Eigenstate for a 3D harmonic oscillator

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on finding the energy eigenstates and eigenvalues of a 3D harmonic oscillator defined by the potential V(x,y,z) = (1/2)m(ω_x²x² + ω_y²y² + ω_z²z²). The energy eigenvalue is established as E = ℏ((n_x + 1/2)ω_x + (n_y + 1/2)ω_y + (n_z + 1/2)ω_z). The eigenstate is expressed as Ψ = Ψ_x × Ψ_y × Ψ_z. Participants suggest using the 3D Schrödinger equation and separation of variables to derive the individual wave functions ψ_x, ψ_y, and ψ_z.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of quantum mechanics principles, particularly harmonic oscillators.
  • Familiarity with the Schrödinger equation in three dimensions.
  • Knowledge of separation of variables technique in differential equations.
  • Basic concepts of quantum states and eigenvalues.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the 3D Schrödinger equation in detail.
  • Learn about separation of variables in quantum mechanics.
  • Research the derivation of wave functions for harmonic oscillators.
  • Explore the implications of energy quantization in quantum systems.
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Students and professionals in physics, particularly those studying quantum mechanics, as well as educators looking to enhance their understanding of harmonic oscillators and energy eigenstates.

JordanGo
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Homework Statement


A 3D harmonic oscillator has the following potential:

V(x,y,z) = \frac{1}{2}m( \varpi_{x}^2x^2 + \varpi_{y}^2y^2 + \varpi_{z}^2z^2)

Find the energy eigenstates and energy eigenvalues for this system.

The Attempt at a Solution



I found the energy eigenvalue to be:

E = E_{x} + E_{y} + E_{z}

E = \hbar((n_{x}+\frac{1}{2})\varpi_{x} + (n_{y}+\frac{1}{2})\varpi_{y} + (n_{z}+\frac{1}{2})\varpi_{z})

Now I know that the eigenstate is:

\Psi = \Psi_{x} \times \Psi_{y} \times \Psi_{z}

But I don't know how to find ψx, ψy or ψz.

Can someone help me?
 
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Hey JordanGo.
Try writing down your 3-D Schrödinger equation and use separation of variables.
 
How did you find the energy eigenvalues? It seems to me if you can figure those out correctly, it's pretty straightforward to see how to get the eigenstates. Show your work so far.
 

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