Electron in a box. Finding the length of the box. (infinite well)

In summary, the problem involves an electron confined in a one-dimensional box with given energies and asks for the length of the box. The formula for energy levels is given as well as the values for Planck's constant and the electron's mass. However, the problem does not provide the energy levels the electron moves between, only stating that they are adjacent. By writing one energy level as the other plus one and forming a system of equations, the length of the box can be solved for.
  • #1
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Homework Statement



An electron is confined in a one-dimensional box (an infinite well). Two adjacent allowed energies of the electron are 1.068 × 10-18 J and 1.352 × 10-18 J. What is the length of the box? (h = 6.626 × 10-34 J · s, mass of electron = 9.11 × 10-31 kg)

Homework Equations


[itex] \Delta E = E_2-E_1 = \dfrac{n^2h^2\pi^2}{2ml^2} [/itex]

n = energy level, h =Planck's constant, m = effective mass, l is the length of the box.

The Attempt at a Solution


I am having a lot of trouble with this problem because they do not give the energy levels the electron moves between. They only say that they are "adjacent".

If they were given I see the length would be

[itex] l = \sqrt{\dfrac{h^2\pi^2}{2m\Delta E} (n^2_2-n^2_1)} [/itex]

but without knowing [itex] n_1 [/itex] or [itex] n_2 [/itex] I am stuck.
 
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  • #2
try writing n2 as n1 + 1 and forming a system of equations
 

1. What is an electron in a box and why is it important in physics?

An electron in a box is a theoretical concept used in quantum mechanics to describe the behavior of an electron confined within a potential well. It is important because it helps us understand the quantum mechanical properties of particles and their interactions with energy levels.

2. How is the length of the box determined in an infinite well?

The length of the box in an infinite well is determined by the potential energy of the electron. The length is equal to the distance between the two points where the potential energy is zero. This distance is known as the box length or the width of the well.

3. What are the boundary conditions for an electron in a box?

The boundary conditions for an electron in a box are that the wave function must be continuous at the boundaries of the well and it must also approach zero at the boundaries. This means that the probability of finding the electron at the boundaries must be zero.

4. How does the length of the box affect the energy levels of an electron in an infinite well?

The length of the box directly affects the energy levels of an electron in an infinite well. As the length increases, the energy levels become closer together and the spacing between them decreases. This is known as the quantization of energy and is a fundamental principle of quantum mechanics.

5. What is the significance of finding the length of the box in an infinite well?

Finding the length of the box in an infinite well is significant because it allows us to determine the possible energy levels of the electron and understand its behavior within the well. It also helps us make predictions about the behavior of other quantum systems and has implications in various fields of physics, such as solid state physics and nanotechnology.

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