Why the energy eigen values for negative energies are always discrete

In summary, the energy eigen values for negative energies are always discrete due to the quantization of energy in a system. This means that energy can only exist in certain discrete values, including for negative energies. This is due to the wave-particle duality of matter and the boundary conditions imposed on the system. These discrete energy levels have physical significance and can be observed in experiments, such as in spectroscopy.
  • #1
ironcross77
21
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Why the energy eigen values for negetive energies are always discrete while that for positive energies are always continuous?

Also what is oscillation theorem?
 
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  • #2
the energy eigen values for positive energies isn't always continuous as far as i know from QM. and oscillation theorem is at the heart of physics and says that everything in the physical world can be known by a harmonic oscillator lol j/k but they try to make it work anyway
 

Related to Why the energy eigen values for negative energies are always discrete

1. Why are energy eigen values for negative energies always discrete?

Energy eigen values for negative energies are always discrete because of the nature of the energy levels in a system. In quantum mechanics, energy is quantized, meaning it can only exist in certain discrete values. This is due to the wave-particle duality of matter, where particles can also exhibit wave-like behavior. Therefore, the energy levels of a system can only exist in certain discrete values, resulting in discrete energy eigen values for negative energies.

2. Can energy eigen values for negative energies ever be continuous?

No, energy eigen values for negative energies cannot be continuous. This is because the concept of energy being quantized applies to all energy levels, including negative energies. As mentioned before, energy can only exist in certain discrete values, so there can never be a continuous range of energy eigen values for negative energies.

3. How do negative energies have discrete energy eigen values?

Negative energies have discrete energy eigen values because of the boundary conditions imposed on the system. These boundary conditions dictate the possible energy levels that can exist in the system, including negative energy levels. As mentioned before, energy is quantized, so even negative energies must have discrete energy eigen values in accordance with the boundary conditions.

4. Is there a physical significance to the discrete energy eigen values for negative energies?

Yes, there is a physical significance to the discrete energy eigen values for negative energies. These discrete energy levels play a crucial role in understanding the behavior and properties of particles in a system. They also help explain phenomena such as the stability of atoms and the quantization of energy in atomic and subatomic systems.

5. Can the discreteness of energy eigen values for negative energies be observed in experiments?

Yes, the discreteness of energy eigen values for negative energies can be observed in experiments. For example, in spectroscopy experiments, the emission or absorption of light by atoms can reveal the energy levels and transitions between them, which are discrete. This provides evidence for the quantization of energy and the existence of discrete energy eigen values for negative energies.

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