Schrodinger equation for N particles in a box

In summary, when discussing N particles in a volume V, the author mentions that there can be a large number of different ways in which the total energy E of the system can be distributed among the particles. Each of these ways represents a microstate or complexion of the system. These microstates can be identified with the independent solutions of the Schrodinger equation for the system, corresponding to the relevant Hamiltonian. The discussion also touches on the placement of particles in energy states and the identification of microstates through eigenvalues and eigenvectors.
  • #1
Kashmir
465
74
[Pathria, statistical mechanics][1], pg2 ,when discussing ##N## particles in a volume ##V##

"...there will be a large number of different
ways in which the total energy E of the system can be distributed among the N particles
constituting it. Each of these (different) ways specifies a microstate, or complexion, of the
given system"
"Each of these (different) ways specifies a microstate, or complexion, of the
given system. In general, the various microstates, or complexions, of a given system can
be identified with the independent solutions ##ψ(r_1,..., r_N )## of the Schrodinger equation of
the system, corresponding to the eigenvalue E of the relevant Hamiltonian" .
If we have N particles in a box, we solve the energy eigenvalue for the total system ##H|E>=E|E>## and find the eigenvectors.

Using linear combination of these and boundary conditions we find the general solution ##ψ(r_1,..., r_N )##.So how does "the various microstates, or complexions, of a given system can
be identified with the independent solutions ##ψ(r1,..., rN )## of the Schrodinger equation of
the system, corresponding to the eigenvalue E of the relevant Hamiltonian" enter the discussion? [1]: https://www.google.co.uk/books/edition/Statistical_Mechanics/PIk9sF9j2oUC?hl=en
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
We should investigate whether N particle of same kind are bosons or fermions for their placement in energy states.
 
  • #3
anuttarasammyak said:
We should investigate whether N particle of same kind are bosons or fermions for their placement in energy states.
The author didn't mention that.
 
  • #4
Here is my attempt:
Suppose we have two non interacting particles in identical environment.

The individual Hamiltonian for both is ##H_1## and the total Hamiltonian is ##H=H_1 \otimes 1+ 1\otimes H_2##
Also if ##|\phi_1>## and ##|\phi_2>## are the eigenstates of ##H_1## with eigenvalues ##E_1##,## E_2## then the eigenstates of the system is ##|\phi_1> \otimes|\phi_2>## with eigenvalue ##E_1 + E_2##

One of the state of the system is then
##|\psi >= e^(-iE_1t/\hbar)|\phi_1>
\otimes e^(-iE_2t/\hbar) |\phi_2>##

This state corresponds to particle 1 in state ##|\phi_1>## having energy ##E_1## & particle 2 in ##|\phi_2>## with energy ##E_2## defining a microstate.

Is this correct?
 
  • Like
Likes vanhees71

Similar threads

Replies
24
Views
2K
  • Quantum Physics
Replies
11
Views
1K
  • Quantum Physics
Replies
15
Views
2K
Replies
6
Views
831
  • Quantum Physics
Replies
10
Views
2K
Replies
12
Views
2K
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • Quantum Physics
Replies
33
Views
2K
Replies
41
Views
8K
  • Quantum Physics
Replies
2
Views
1K
Back
Top