Eigenvalue for 1D Quantum Harmonic Oscillator

theojohn4
Messages
12
Reaction score
1

Homework Statement



Show that the following is an eigenfunction of \hat{H}_{QHO} and hence find the corresponding eigenvalue:

u(q)=A (1-2q^2) e^\frac{-q^2} {2}


Homework Equations



Hamiltonian for 1D QHO of mass m
\hat{H}_{QHO} = \frac{\hat{p}^2}{2m} + \frac{1}{2} m \omega^2 x^2

Not sure about any others

The Attempt at a Solution



I don't know where to start
 
Physics news on Phys.org
What means that a function is an eigen-function of some operator? Doesn't this mean that when you act with that operator on that function, the result will be the original function multiplied by a constant (where this constant is the eigenvalue)?

So, try to operate with HQHO on u(q) and see what happens!(the momentum operator is repsresented by -i\hbard/dx)
 
Thread 'Need help understanding this figure on energy levels'
This figure is from "Introduction to Quantum Mechanics" by Griffiths (3rd edition). It is available to download. It is from page 142. I am hoping the usual people on this site will give me a hand understanding what is going on in the figure. After the equation (4.50) it says "It is customary to introduce the principal quantum number, ##n##, which simply orders the allowed energies, starting with 1 for the ground state. (see the figure)" I still don't understand the figure :( Here is...
Thread 'Understanding how to "tack on" the time wiggle factor'
The last problem I posted on QM made it into advanced homework help, that is why I am putting it here. I am sorry for any hassle imposed on the moderators by myself. Part (a) is quite easy. We get $$\sigma_1 = 2\lambda, \mathbf{v}_1 = \begin{pmatrix} 0 \\ 0 \\ 1 \end{pmatrix} \sigma_2 = \lambda, \mathbf{v}_2 = \begin{pmatrix} 1/\sqrt{2} \\ 1/\sqrt{2} \\ 0 \end{pmatrix} \sigma_3 = -\lambda, \mathbf{v}_3 = \begin{pmatrix} 1/\sqrt{2} \\ -1/\sqrt{2} \\ 0 \end{pmatrix} $$ There are two ways...
Back
Top