Find Range of V0 for Particle in Potential

AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around determining the range of values for V0 in a potential defined by V(x) = infinity for x < 0, -V0 for 0 < x < a, and 0 for x > a, with a focus on the existence of a single bound state. The wave function is expressed as ψ(x) = Asin(kx) for 0 < x < a and Bexp(-qx) for x > a, where k and q are defined in terms of the particle's energy E, mass m, and Planck's constant ħ. Continuity conditions at x = a lead to the equation q = -k cot(ka), which is pivotal for finding the number of solutions. The discussion also touches on how the limits for the width a and mass m correlate with the number of bound state solutions. The thread seeks guidance on proceeding from this equation to derive the necessary conditions for V0.
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Homework Statement


A particle is in the following potential:
V(x)=infinity for x<0; -V0 for 0<x<a; and 0 for x>a
Given that there's only one bound state I am asked to determine the range of values for V0 in terms of the width a and the particle's mass m.[/B]

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution


For -V0<E<0 I chose the following general solution for the wave function:
ψ(x)=Asin(kx) 0<x<a; Bexp(-qx) x>0
where k=√(2m(E+V0)/ħ and q=√(2m|E|)/ħ
By demanding continuity at x=a for both wave functions and their derivatives I obtained the following solution:
q=-kctg(ka)
How may I proceed? I'd appreciate some guidance.
[/B]
 
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