Ground state energy and wavefuntion?

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on finding the ground state energy and wavefunction for a particle of mass m in a potential defined as V=\frac{1}{2}mw^{2}x^{2} for x>0 and V=\infty for x<0. The participant initially struggled with the concept due to the absence of a symmetric boundary, which is typical in problems involving infinite potential wells. However, upon recognizing the relevance of the quantum simple harmonic oscillator, they expressed renewed confidence in tackling the problem.

PREREQUISITES
  • Quantum mechanics fundamentals
  • Understanding of the quantum simple harmonic oscillator
  • Knowledge of boundary conditions in quantum systems
  • Familiarity with wavefunctions and energy quantization
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the quantum simple harmonic oscillator model in detail
  • Learn about boundary conditions in quantum mechanics
  • Explore the mathematical derivation of wavefunctions for harmonic potentials
  • Review the principles of energy quantization in quantum systems
USEFUL FOR

Students and educators in quantum mechanics, physicists working on quantum systems, and anyone interested in understanding the behavior of particles in potential wells.

pbeary
Messages
4
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


Find the ground state energy and the ground state wavefunction for a particle of mass m moving in the potential

V=\frac{1}{2}mw^{2}x^{2} at x>0
V=\infty at x<0


The Attempt at a Solution



Well, the problem I am having is that I have answering questions that always had a boundary such as -a<x<a or something of the like, but now that only one side looks like an infinite potential well, I am confused towards how I should tackle this problem...

can someone give me a hint so I can at least try to solve this?
thanks!
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Are you already familiar with the quantum simple harmonic oscillator?
 
Oh! yes, I see now :)
I was too focused on simple wells that I forgot about it completely!
I'll give it a go and see how I do.

Thanks.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
1K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
3K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
Replies
0
Views
2K