Expectation value of: energy, angular momentum

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the expectation values of energy and angular momentum components for a hydrogen atom modeled as a spinless particle in a specific quantum state. The state is represented as a linear combination of wave functions: \Psi ( \vec{r} )= \frac{1}{6} [4 \Psi_{100} ( \vec{r} )+ 3 \Psi_{211}- \Psi_{210} ( \vec{r} ) + \sqrt{10}\Psi_{21-1} ( \vec{r} )]. The expectation value of energy is derived using the Hamiltonian operator H and the eigen-energy formula E_n = -\frac { \alpha^2}{2 n^2} \mu c^2. For angular momentum, the discussion emphasizes using the operators L_z and L_x to find their respective expectation values.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of quantum mechanics, specifically the hydrogen atom model.
  • Familiarity with wave functions and their representations, such as \Psi_{nlm}.
  • Knowledge of operators in quantum mechanics, including H (Hamiltonian) and L_z (z-component of angular momentum).
  • Ability to manipulate expectation values and apply linear combinations of states.
NEXT STEPS
  • Calculate the expectation value of energy using the eigen-energy formula for different quantum states.
  • Explore the action of angular momentum operators on quantum states, particularly L_z and L_x.
  • Study the general theory of angular momentum in quantum mechanics, focusing on ladder operators L_+ and L_-.
  • Review normalization conditions for quantum states and their implications in expectation value calculations.
USEFUL FOR

Students and professionals in quantum mechanics, particularly those studying atomic physics and the hydrogen atom, as well as educators looking for practical examples of expectation value calculations.

pstq
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Hi all!

Homework Statement



If we consider the hydrogen atom as a spinless particle. Let this system in the state
\Psi ( \vec{r} )= \frac{1}{6} [4 \Psi_{100} ( \vec{r} )+ 3 \Psi_{211}- \Psi_{210} ( \vec{r} ) + \sqrt{10}\Psi_{21-1} ( \vec{r} )]

Calculate:

1) Expectation value of energy when measured from this state.
2) Expectation value of z-component orbital angular momentum
3) Expectation value of x-component orbital angular momentum


Homework Equations



\langle \vec{r} | nlm \rangle =\Psi_{nlm} ( \vec{r} ) = R_{nl} (r) Y_{lm} (\Omega)

E_n = -\frac { \alpha^2}{2 n^2} \mu c^2


The Attempt at a Solution



1) For the expectation value for the energy , \langle H \rangle = \langle \Psi ( \vec{r} ) | H | \Psi ( \vec{r} ) \rangle = \frac {1}{36} [ 16 \langle \Psi_{100} | H | \Psi_{100} \rangle + 9 \langle \Psi_{211} | H | \Psi_{211} \rangle + \langle \Psi_{210} | H | \Psi_{210} \rangle + 10 \langle \Psi_{21-1} | H | \Psi_{21-1} \rangle ] =??


In this point I should be able to put the eigen-energy E_n = -\frac { \alpha^2}{2 n^2} \mu c^2 but I don't know how I can do that.


2)
I did the same as before..

\langle L_z \rangle = \langle \Psi ( \vec{r} ) | L_z | \Psi ( \vec{r} ) \rangle = \frac {1}{36} [ 16 \langle \Psi_{100} | L_z | \Psi_{100} \rangle + 9 \langle \Psi_{211} | L_z | \Psi_{211} \rangle + \langle \Psi_{210} | L_z | \Psi_{210} \rangle + 10 \langle \Psi_{21-1} | L_z | \Psi_{21-1} \rangle ] but I have no idea what's the next step-

3) the same problem as before.

Do you know what I'm doing wrong?

Thanks in advance!
 
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Well, you know that

H|nlm\rangle =E_n |nlm\rangle

for the discrete portion of the spectrum and also that |nlm\rangle has unit norm. Use this for point 1)

For point 2), use that

L_z |nlm\rangle = m |nlm\rangle

Also for point 3), express L_x in terms of L+- whose action you know on |nlm\rangle from the general theory of angular momentum.
 

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