Equivalent Expressions: Solve Energy Spectrum Transcendental Equation

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SUMMARY

The forum discussion centers on solving a transcendental equation related to energy spectrum in quantum mechanics. The original equation presented is sqrt{-E/(E+V_D)} = tan(a*sqrt{(2m/(hbar^2))(E+V_D)}/2), which was later corrected to cot(a*sqrt{(2m/(hbar^2))(E+V_D)}) = (2E + V_D)/(2sqrt{-E(E + V_D)}). The eigenvalue E = -20.54769241, with parameters V_D = 50, a = 1, m = 1, and hbar = 1, satisfies both equations. The user seeks assistance in deriving the second expression from the first, indicating a need for further exploration of trigonometric identities and careful manipulation of terms.

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  • Understanding of transcendental equations in quantum mechanics
  • Familiarity with trigonometric identities, specifically cotangent and tangent functions
  • Knowledge of eigenvalues and their significance in quantum systems
  • Basic proficiency in manipulating algebraic expressions involving square roots
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  • Research the derivation of trigonometric identities, particularly tan(x/2) and cot(x)
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Researchers in quantum mechanics, physicists working on energy spectrum problems, and students studying advanced mathematical methods in physics will benefit from this discussion.

intervoxel
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In my research project I arrived at a particular case where the energy spectrum is given by the following transcendental equation

<br /> \sqrt{-\frac{E}{E+V_D}}=\tan\frac{a\sqrt{\frac{2m}{\hbar^2}(E+V_D)}}{2}<br />

In the literature I found the equivalent expression below

<br /> \cot a\sqrt{-\frac{2m}{\hbar^2}E}=\frac{2E+V_D}{2\sqrt{-E(E+V_D)}}<br />

From the first expression I should get to the second one in order to show the consistency of the theory. But, no matter I have tried, I couldn't find out a solution for this problem.

Can anyone help me, please?
 
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Those are not equal.
 
You are right. There's an error now corrected:
<br /> \sqrt{-\frac{E}{E+V_D}}=\tan\frac{a\sqrt{\frac{2m}{\hbar^2}(E+V_D)}}{2}<br />

<br /> \cot a\sqrt{\frac{2m}{\hbar^2}(E+V_D)}=\frac{2E+V_D}{2 \sqrt{-E(E+V_D)}}<br />

The eigenvalue E=-20.54769241 (for parameters V_D=50, a=1, m=1, hbar=1), for example, satisfies both equations.

Still I'm not able to arrive at the other formula.

I tried tan(x/2)=csc(x)-cot(x), etc.
 
Those aren't equal either.
 
how about using:

2cot(x)=((1/tan(x/2)) - tan(x/2))

then plug in for tan(x/2), where x=a\sqrt(2m(E+V)/hbar^2), using the LHS of your first expression... and I guess be careful about signs and square roots.
 
Thank you olgranpappy and vanadium50 for your valuable help.
 

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