Ground state energy of 5 identical spin 1/2 particle

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around determining the ground state energy of five identical spin 1/2 particles in a one-dimensional simple harmonic oscillator potential. Participants are exploring the implications of the particles being fermions and the energy levels associated with their quantum states.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the requirement that fermions cannot occupy the same quantum state, leading to different energy levels for each particle. There is an exploration of the energy levels corresponding to quantum numbers n=0,1,2,3,4, and the total energy calculation based on these levels.

Discussion Status

Some participants express confusion regarding the total energy calculation and question the assumptions about state occupancy. Others clarify that while particles can have the same energy, they cannot occupy the same state due to their fermionic nature. There is a recognition of the need to reassess the energy contributions based on the correct filling of states.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the specific constraints of the problem, including the one-dimensional nature of the potential and the implications for degeneracy in energy states. There is also mention of the need to consider the correct filling of states for the particles.

Sushmita
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Homework Statement


The ground state energy of 5 identical spin 1/2 particles which are subject to a one dimensional simple harkonic oscillator potential of frequency ω is
(A) (15/2) ħω
(B) (13/2) ħω
(C) (1/2) ħω
(D) 5ħω

Homework Equations


Energy of a simple harmonic oscillator potential is
En = (n+½) ħω

The Attempt at a Solution


Since the particles have 1/2 spin so they are fermions. So any two particpes cannot be in the same state. So every particle will have a different state and hence a different energy corresponding to that state.
To calculate the ground state so each of the 5 particles will have energy corresponding to n= 0,1,2,3,4

(1/2)ħω
(3/2)ħω
(5/2)ħω
(7/2)ħω
(9/2)ħω

So total energy of the particle is = (25/2)ħω

But this is not the answer. Can you let me what am I doing wrong?
 
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Sushmita said:
So any two particpes cannot be in the same state. So every particle will have a different state and hence a different energy corresponding to that state.
There can be more than one state with the same energy.
 
TSny said:
There can be more than one state with the same energy.
But this is a one dimensional potention. There is no degeneracy.
 
A possible state of a spin 1/2 particle is to have an energy of ħω/2 with its spin "up". But that's not the only way the particle could have an energy of ħω/2.
 
Last edited:
TSny said:
A possible state of a spin 1/2 particle is to have an energy of ħω/2 with its spin "up". But that's not the only way the particle could have an energy of ħω/2.
Okay. i get it now. Thanks a lot.
 
Sushmita said:

Homework Statement


The ground state energy of 5 identical spin 1/2 particles which are subject to a one dimensional simple harkonic oscillator potential of frequency ω is
(A) (15/2) ħω
(B) (13/2) ħω
(C) (1/2) ħω
(D) 5ħω

Homework Equations


Energy of a simple harmonic oscillator potential is
En = (n+½) ħω

The Attempt at a Solution


Since the particles have 1/2 spin so they are fermions. So any two particpes cannot be in the same state. So every particle will have a different state and hence a different energy corresponding to that state.
To calculate the ground state so each of the 5 particles will have energy corresponding to n= 0,1,2,3,4

(1/2)ħω
(3/2)ħω
(5/2)ħω
(7/2)ħω
(9/2)ħω

So total energy of the particle is = (25/2)ħω

But this is not the answer. Can you let me what am I doing wrong?
Here filling of electron will be 2,2,1=5
So E=2(0+1/2)hcutw +2(1+1/2)hcutw+1(2+1/2)hcutw
E= 13/2hcutw
 

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