbar^2}{2 m} \ \pd{\Psi}{x}{2} + V \Psi = \frac{\hbar}{2m} (2N_{1}\frac{x}{\alpha}e^\frac{-1}{2\alpha^2}x^2(\frac{1}{\alpha^2}+\frac{1}{\alpha^4}x^2)[/tex]

Thanks.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Is it for the simple 1D-HO...?That one has Hermite polynomials as eigenfunctions...

If so,how about checking any book on QM (any,all treat 1D-HO) for the famous algebraic method...?

U'll then get the [itex]\psi_{1}(x)[/itex] by applying the creation operator on the ground state...

Daniel.
 
The problem says: confirm that the 1st excited state wavefunction of a 1D HO given by the Hermitian equation

[tex]H_{1}(y)= 2y y = \frac{x}{\alpha}, \alpha = (\frac{\hbar^2}{mk})^\frac{1}{4}[/tex]

is a solution of the Schrödinger equation and that the energy is [tex]\frac{3}{2}\hbar\omega[/tex].


Thanks.
 
Last edited:
[tex]\psi_{1}(x)=:\langle x|1\rangle[/tex]


[tex]\hat{H}=\hbar\omega\left(\hat{a}^{\dagger}\hat{a}+\frac{1}{2}\hat{1}\right)[/tex]

[tex]\langle x|\hat{H}|1\rangle =\hbar\omega \left(\langle x|\hat{a}^{\dagger}\hat{a}|1\rangle +\frac{1}{2} \langle x|\hat{1}|1 \rangle \right) = \hbar\omega \left\langle x\left|\left(1+\frac{1}{2}\right)\right|1 \right\rangle=\frac{3}{2} \hbar\omega \langle x|1\rangle[/tex]

which means

[tex]\hat{H}\psi_{1}(x)=\left(\frac{3}{2}\hbar\omega\right) \psi_{1}(x)[/tex]

Q.e.d.


NOTE:I made use of

[tex]\left \{\begin{array}{c} \hat{a}|n\rangle =\sqrt{n}|n-1\rangle ,\ \mbox{for} \ n=1 \\ \hat{a}^{\dagger}|n\rangle =\sqrt{n+1}|n+1\rangle ,\ \mbox{for} \ n=0 \end{array} \right[/tex]

which are typical for the operators which form the famous Heisenberg algebra of the 1D-HO.

Daniel.
 
Yes... in order to show that a solution satisfies the equation, you don't actually have to solve the equation! Just substitute the proposed solution in and see if the resulting statement is true.
 
I don't know bracket notation or what a means, but I put it in the HW I turning in.
 
It's the only elegant way to do it,really.

Daniel.
 

Similar threads

Replies
8
Views
2K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
1K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
1K
Replies
2
Views
1K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
1K
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
2K