Electron In An Infinite Potential Well

In summary, the problem discusses an electron in an infinite potential well at the second energy level and asks for the electron density n(x) as a function of position x. The general solution for this problem can be found using the time-independent Schrödinger equation, and the electron density is given by n(x)=\|\psi_n(x)\|^2 .
  • #1
sattomon
2
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])?
 

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  • #2
Yes, it does.
 
  • #3
So does that mean[itex]n(x)=\|\psi_n(x)\|^2[/itex] ?
 
  • #4
Yes,
[itex]
n(x)=\|\psi_n(x)\|^2
[/itex]
 

1. What is an electron in an infinite potential well?

An electron in an infinite potential well refers to a simplified model used in quantum mechanics to describe the behavior of an electron confined within a one-dimensional space with infinitely high potential barriers on either side.

2. How does the infinite potential well model work?

The model assumes that the electron has a wave-like nature and can only exist in certain discrete energy levels within the well. The potential energy of the electron is represented by a flat line within the well, while the potential barriers on either side act as infinitely high walls that prevent the electron from escaping.

3. What is the significance of studying an electron in an infinite potential well?

Studying this model allows us to understand the basic principles of quantum mechanics, such as the quantization of energy levels and the wave-like nature of particles. It also has practical applications in fields such as nanotechnology and semiconductor devices.

4. How does the width of the potential well affect the electron's energy levels?

The width of the potential well directly affects the spacing between the electron's energy levels. A wider well will have more energy levels compared to a narrower well. This is because a wider well allows the electron to occupy more positions within the well, resulting in more possible energy states.

5. Can an electron escape from an infinite potential well?

No, an electron cannot escape from an infinite potential well. The potential barriers on either side are infinitely high, making it impossible for the electron to overcome them. Therefore, the electron is confined within the well and cannot escape unless the potential barriers are lowered or removed.

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