Energy eigenvalue and eigen vector

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around energy eigenvalues and eigenfunctions for a particle confined in a three-dimensional rectangular box. The specific problem involves a particle of mass m in a defined region and seeks to determine the energy eigenvalues and eigenfunctions, as well as specific values for a neutron confined in a volume with a given length scale.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the application of energy eigenvalue equations for a three-dimensional box and the implications of the box's dimensions being non-cubic. Questions arise regarding the interpretation of the problem's wording and how it affects the calculations.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants providing hints and guidance on how to approach the problem. There is an exploration of the differences between a cuboid and a square box, and some participants express uncertainty about the connection between parts a and b of the problem.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the potential confusion in the problem's wording, particularly regarding the dimensions provided and how they relate to the eigenvalue solutions. The specific values for L and the implications for the calculations are under scrutiny.

dusrkeric
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I have some question on energy eigenvalue and eigenfunction
help please

A particle, mass m , exists in 3 dimensions, confined in the region
0< x < 2L, 0 < y < 3L, 0 < z < 3L

a) what are the energy eigenvalues and eigenfunctions of the particle?

b) if the particel is a neutron which is confined in a volume with L=10^-15m, what are the three lowest energy eigenvalues, in MeV? what is the lowest energy eigenvalue which is degrenerate?
 
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I think this should be posted in the homework help section, eh?
 
Yes, and also show work done etc. Exactly whatis it that you don't understand? If we don't know how then we can not help you. It is against the policy of the forumus to just hand out solutions to problems. Our teachers in real life do not do so either..

Somebody will move this post eventually, so " dusrkeric " do not make a new one.
 
Elemer Elad Rosinger said:
Contrary to what some may believe, your eigenvector and eigenvalue question is not a mere homework issue, but rather, a foundational one...[snip!]

No, it's a mere homework issue.
 
simple formula dude...
use equations of particle in three dimension box.
But u don't mean that v outside bos is finite,I guess.
 
dusrkeric said:
I have some question on energy eigenvalue and eigenfunction
help please

A particle, mass m , exists in 3 dimensions, confined in the region
0< x < 2L, 0 < y < 3L, 0 < z < 3L

a) what are the energy eigenvalues and eigenfunctions of the particle?

b) if the particel is a neutron which is confined in a volume with L=10^-15m, what are the three lowest energy eigenvalues, in MeV? what is the lowest energy eigenvalue which is degrenerate?
These have pretty straightforward solutions. Please post your work/formulae that you have used. Just few hints...
a] Use the energy eigenvalue equation for a 3-dimensional box after normalizing the eigenfunctions.
b]This is even easier...use the particle in a 3D square box solution.
 
Reshma said:
b]This is even easier...use the particle in a 3D square box solution.
The box is not a cube - it is a cuboid. You can not use the square well energy eigenvalues.
 
Gokul43201 said:
The box is not a cube - it is a cuboid. You can not use the square well energy eigenvalues.

why not? The solution is obtained via separation of variables. And the general solution in a 1-dim box of length a is [tex]\sqrt{2/a} sin \dfrac{n \pi x}{a}[/tex] just substitut n, x and a to proper values and the solution for 3dim is obtained by multiply all these into one equation.

At least we have done so here in sweden
 
Last edited:
Yes, the eigenvalues of a 3D-well will be sums of three 1D-well eigenvalues, but this does not make the box a "3D square box" (since, for example [itex]L_x \neq L_y.[/itex]) I should have specified that "you can not use the 3D square box energies."
 
  • #10
Gokul43201 said:
Yes, the eigenvalues of a 3D-well will be sums of three 1D-well eigenvalues, but this does not make the box a "3D square box" (since, for example [itex]L_x \neq L_y.[/itex]) I should have specified that "you can not use the 3D square box energies."
Yes it is a cuboid in the first case. However, in the second case, he has been given only one length. So it is a special case of a square box. I don't know if case a] & b] are connected. If yes, then I am wrong.
 
  • #11
Look. The problem just has a confusing wording. He is only given one length 'L' in part b. But since it is part "b", apparently this implies that the result of part "a" is to be applied to the specific case.

There is only one length 'L' given in part "a" as well--but the region is not a cube in part a, it is a rectangular solid of sides L, 2L, and 3L.

I'm sure that we all understand the elementary quantum mechanics, so the point now under discussion by Reshma and Gokul is just the slightly vague wording of part "b".
 
  • #12
That's right (gramps).

Reshma, in part b, you are not (explicitly) given the length of the sides; you are given the value of L. The lengths of the sides are still (2L,3L,3L).
 
Last edited:

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