Finding the ground state energy of a particle

sandybeach
Messages
2
Reaction score
0
For a particle with a force acting on it whose potential is given by U(x) = g*lnx for x>1 and U(x) = ∞ for x = 1, how do I calculate the ground state energy of the particle?

Supposedly, there is no need to use Schrodinger's equations for this question, which is why I have no idea how to start.

Thanks for any help.
 
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org
You should use the Schrödinger equation; which other ansatz do you have in mind?
 
Alright, it must be a mistake then. We were given this question before learning the Schrodinger equation so it was impossible.

Edit: would I just use boundary conditions to solve for E in the time independent schrodinger equation?
 
The boundary condition is ψ(x=1) = 0
 
Insights auto threads is broken atm, so I'm manually creating these for new Insight articles. Towards the end of the first lecture for the Qiskit Global Summer School 2025, Foundations of Quantum Mechanics, Olivia Lanes (Global Lead, Content and Education IBM) stated... Source: https://www.physicsforums.com/insights/quantum-entanglement-is-a-kinematic-fact-not-a-dynamical-effect/ by @RUTA
If we release an electron around a positively charged sphere, the initial state of electron is a linear combination of Hydrogen-like states. According to quantum mechanics, evolution of time would not change this initial state because the potential is time independent. However, classically we expect the electron to collide with the sphere. So, it seems that the quantum and classics predict different behaviours!
Back
Top