Harmonic osilator energy using derivatives

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SUMMARY

The energy of a simple harmonic oscillator in the n = 2 state is definitively calculated to be 5ħω/2 by substituting the wave function ψ2 = A(2αx² - 1)e^(-αx²/2) into the Schrödinger equation. The first derivative, dψ2/dx, is computed correctly as A[4αx e^(-αx²/2) - (2αx² - 1)αx e^(-αx²/2)]. However, the second derivative calculation requires simplification of the expression to avoid errors. The discussion emphasizes the importance of organizing terms and factoring out common elements to facilitate accurate differentiation.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of quantum mechanics concepts, specifically the Schrödinger equation.
  • Familiarity with wave functions and their derivatives.
  • Knowledge of the simple harmonic oscillator model in quantum physics.
  • Proficiency in calculus, particularly differentiation techniques.
NEXT STEPS
  • Review the derivation of the Schrödinger equation for the simple harmonic oscillator.
  • Learn about the properties and applications of wave functions in quantum mechanics.
  • Practice calculating higher-order derivatives of functions similar to ψ2.
  • Explore the implications of energy quantization in quantum harmonic oscillators.
USEFUL FOR

Students of quantum mechanics, physicists working on harmonic oscillator models, and anyone involved in advanced calculus or differential equations in physics.

dawozel
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Homework Statement



Show that the energy of a simple harmonic oscillator in the n = 2 state is 5Planck constantω/2 by substituting the wave function ψ2 = A(2αx2- 1)e-αx2/2 directly into the Schroedinger equation, as
broken down in the following steps.

First, calculate dψ2/dx, using A for A, x for x, and a for α.

Second, calculate d2ψ2/dx2.

The Attempt at a Solution


so I got the first derivative correct, it was

A((4*a*x)*exp((-a*x^2)/2) +(2*a*x^2 -1)*(-a*x*exp((-a*x^2)/2)))but i can seem to calculate the second derivative correctly I'm getting
A((4a)(exp(( - ax^2 ) / 2)) + (4ax) * ( - ax * exp(( - ax^2) /2)) + (4ax) * ( - a xexp(( - ax^2 ) / 2)) + (2ax - 1) (a^2x^2 *exp(( - ax^2 ) / 2)))

but this incorrect, am I missing something?
 
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$$\psi_2(x)=A(2\alpha x^2-1)e^{-\frac{1}{2}\alpha x^2}$$
A((4*a*x)*exp((-a*x^2)/2) +(2*a*x^2 -1)*(-a*x*exp((-a*x^2)/2)))
$$\frac{d}{dx}\psi_2(x)=A\left[4\alpha x e^{-\frac{1}{2}\alpha x^2} - (2\alpha x^2 - 1)\alpha x e^{-\frac{1}{2}\alpha x^2}\right]$$... is pretty messy so it will be easier to make mistakes: simplify this expression first. Then try the second derivative.

You can bring an ##\alpha x \exp(-\frac{1}{2}\alpha x^2)## outside the brackets ... then deal with the terms inside the brackets.

After that I suspect it is something you can do.

note: use the "quote" button below this post to see how I got the equations to typeset like that ;)
 
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