Finding Excited States of a Particle in a 1-D Potential

AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on determining the ground and first excited states of a particle in a 1-D potential defined by V(x)=B|x| using the Time Independent Schrödinger Equation (TISE). The user successfully derived a differential equation from the TISE but encountered difficulties due to the potential's dependence on x. Suggestions were made to consider Airy functions or Bessel functions for the solution, with a consensus that Airy's equation is more straightforward to obtain. Ultimately, it was clarified that solving for the wavefunction is not necessary; instead, understanding the curvature of the wavefunction suffices to sketch the excited states. The conversation emphasizes the importance of recognizing the problem's requirements for effective problem-solving.
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Homework Statement



The quaestion asks to determine the ground an first excited state of the wavefuntion of a particle in a 1-D potential given by V(x)=B\left | x \right |.

Homework Equations



The Time Independent Schrodinger Equation (TISE):

-\frac{\hbar}{2m}\frac{d^{2}\Psi }{dx^{2}}+V\Psi=E\Psi

The Attempt at a Solution



I substituted the potential into the TISE and with some rearraging of terms I get the following differential equation.

{\Psi}''+\frac{2m}{\hbar^{2}}(E-B\left | x \right |)\Psi=0

This is where I'm stuck. I don't know how to solve this equation because of the potential is dependent on x. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
 
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The general solutions will be Airy functions (or Bessel functions of order 1/3).
 
Ok, but I don't see how I would get bessel's equation. I'm guessing I would need to multiply the equation first by x^{2}.
 
Its much easier to get Airy's equation. Check how you can get that ;)
 
It turns out for this question I don't actually need to solve for the wavefunction. I just need to determine the curvature of it. Than from there I can get a rough sketch of the excited states, which is all the question asks for. I should have posted the full question, although I know what I need to do now. Thanks for your input Thaakisfox.
 
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