- #1
8614smith
- 54
- 0
Homework Statement
Consider a particle of mass m moving in a one-dimensional potential,
[tex]V(x)=\infty[/tex] for [tex]x\leq0[/tex]
[tex]V(x)=\frac{1}{2}m{\omega^2}{x^2}[/tex] for [tex]x>0[/tex]
This potential describes an elastic spring (with spring constant K = m[tex]\omega^2[/tex]) that can be extended but not compressed.
By reference to the solution of the 1-D harmonic oscillator potential sketch and state the form of the valid eigenfunctions, and state the corresponding eigenvalues, for the ground and first excited state.
Homework Equations
[tex]E=(n+\frac{1}{2})\hbar\omega[/tex]
The Attempt at a Solution
https://www.physicsforums.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=23025&stc=1&d=1263339354
Here is the potential sketch
Since the potential V(x)=[tex]\infty[/tex] for [tex]x\leq0[/tex], The potential at x=0 is infinity. So the wave function at x=0 must equal 0. If it were anything else the particle would have infinite energy. Therefore eigenfunctions must pass through the origin.
http://131.104.156.23/Lectures/CHEM_207/CHEM_207_Pictures/p75a_72gif
From the graph, n=1 and n=3 are the lowest eigenfunctions to pass through the origin.
Ground state eigenfunction n=1 [tex]{E_1}=(1+\frac{1}{2})\hbar\omega=\frac{3}{2}\hbar\omega[/tex]
1st excited state eigenfunction n=3 [tex]{E_2}=(3+\frac{1}{2})\hbar\omega=\frac{7}{2}\hbar\omega[/tex]
Can someone tell me if this is right?
Last edited by a moderator: