Electron In An Infinite Potential Well

Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around an electron confined in an infinite potential well, specifically at the second energy level. The problem involves determining the electron density as a function of position within the well, denoted as n(x).

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster expresses confusion regarding the term "electron density n(x)" and questions whether it refers to the probability density related to the wave function. Subsequent posts confirm this interpretation.

Discussion Status

The discussion has clarified the relationship between electron density and the probability density derived from the wave function. Participants have confirmed that n(x) is indeed equal to the square of the wave function's magnitude.

Contextual Notes

No additional constraints or missing information have been noted in the discussion.

sattomon
Messages
2
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement



An electron is in a Infinite potential well (1-dimensional box with infinite wall boundary conditions) at the second energy level. The width of the box is L. What is the electron density n(x) as a function of the position x?

Homework Equations


time-independent Schrödinger equation:
f4df6d1f1c5ead81edcf7dcf6b35457b.png

general solution:
5f2c4c4916b96ecd830ddda628f103f5.png


The Attempt at a Solution



From http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Particle_in_a_box#1-dimensional_box"
06571133afb27204cd0785da860df16b.png

5464deee159d922f51c081d408951169.png


I'm not sure what the next step is. I'm confused with the wording "electron density n(x)". Does this mean probability (i.e. [itex]\|\psi_n(x)\|^2[/itex])?
 

Attachments

  • 5f2c4c4916b96ecd830ddda628f103f5.png
    5f2c4c4916b96ecd830ddda628f103f5.png
    950 bytes · Views: 535
  • 06571133afb27204cd0785da860df16b.png
    06571133afb27204cd0785da860df16b.png
    1.1 KB · Views: 425
  • 5464deee159d922f51c081d408951169.png
    5464deee159d922f51c081d408951169.png
    716 bytes · Views: 430
Last edited by a moderator:
Physics news on Phys.org
Yes, it does.
 
So does that mean[itex]n(x)=\|\psi_n(x)\|^2[/itex] ?
 
Yes,
[itex] n(x)=\|\psi_n(x)\|^2[/itex]
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
3K
  • · Replies 19 ·
Replies
19
Views
3K
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
3K
Replies
16
Views
3K
Replies
7
Views
2K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
7K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K
Replies
13
Views
3K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K