3D oscillator trapped away from centre

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    3d Oscillator
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the problem of a 3D oscillator that is not centered at the origin but instead oscillates around a shifted position due to a potential barrier. Participants explore how to approach solving for the energy levels of this modified system.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant introduces the problem of a spherical oscillator with a potential centered at a new position rather than the origin.
  • Another participant requests clarification by asking for the specific form of the potential involved in the problem.
  • A participant proposes a potential in the form of 1/2 m w^2 (r-r0)^2, indicating a harmonic oscillator shifted by r0.
  • Another participant suggests that the problem can be approached using a change of variables, although the specifics of this method are not detailed.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

The discussion does not reach a consensus on the method for solving the problem, and multiple approaches are suggested without agreement on a definitive solution.

Contextual Notes

The discussion lacks detailed definitions of the potential and the assumptions underlying the proposed solutions, leaving some aspects unresolved.

ftft
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The spherical oscillator problem is for a potential centered at the origin.. but what if the particle is confined to oscillate at a small shift by a small (not infinite) barrier? The potential is now centered about the new position.. Could someone please suggest a way to solve the problem for the energy levels?
 
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Can you write down the potential?
 
I assume the general form of the potential is
1/2 m w^2 (r-r0)^2
 
Then it can be solved using a change of variables,
 

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