Particle Mass m in Cube Box: Density of Eigenstates

In summary, this conversation is discussing how the number of states that a particle of mass has in a certain energy range will be determined by the Boltzman constant and the energy vectors nx, ny, and nz. The density of states (eigen states per unit energy interval) is erratic for the lowest numbered energy state, but becomes more consistent as the number of states increase.
  • #1
aura
28
0
Consider particle of mass m in a cubic box of length L which has energy spectrum given by E=(k sqr)/2m =2 (pi sqr) (nx sqr+ ny sqr +nz sqr)/m (L sqr).what will be the density of states (eigen states per unit energy interval)

k is boltzman const..nx,ny,nz are unit vectors in resp. directions...
 
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  • #2
aura said:
Consider particle of mass m in a cubic box of length L which has energy spectrum given by E=(k sqr)/2m =2 (pi sqr) (nx sqr+ ny sqr +nz sqr)/m (L sqr).what will be the density of states (eigen states per unit energy interval)

k is boltzman const..nx,ny,nz are unit vectors in resp. directions...

Aren't the n values the eigenstates with n_j = 1,2,3...?

This looks to be a counting problem to find the number of combinations of the three n values leading to the same sum of squares. Clearly, for the lowest energy there is only one. After that, what are the possibilities, and what happens to the difference between energy levels as the n values increase?
 
  • #3
OlderDan said:
Aren't the n values the eigenstates with n_j = 1,2,3...?

This looks to be a counting problem to find the number of combinations of the three n values leading to the same sum of squares. Clearly, for the lowest energy there is only one. After that, what are the possibilities, and what happens to the difference between energy levels as the n values increase?

oops! a big printing mistake...thats eigen vector...nx,ny,nz

now can u solve this at least the explanation...
 
  • #4
aura said:
oops! a big printing mistake...thats eigen vector...nx,ny,nz

now can u solve this at least the explanation...
[tex] E_{n_x,n_y,n_z} = \left[\frac{2\ \pi^2}{mL^2}\right] \left[n_x^2+n_y^2+n_z^2\right] [/tex]

[tex] E_{1,1,1} = \left[\frac{2\ \pi^2}{mL^2}\right] \left[3\right] [/tex]

[tex] E_{2,1,1} = E_{1,2,1} = E_{1,1,2} = \left[\frac{2\ \pi^2}{mL^2}\right] \left[6\right] [/tex]

[tex] E_{2,2,1} = E_{2,1,2} = E_{1,2,2} = \left[\frac{2\ \pi^2}{mL^2}\right] \left[9\right] [/tex]

[tex] E_{3,1,1} = E_{1,3,1} = E_{1,1,3} = \left[\frac{2\ \pi^2}{mL^2}\right] \left[11\right] [/tex]

[tex] E_{2,2,2} = \left[\frac{2\ \pi^2}{mL^2}\right] \left[12\right] [/tex]

[tex] E_{1,2,3} = E_{1,3,2} = E_{2,1,3} = E_{2,3,1} = E_{3,1,2} = E_{3,2,1} = \left[\frac{2\ \pi^2}{mL^2}\right] \left[14\right] [/tex]

etc, etc.

I believe you are supposed to be figuring out all possible energies and how many degenerate states there are for each energy, and then divide the number of states by some energy interval to find the density. Unless I have missed some, the density is a bit erratic for these low numbered states. For larger n, perhaps you can come up with a general expression for how many states there are between some energy E and and a slightly higher level to come up with a number of states per unit energy interval. The sum of squares is suggestive that thinking in terms of the number of states contained within a spherical energy surface might prove helpful.
 
Last edited:
  • #5
thanks for trying it out ...

i will try to solve it...


thanks!
 

1. What is particle mass m?

Particle mass m refers to the measure of the amount of matter in a particle. It is a fundamental property of particles that determines their interactions and behaviors.

2. What is a Cube Box?

A Cube Box is a three-dimensional shape with six square faces of equal size. It is often used as a model to represent a confined space for particles in scientific experiments.

3. What are Eigenstates?

Eigenstates are the possible energy states that a particle can occupy. They are represented by quantum numbers and determine the behavior and properties of particles.

4. How is particle mass m related to the density of Eigenstates?

The particle mass m is related to the density of Eigenstates in a Cube Box through the quantum mechanical equation: m = h^2/2V, where h is Planck's constant and V is the volume of the Cube Box. This equation shows that as the volume of the Cube Box decreases, the density of Eigenstates increases, leading to a higher particle mass m.

5. Why is the density of Eigenstates important in scientific research?

The density of Eigenstates is important in scientific research because it provides information about the behavior and properties of particles in a confined space. It also helps in understanding the energy distribution and interactions of particles, which can have significant implications in various fields such as quantum mechanics and material science.

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