High School Boundary between a particle in two energy states

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the interaction between two cubes of particles, one in a ground state and the other in a higher energy state, and whether a barrier effect occurs at their interface. Participants emphasize that particles will reach thermodynamic equilibrium, which dictates energy distribution and state transitions. The concept of superposition is mentioned, but the primary focus is on the thermodynamic principles governing particle interactions. Clarification of the specific physical scenario is necessary for a more detailed analysis.

PREREQUISITES
  • Quantum mechanics fundamentals
  • Understanding of thermodynamic equilibrium
  • Concept of energy states in quantum systems
  • Basic principles of superposition
NEXT STEPS
  • Research thermodynamic equilibrium in quantum systems
  • Study the implications of energy state transitions in particles
  • Explore the concept of superposition in quantum mechanics
  • Investigate particle interactions at quantum interfaces
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Students of quantum mechanics, physicists exploring particle behavior, and researchers interested in thermodynamic properties of quantum systems.

Rikrik
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Hi I'm new to quantum mechanics, Looking for some help regarding a concept i am struggling to solve. I am curious if I had a cube of particles in a ground state and another cube with the same particle in a higher energy state.

If I placed one upon another, is there anything in quantum mechanics that would produce a barrier type effect.

Say if the top cube is in the ground state, Would the particles on the interface between each cube swap energy states and then swap straight back as the majority of the cube has a energy state weighted towards the ground state, some sort of sudo super positioning.

Kind regards,
Rick.
 
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I think you need to be more specific about the physical scenario you have in mind. In general, a system of particles will reach a thermodynamic equilibrium, based on the overall energy and the allowable states for the system.
 
Time reversal invariant Hamiltonians must satisfy ##[H,\Theta]=0## where ##\Theta## is time reversal operator. However, in some texts (for example see Many-body Quantum Theory in Condensed Matter Physics an introduction, HENRIK BRUUS and KARSTEN FLENSBERG, Corrected version: 14 January 2016, section 7.1.4) the time reversal invariant condition is introduced as ##H=H^*##. How these two conditions are identical?

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