Finding Quantum numbers from wavefunction

Click For Summary
To find the quantum numbers l and l_z for the given wavefunctions, the wavefunctions need to be expressed in spherical coordinates. The angular parts of the wavefunctions can be separated and represented as linear combinations of spherical harmonics. The quantum number l can be determined from the highest degree of the angular part, while l_z can be identified from the specific angular momentum characteristics of the functions. The discussion emphasizes that using the Schrödinger equation is not necessary for this task. Ultimately, the key is to focus on transforming the wavefunctions appropriately to extract the quantum numbers.
andre220
Messages
75
Reaction score
1

Homework Statement



Consider a spinless particle in a central field in a state described by:
\psi_a(r) = (x^2 - y^2) e^{-\alpha r^2}
\psi_b(r) = xyz e^{-\alpha r^2}

Find quantum numbers l and l_z (or their appropriate superposition) for these two cases.

Homework Equations



\psi(r) = \psi(r, \theta, \phi) = R(r)Y(\theta, \phi)

The Attempt at a Solution



Okay so I am not sure where to start with this problem, I could construct the Schrodinger equation in terms of the radial and spherical harmonics and then we know that l can be determined from this equation, yet I do not know what the potential for such equation should be.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
You don't need to use the Schrodinger equation. Express the wave functions in spherical coordinates and separate it into an angular part and a radial part. You want to express the angular part as a linear combination of the spherical harmonics.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 21 ·
Replies
21
Views
2K
Replies
29
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
Replies
7
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Replies
14
Views
3K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Replies
46
Views
1K