Finding the quantized energies of a particle

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on finding the quantized energies of a particle in a specific potential, defined as $$V(x)=V_0 \left ( \frac{b}{x}-\frac{x}{b} \right )^2$$. The user employs the Schrödinger equation and follows the methodology outlined in Griffiths' "Introduction to Quantum Mechanics" (2nd ed), specifically pages 51-56. Despite correctly deriving the wave function and its derivatives, the user encounters difficulties in achieving the expected cancellations when substituting back into the Schrödinger equation, which hinders the identification of recurrence relations necessary for determining the quantized energies.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of the Schrödinger equation in quantum mechanics
  • Familiarity with power series expansions in mathematical physics
  • Knowledge of quantum harmonic oscillator (SHO) principles
  • Experience with differential equations and their solutions
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of quantized energies for the quantum harmonic oscillator in Griffiths' "Introduction to Quantum Mechanics"
  • Learn about the method of Frobenius for solving differential equations with regular singular points
  • Research the implications of boundary conditions on wave functions in quantum mechanics
  • Explore the concept of recurrence relations in the context of quantum mechanics
USEFUL FOR

Students and researchers in quantum mechanics, particularly those working on problems involving potential wells and quantized energy levels, as well as educators teaching quantum mechanics concepts.

physics148
Messages
12
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement



Okay, so the question I'm trying to solve is to find the quantized energies for a particle in the potential:

$$V(x)=V_0 \left ( \frac{b}{x}-\frac{x}{b} \right )^2$$

for some constant b.

The Attempt at a Solution


I am following along with the derivation of the quantized energies for the SHO in griffiths quantum(2nd ed) from pages 51-56. I used the Schrödinger equation with the substitution $$\psi=\frac{\tilde \psi}{\sqrt{x}}$$ as well as $\tilde x=bx$(to make it unitless) and substituted it into the Schrödinger equation and obtained after much simplification
$$ \tilde \psi''- \tilde \psi' x^{-1}+ \tilde \psi (\frac{3/4+V_0}{x^2}+V_0x^2-(E+2V_0)=0 $$

Then, I followed along with the derivation of Griffiths, by finding an integrating factor and trying to expand $\psi$ as a power series which led me to the following
$$\psi(\tilde x)=f(x)e^-\frac{\tilde x^2}{2} \quad \text{Eq 2.77 in Griffiths 2nd ed}$$
$$f(x)=\sum_{n=0}^{\infty}C_nx^n$$
$$f'(x)=\sum_{n=0}^{\infty}nC_nx^{n-1}$$
$$f''(x)=\sum_{n=0}^{\infty}n(n-1)C_nx^{n-2}$$

This of course leads to(dropping the tilde's on the x for simplicity) $$\tilde \psi= f( x)e^{- x^2/2}$$
$$\tilde \psi '=e^{- x^2/2} (f'(x)-xf(x)) $$
$$\tilde \psi ''=e^{-x^2/2}(f''(x)-2xf'(x)+f(x)(x^2-1))$$

I believe these are the correct $\psi$'s however my problem now is when I sub them back into the Schrödinger equation I found above, I don't get the same cancellation that happens for the SHO, so I am struggling to find the recurrence relations in order to find the quantized energies. If anyone can help me find the energies I would be much appreciative.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
In your differential equation you have a term proportional to ##1/x^2##. Your solution must be regular at the origin.
Therefore, you need to use an expansion of the form
$$f(x)=x^2\sum_{n=0}^{\infty}C_n x^n$$.

physics148 said:

Homework Statement



Okay, so the question I'm trying to solve is to find the quantized energies for a particle in the potential:

$$V(x)=V_0 \left ( \frac{b}{x}-\frac{x}{b} \right )^2$$

for some constant b.

The Attempt at a Solution


I am following along with the derivation of the quantized energies for the SHO in griffiths quantum(2nd ed) from pages 51-56. I used the Schrödinger equation with the substitution $$\psi=\frac{\tilde \psi}{\sqrt{x}}$$ as well as $\tilde x=bx$(to make it unitless) and substituted it into the Schrödinger equation and obtained after much simplification
$$ \tilde \psi''- \tilde \psi' x^{-1}+ \tilde \psi (\frac{3/4+V_0}{x^2}+V_0x^2-(E+2V_0)=0 $$

Then, I followed along with the derivation of Griffiths, by finding an integrating factor and trying to expand $\psi$ as a power series which led me to the following
$$\psi(\tilde x)=f(x)e^-\frac{\tilde x^2}{2} \quad \text{Eq 2.77 in Griffiths 2nd ed}$$
$$f(x)=\sum_{n=0}^{\infty}C_nx^n$$
$$f'(x)=\sum_{n=0}^{\infty}nC_nx^{n-1}$$
$$f''(x)=\sum_{n=0}^{\infty}n(n-1)C_nx^{n-2}$$

This of course leads to(dropping the tilde's on the x for simplicity) $$\tilde \psi= f( x)e^{- x^2/2}$$
$$\tilde \psi '=e^{- x^2/2} (f'(x)-xf(x)) $$
$$\tilde \psi ''=e^{-x^2/2}(f''(x)-2xf'(x)+f(x)(x^2-1))$$

I believe these are the correct $\psi$'s however my problem now is when I sub them back into the Schrödinger equation I found above, I don't get the same cancellation that happens for the SHO, so I am struggling to find the recurrence relations in order to find the quantized energies. If anyone can help me find the energies I would be much appreciative.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K
Replies
7
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K
Replies
29
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
Replies
24
Views
3K
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
2K
Replies
16
Views
3K