A particle of mass 'm' is initially in a ground state of 1- D Harmonic oscillator potential V(x)....

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves a particle of mass 'm' in a one-dimensional harmonic oscillator potential, specifically examining the effects of suddenly doubling the spring constant on the probability of finding the particle in the ground state of the new potential.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the calculation of the probability by finding the inner product of the original and new wave functions. There are questions about the correctness of the wave function expressions and the need for unitless arguments in the exponential.

Discussion Status

Some participants have pointed out potential errors in the original poster's expressions for the wave functions and have requested more detailed calculations to assist further. There is an ongoing exploration of the necessary mathematical steps to evaluate the inner product.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the importance of showing calculations for clarity and understanding, indicating a collaborative effort to address the problem's complexities.

Sushmita
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Homework Statement


[/B]
A particle of mass 'm' is initially in a ground state of 1- D Harmonic oscillator potential V(x) = (1/2) kx2 . If the spring constant of the oscillator is suddenly doubled, then the probability of finding the particle in ground state of new potential will be?
(A) 21/4/(1+ 21/2)
(B) 25/4/(1+21/2)
(C) 2/(1+21/2)
(D) 23/2/(1+21/2)

Homework Equations


I calculated state with the wave function of one dimensional harmonic oscillator given by
Ψ = (k/πħ)¼ exp (-kx2/2ħ)

When k was doubled, new wave function becomes

Ψ'= (2k/πħ)¼ exp (-2kx2/2ħ)

The Attempt at a Solution


I tried solving the question by calculating the probability by finding the inner product of the two but I cannot solve it
2yvqid1.jpg

nOwghK
 

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Your expression for the ground-state wave function has errors as the argument of the exponential isn't unitless.

Your approach is fine, but we can't really help you if you don't show your calculations.
 
vela said:
Your expression for the ground-state wave function has errors as the argument of the exponential isn't unitless.

Your approach is fine, but we can't really help you if you don't show your calculations.

I am attaching my solution in the attachment below.
2yvqid1.jpg
 

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To calculate an inner product, you need to evaluate an integral.
 

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