Basic QM - Trying to catch up in a class

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the wave function of an electron in a one-dimensional infinite square well, specifically addressing the time evolution of the wave function given by the equation: \psi (x,0) = \sqrt{\frac{2}{7}}\psi_1(x) + \sqrt{\frac{5}{7}}\psi_2(x). Participants are tasked with deriving the wave function at time t, identifying possible energy measurements, and calculating the expectation value of energy. The hint provided indicates the use of the time evolution operator U(t) = e^{\frac{1}{i\hbar}tH} to express the wave function in terms of the stationary states.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of quantum mechanics, specifically wave functions and the Schrödinger equation.
  • Familiarity with the concept of infinite square wells in quantum systems.
  • Knowledge of time evolution operators in quantum mechanics.
  • Ability to calculate expectation values in quantum states.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the time evolution of wave functions using the time-dependent Schrödinger equation.
  • Learn about the properties of infinite square wells and their stationary states.
  • Explore the calculation of expectation values in quantum mechanics.
  • Investigate the role of probability amplitudes in quantum state measurements.
USEFUL FOR

Students of quantum mechanics, particularly those struggling with wave functions and time evolution in quantum systems, as well as educators seeking to clarify these concepts for their classes.

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I haven't taken one of the recommended courses for a class I am in, so I'm playing a little catch-up here.

Q: The wave function of an electron in a one-dimensional infinite square well of width a,x -> (0,a) at time t=0 is given by:

[tex]\psi (x,0) \sqrt{\frac{2}{7}}\psi_1(x) + \sqrt{\frac{5}{7}}\psi_2(x)[/tex]

where [tex]\psi_1(x)[/tex] and [tex]\psi_2(x)[/tex] are the ground and first excited stationary state of the system respectively, [tex]\psi_n(x)=\sqrt{\frac{2}{a}}\sin (n\pix/a), \,\,\, E_n = n^2\pi^2 \bar h^2/(2ma^2), \,], n=1,2,...[/tex]

a) Write down the wavefunction at time t in terms of [tex]\psi_1(x)[/tex] and [tex]\psi_2(x)[/tex].

b) You measure the energy of an electron at time t=0. Write down possible values of the energy and the probability of measuring each.

c) Calculate the expectation value of hte energy in the state [tex]\psi(x,t)[/tex] above.

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I am lost here. I am stuck on (a) right now, and really do not know where to go. To me it looks like [tex]\psi_n(x)[/tex] is the wavefunction already solved from the Schrödinger equation (with the boundary conditions 0 and a). So I need to express the total wavefunction in terms of two states psi_1, and psi_2. This to me seems like another condition that would come from a differential equation something with a time dependence. I am lost...

Would someone nudge me in a proper direction?

thanks,
 
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Hint for 1. [tex]\psi (t)=U(t)\psi=e^{\frac{1}{i\hbar}tH} \psi[/tex]

Daniel.
 

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