Constructing spatial wave function of hydrogen

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SUMMARY

The forum discussion centers on solving Griffith's Quantum Mechanics problem 4.43, which requires constructing the spatial wave function for hydrogen in the state n = 3, l = 2, m = 1. The user struggles with generating spherical harmonics using the ladder operators L_{+} and L_{-}. They initially attempt to derive the spherical harmonics from scratch but later realize that problem 4.22 addresses this generation process. The discussion highlights the importance of correctly applying the operators and understanding the separation of variables in spherical harmonics.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of quantum mechanics, specifically the hydrogen atom model.
  • Familiarity with spherical harmonics and their properties.
  • Knowledge of ladder operators L_{+} and L_{-} in quantum mechanics.
  • Ability to solve differential equations related to angular momentum.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of spherical harmonics from the angular momentum operators.
  • Review Griffiths' Quantum Mechanics, specifically problems 4.22 and 4.43.
  • Learn about the radial wave function for hydrogen in quantum mechanics.
  • Explore the application of the L_{+} operator in generating spherical harmonics.
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for physics students, particularly those studying quantum mechanics, as well as educators and tutors seeking to clarify the construction of wave functions and spherical harmonics.

CrusaderSean
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I'm having problem with griffith QM problem 4.43:
Construct the spatial wave function for hydrogen in the state n = 3, l =2, m = 1. Express your answer as a function of r, [tex]\theta[/tex], [tex]\phi[/tex], and a (the Bohr radius) only.

My prof. gave hints about radial wave function, but I have no idea how to construct spherical harmonics from scratch. The book only shows spherical harmonic are eigenfunctions of [tex]L^2[/tex] and [tex]L_z[/tex], not how you can generate them with [tex]L_{\pm}[/tex] operators. So is there a way to generate spherical harmonics with operators similar to harmonic oscillator operator method? I guess more specifically, is there a way to get spherical harmonics for [tex]Y_{l=2}^{m=0}[/tex]? I know I can apply [tex]L_{+}[/tex] to get [tex]Y_{l=2}^{m=1}[/tex].

edit: nevermind, looks like Griffith made generating spherical harmonics into problem 4.22 as oppose to showing how to do it. that was very tricky of my professor to sneak another problem into homework.

edit2: I'm having problems with 4.22...
denoting spherical harmonics as [tex]Y_{l}^{m}(\theta,\phi)=f(\theta)g(\phi)[/tex], solve for [tex]g(\phi)[/tex] first.
[tex]L_{z}Y_{l}^{l}=\hbar l Y_{l}^{l}[/tex]
[tex]g(\phi)=e^{i l \phi}[/tex] as expected.

now for [tex]f(\theta)[/tex]
[tex]L_{+}Y_{l}^{l}=0[/tex]
where [tex]L_{+}=\hbar e^{i \phi}(\partial_{\theta}+i \cot \theta \partial_{\phi})[/tex]
solving this I get
[tex]\ln f(\theta) = \frac{l}{\hbar}e^{i \phi} \ln \sin \theta[/tex]
which doesn't look right... it's an exponential of an exponetial... any clues as to what I did wrong?
 
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CrusaderSean said:
I'm having problem with griffith QM problem 4.43:
Construct the spatial wave function for hydrogen in the state n = 3, l =2, m = 1. Express your answer as a function of r, [tex]\theta[/tex], [tex]\phi[/tex], and a (the Bohr radius) only.

My prof. gave hints about radial wave function, but I have no idea how to construct spherical harmonics from scratch. The book only shows spherical harmonic are eigenfunctions of [tex]L^2[/tex] and [tex]L_z[/tex], not how you can generate them with [tex]L_{\pm}[/tex] operators. So is there a way to generate spherical harmonics with operators similar to harmonic oscillator operator method? I guess more specifically, is there a way to get spherical harmonics for [tex]Y_{l=2}^{m=0}[/tex]? I know I can apply [tex]L_{+}[/tex] to get [tex]Y_{l=2}^{m=1}[/tex].
I don't know why you could not simply use Table 4.3 or Equation 4.32 (I am assuming you have the second edition)

edit: nevermind, looks like Griffith made generating spherical harmonics into problem 4.22 as oppose to showing how to do it. that was very tricky of my professor to sneak another problem into homework.

edit2: I'm having problems with 4.22...
denoting spherical harmonics as [tex]Y_{l}^{m}(\theta,\phi)=f(\theta)g(\phi)[/tex], solve for [tex]g(\phi)[/tex] first.
[tex]L_{z}Y_{l}^{l}=\hbar l Y_{l}^{l}[/tex]
[tex]g(\phi)=e^{i l \phi}[/tex] as expected.

now for [tex]f(\theta)[/tex]
[tex]L_{+}Y_{l}^{l}=0[/tex]
where [tex]L_{+}=\hbar e^{i \phi}(\partial_{\theta}+i \cot \theta \partial_{\phi})[/tex]
solving this I get
[tex]\ln f(\theta) = \frac{l}{\hbar}e^{i \phi} \ln \sin \theta[/tex]
which doesn't look right... it's an exponential of an exponetial... any clues as to what I did wrong?

You should not have any exponential of [itex]\phi[/itex] left! You get an equation of the form [itex]L_+ Y_l^l = e^{i(l+1)\phi} (\partial_\theta - l cot \theta) f(\theta) = 0[/itex]. So you divide by the exponential in phi which goes away and then solve for f(theta).

Pat
 

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