Griffiths Quantum Question. Unit-less Schrodinger Equation.

In summary: We can see that Griffiths is using this unit-less quantity ##\xi## to simplify the Schrodinger equation for a harmonic oscillator. This allows us to re-express the 2nd derivative of ##\psi## in terms of ##\xi## instead of ##x##, making it easier to solve the equation. Using the chain rule, we can see that Griffiths' re-expression is valid and simplifies the equation. So in summary, Griffiths has successfully re-expressed the Schrodinger equation for a harmonic oscillator in terms of a unit-less quantity ##\xi##, making it easier to solve.
  • #1
DiogenesTorch
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0
In Grifftiths Intro to Quantum 2nd edition, page 51, he is re-expressing the Schrodinger equation for a harmonic oscillator in terms of a unit-less quantity [itex]\xi \equiv \sqrt{\frac{m\omega}{\hbar}}x[/itex]

So Griffiths takes the Schrodinger equation in equation [2.70]
[itex]-\frac{\hbar^2}{2m} \frac{d^2\psi}{dx^2} + \frac{1}{2}m\omega^2x^2\psi =E \psi [/itex]

and then re-expresses it in equation [2.72] as
[itex]\frac{d^2\psi}{d\xi^2} =(\xi^2-K)\psi [/itex]

where [itex]K\equiv\frac{2E}{\hbar\omega}[/itex]

My question is I am trying to follow what Griffith is doing here and was wondering how to re-express the 2nd derivative of [itex]\psi[/itex] going from [itex]\frac{d^2\psi}{dx^2}[/itex] to [itex]\frac{d^2\psi}{d\xi^2}[/itex]?

Is it just by using a bunch of chain rule stuff?

For example, using
[itex]
\frac{d\psi}{dx} = \frac{d\psi}{d\xi} \frac{d\xi}{dx}
[/itex]
then
[itex]
\frac{d^2\psi}{dx^2} = \frac {d}{dx} \Big( \frac{d\psi}{dx} \Big) \\
\frac{d^2\psi}{dx^2} = \frac {d}{dx} \Big( \frac{d\psi}{d\xi} \frac{d\xi}{dx} \Big)\\
\frac{d^2\psi}{dx^2} = \frac {d}{d\xi} \Big( \frac{d\psi}{d\xi} \frac{d\xi}{dx} \Big)\frac{d\xi}{dx}\\
\frac{d^2\psi}{dx^2} = \Big( \frac{d\psi}{d\xi} \frac{d}{d\xi}\Big(\frac{d\xi}{dx}\Big) + \frac{d\xi}{dx} \frac{d}{d\xi} \Big(\frac{d\psi}{d\xi}\Big) \Big)\frac{d\xi}{dx}\\
\frac{d^2\psi}{dx^2} = \Big(\frac{d\xi}{dx}\Big)^2 \frac{d^2\psi}{d\xi^2}\\
\frac{d^2\psi}{dx^2} = \frac{m\omega}{\hbar} \frac{d^2\psi}{d\xi^2}\\
[/itex]

Does this look legit?
 
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  • #2
Yes. ##m\omega\over \hbar## is constant.
 
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1. What is the "Griffiths Quantum Question"?

The Griffiths Quantum Question, also known as the "Quantum Measurement Problem" or the "Measurement Problem", is a fundamental question in quantum mechanics that asks how the probabilistic nature of quantum mechanics can be reconciled with the deterministic nature of classical mechanics.

2. What is the unit-less Schrodinger Equation?

The unit-less Schrodinger Equation, also known as the "dimensionless Schrodinger Equation", is a version of the Schrodinger Equation in quantum mechanics that has been scaled to remove any dependence on units of measurement. It is often used in theoretical calculations and numerical simulations.

3. Why is the Schrodinger Equation unit-less?

The Schrodinger Equation is unit-less because it is a mathematical equation that describes the behavior of quantum particles, which do not have a definite position or momentum. The equation only deals with probabilities, not measurements, so it does not require units of measurement to be meaningful.

4. What is the significance of the "Griffiths Quantum Question" in quantum mechanics?

The "Griffiths Quantum Question" is significant because it highlights the fundamental differences between classical mechanics and quantum mechanics. It raises fundamental questions about the nature of reality and how we can understand and interpret the behavior of particles at the quantum level.

5. How is the "Griffiths Quantum Question" still relevant today?

The "Griffiths Quantum Question" is still relevant today because it has not yet been fully resolved. While there have been various proposed solutions and interpretations, there is still no consensus among physicists on how to reconcile the probabilistic nature of quantum mechanics with the deterministic nature of classical mechanics. It continues to be a topic of debate and research in the field of quantum mechanics.

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