Dosen't energy eigenvalue depend on x?

  • Context: Graduate 
  • Thread starter Thread starter rar0308
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Eigenvalue Energy
Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the dependence of energy eigenvalues on position within a potential V(x) in quantum mechanics. Participants explore whether an energy eigenvalue calculated at a specific point x=a can be considered valid throughout the entire region, and the implications of being in an energy eigenstate.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions if an energy eigenvalue at a specific point x=a guarantees the same energy throughout the entire region.
  • Another participant clarifies that energy should be considered as an expectation value rather than an eigenvalue unless in an eigenstate of the Hamiltonian.
  • A different participant posits that if a quantum state is an energy eigenfunction, then the energy eigenvalue must be consistent throughout the region.
  • There is a request from a participant on how to delete the thread, indicating a possible dissatisfaction with the discussion.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the relationship between energy eigenvalues and position, with some asserting consistency across regions for energy eigenfunctions while others emphasize the role of expectation values and the conditions under which eigenvalues apply.

Contextual Notes

Participants have not resolved the implications of energy eigenvalues in relation to the potential V(x) and the conditions under which they hold true. There are also assumptions about the normalization of wave functions that are not explicitly stated.

rar0308
Messages
55
Reaction score
0
there is potential V(x).
If at some point x=a wavefunction have some energy eigenvalue,
then Is it guaranteed that It has same energy throughout whole region?
Where can I find explanation about this?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
rar0308 said:
there is potential V(x).
If at some point x=a wavefunction have some energy eigenvalue,
then Is it guaranteed that It has same energy throughout whole region?
Where can I find explanation about this?

You can't talk about the energy at a point. You get the energy as an expectation value (not eigenvalue, unless you are in an eigenstate of the Hamiltonian). So, if you want to know the total energy of the system described by the wave function ##\psi(x)##, you calculate
$$
E = \int_{-\infty}^{\infty} \psi^*(x) \hat{H} \psi(x) dx.
$$
If you want only the potential energy, you use instead
$$
E_\mathrm{pot} = \int_{-\infty}^{\infty} \psi^*(x) V(x) \psi(x) dx.
$$
(I'm assuming that the wave function is normalized.)
 
Let quantum state be given as one of energy eigenfunctions.
V(x) is unknown except some point x=a.
Calculated energy eigenvalue using Hamiltonian operator at x=a.
Is it guaranteed that energy eigenvalue is the same throughout whole region other than x=a?
 
Yes, otherwise the state wouldn't be an energy eigenfunction would it?
 
dauto is Right. How can i delete this thread?
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
3K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K