Energy Eigenstates inside a one-dimension box

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the concept of energy eigenstates within a one-dimensional box of length L, specifically addressing the interpretation of how many such states can "fit" in this context. The scope includes theoretical considerations of quantum mechanics and the properties of the infinite square well model.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests that there are an infinite number of energy eigenstates available within the box.
  • Another participant expresses uncertainty about the term "fit," indicating that the interpretation may affect the understanding of the question.
  • A later reply reiterates the idea of infinite energy eigenstates and mentions the possibility of superpositions of these states.
  • There is a suggestion to seek further information on the topic by looking up "infinite square well eigenfunction."

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that there are infinite energy eigenstates, but there is uncertainty regarding the interpretation of "fit," leading to a lack of consensus on the question's intent.

Contextual Notes

The discussion does not clarify the implications of the term "fit" and does not resolve the potential nuances in the interpretation of energy eigenstates in this context.

Rick2015
Messages
12
Reaction score
0
How many energy eigenstates can "fit" inside a one-dimension box of length L?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
All of them.
 
Rick2015 said:
How many energy eigenstates can "fit" inside a one-dimension box of length L?

It's not clear what you mean by "fit", but there are an infinite number of energy eigenstates available and any superposition of any number of these is possible. Google for "infinite square well eigenfunction" for more information.
 
Nugatory said:
It's not clear what you mean by "fit", but there are an infinite number of energy eigenstates available and any superposition of any number of these is possible. Google for "infinite square well eigenfunction" for more information.

Thank you! That is what I thought but wasn't sure if the "fit" was a trick statement.
 

Similar threads

Undergrad Expectation value of the momentum for an electron in a box
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Graduate Eigenstates of ##\phi^4## theory
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K
Graduate Relationship between Larmor precession and energy eigenstates
  • · Replies 15 ·
Replies
15
Views
3K
Undergrad Tensor products and simultaneous eigenstates
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K
High School Are electrons in atoms always in eigenstates?
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
High School Do eigenstate probabilities change with time?
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Undergrad Multiple questions about eigenstates and eigenvalues
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Graduate Ground state energy of a particle-in-a-box in coordinate scaling
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
Undergrad 100 boxes of Length L, an application of the famous Particle in A Box
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
2K
Graduate Uncertainty principle if position is restricted
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
1K