A particle of mass 'm' is initially in a ground state of 1- D Harmonic oscillator potential V(x)....

Instead of multiplying the two wave functions, you need to integrate their product. This will give you the probability amplitude, and then you need to square it to get the probability.
  • #1
Sushmita
8
0

Homework Statement


[/B]
A particle of mass 'm' is initially in a ground state of 1- D Harmonic oscillator potential V(x) = (1/2) kx2 . If the spring constant of the oscillator is suddenly doubled, then the probability of finding the particle in ground state of new potential will be?
(A) 21/4/(1+ 21/2)
(B) 25/4/(1+21/2)
(C) 2/(1+21/2)
(D) 23/2/(1+21/2)

Homework Equations


I calculated state with the wave function of one dimensional harmonic oscillator given by
Ψ = (k/πħ)¼ exp (-kx2/2ħ)

When k was doubled, new wave function becomes

Ψ'= (2k/πħ)¼ exp (-2kx2/2ħ)

The Attempt at a Solution


I tried solving the question by calculating the probability by finding the inner product of the two but I cannot solve it
2yvqid1.jpg

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  • #2
Your expression for the ground-state wave function has errors as the argument of the exponential isn't unitless.

Your approach is fine, but we can't really help you if you don't show your calculations.
 
  • #3
vela said:
Your expression for the ground-state wave function has errors as the argument of the exponential isn't unitless.

Your approach is fine, but we can't really help you if you don't show your calculations.

I am attaching my solution in the attachment below.
2yvqid1.jpg
 

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  • #4
To calculate an inner product, you need to evaluate an integral.
 

1. What is a 1-D Harmonic oscillator potential?

A 1-D harmonic oscillator potential is a mathematical model used to describe the motion of a particle in one dimension under the influence of a restoring force that is proportional to the displacement from equilibrium. It is often used to model the behavior of atoms and molecules.

2. How does a particle of mass 'm' behave in a 1-D Harmonic oscillator potential?

In a 1-D harmonic oscillator potential, a particle of mass 'm' will oscillate back and forth around the equilibrium position with a specific frequency and amplitude. The particle will have a ground state, or lowest energy state, and can also occupy higher energy states.

3. What is the significance of the ground state in a 1-D Harmonic oscillator potential?

The ground state in a 1-D harmonic oscillator potential is the lowest energy state that a particle can occupy. This state is important because it is the starting point for understanding the behavior of the particle in higher energy states and can be used to calculate the energy levels and probabilities of the particle in the potential.

4. How does the potential energy change as the particle moves in a 1-D Harmonic oscillator potential?

The potential energy in a 1-D harmonic oscillator potential is directly proportional to the square of the displacement from equilibrium. As the particle moves, the potential energy oscillates between kinetic and potential energy, with the total energy remaining constant.

5. What are some real-world applications of the 1-D Harmonic oscillator potential?

The 1-D harmonic oscillator potential is an important model in quantum mechanics and has many applications in understanding the behavior of atoms, molecules, and particles in various fields such as physics, chemistry, and engineering. It is also used in the development of technologies such as lasers, sensors, and quantum computing.

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