Calculate energy of wavefunctions for a particle in infinite spherical well

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the energy of wavefunctions for a particle confined in a 2nm infinite spherical well. The relevant wavefunctions include 1s, 2p, and 3d states. The Hamiltonian operator is defined as H(hat) = p(hat)^2/2m(sub zero) + V(r), with potential energy V(r) being infinite outside the sphere and zero inside. The solution involves using spherical Bessel functions and applying boundary conditions to derive a transcendental equation for energy E.

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Homework Statement


Consider a particle in a 2nm sphere with infinite potential energy outside and zero potential energy inside the sphere. Calculate the energy of the following wavefunctions: 1s, 2p, 3d


Homework Equations


H(hat) = p(hat)^2/2m(sub zero) + V(r)
V(r) = ∞ when r ≥ 2 nm
V(r) = 0 when r< 2 nm


The Attempt at a Solution


for 1s l=0
spherical Bessel fxn is j(sub zero)(x)=(sin x)/x
E(sub k0) = [(k(pi))^2*h(bar)^2]/[2m(sub 0)r(sub 0)^2]

I am so lost! Please help!
 
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This problems are all solved by the same logic. First you should solve the free particle inside the sphere, which will give a solution on functions of the possition, that also depend on l (like the spherical Bessel functions).

Then apply the boundary condition that the wave function vanishes at the surface of the sphere (since you have infinite potential outside it), from this condition you'll find and equation something like j_l(alpha*R)=0. This is an equation for alpha, which will depend on the energy, so, summing up:

1: Solve the free particle for an arbitrary l.
2: Apply boundary condition for the wave function to in the surface of the sphere.
3: You should get a trascendental equation for E.

Hope this helps. (sorry for the sloppy english)
 

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