General quantization of circular motion/spectrum in potential

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the general quantization of motion in circular orbits, specifically applying the equations of motion and angular momentum quantization to derive the energy spectrum in a given potential. The potential under consideration is linear, represented as U = (F_0)r.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the relationship between the equations of motion and angular momentum quantization, questioning how to effectively substitute variables to derive the energy spectrum. There is discussion about the need to express variables in terms of quantized values and concerns about the complexity of the resulting expressions.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided guidance on deriving expressions for radius and velocity in terms of quantized variables. There is ongoing exploration of how to simplify the total energy expression and whether it can be expressed solely in terms of the quantum number n. Multiple interpretations of the energy levels and their relation to the potential are being examined.

Contextual Notes

Participants express uncertainty about the initial conditions and the implications of the derived expressions, particularly regarding the presence of multiple quantum numbers in the energy formula. There is also a mention of the need to clarify the definitions of variables such as reduced mass and their roles in the equations.

Hakkinen
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Homework Statement



The general quantization of motion in circular orbits is obtained by combining the equation of motion ## \frac{mv^2}{r} = |\frac{dU(r)}{dr}| ## with the angular momentum quantization condition ## mvr=n\hbar ## Use this procedure to calculate the spectrum for circular motion in the potential ## U = (F_0)r ##

Homework Equations


I think you need to use one of the series to find the spectrum but I'm quite lost on how to get there.


The Attempt at a Solution



I assume you make a substitution from ## mvr=n\hbar ## to quantize the equation of motion. I don't know if you use the given potential at first, and use its derivative ## |F_0| ##?

The form of the answer highly suggests using a series, however there are terms in it that I don't have in the initial conditions so I don't think I know where to go from here.
 
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You can find dU/dr from your expression for U. That leaves you with two equations with two unknowns (r and v). After solving for r and v you can set up the total energy expression.
 
Thanks for your reply.
So the total energy expression is ## E_n = \frac{1}{2}mv_n^2 + F_0r_n ##??

I am still lost after solving for r and v, and substituting them into the E expression. r and v should both be quantized, containing an n term correct? I know how to calculate emission spectra for transitions with the Bohr model but I'm unsure of how exactly to get the spectrum from here. Is it still going to end up as something like ## \frac{hc}{λ} = ΔE ##?
 
Last edited:
Hakkinen said:
Thanks for your reply.
So the total energy expression is ## E_n = \frac{1}{2}mv_n^2 + F_0r_n ##??

I am still lost after solving for r and v, and substituting them into the E expression. r and v should both be quantized, containing an n term correct?
Yes. So, you will get an expression for E in terms of n. These are the quantized energy levels. You should be able to simplify E by combining the kinetic energy and potential energy into a single term.

I know how to calculate emission spectra for transitions with the Bohr model I'm unsure of how exactly to get the spectrum from here. Is it still going to end up as something like ## \frac{hc}{λ} = ΔE ##?
That's right. Good.
 
Okay, so substituting ## v_n^2 = \frac{F_0r}{m} = \frac{F_0r^2v}{n\hbar} ## and ## r_n = \frac{n\hbarω}{F_0} ## into ## E_n ##

which yields ## E_n = \frac{1}{2n\hbar}(mF_0r_n^2v+2n^2\hbar^2ω) ##

This does not seem convincing with two integral n's. Did I make an arithmetic error? Also it is still not only in terms of n...The answer given is ## λ = \frac{4c}{3}\sqrt[3]{\frac{m\hbar}{u_0^2}}(\sqrt[2/3]{n}-\sqrt[2/3]{m})^-1 ##

u_0 is reduced mass correct? if m under the cubed root is electron mass then m in the series term is just a variable for an energy level?
 
Last edited:
You need to find expressions for ##r## and ##v## in terms of just ##n, m, \hbar,## and ##F_0##.

For example, to find the expression for ##r##, you can first solve ##mvr = n\hbar## for ##v## in terms of ##r## and then substitute that expression for ##v## in the other equation ##mv^2/r = |dU/dr|##.
 

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