How to Apply Hermite Polynomial for Physics Problems

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the application of Hermite polynomials in physics problems, particularly in the context of quantum mechanics. Participants explore definitions, mathematical methods, and references for further reading.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses uncertainty about how to apply Hermite polynomials to physics problems and questions the methods used for analysis.
  • Another participant provides a definition of Hermite polynomials, noting that the physicist's definition may not initially appear polynomial in form.
  • A participant suggests that Hermite polynomials are significant in the context of the quantum-mechanical harmonic oscillator, referencing their presence in standard quantum mechanics texts.
  • Further recommendations for literature on Hermite polynomials and their applications in physics are provided, including works by Arfken, Boas, Riley, and Lebedev.
  • One participant mentions the importance of starting with a basic physics text or course to understand how to solve physics problems effectively.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the specific methods for applying Hermite polynomials, and multiple viewpoints regarding their definitions and applications are presented.

Contextual Notes

Some assumptions about the familiarity with mathematical methods and physics concepts are not explicitly stated, and the discussion does not resolve the specifics of applying Hermite polynomials in various contexts.

Who May Find This Useful

Readers interested in the mathematical methods used in physics, particularly in quantum mechanics, may find this discussion relevant.

Alaguraja
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I have doubt since a long time, that is How we apply the Hermite polynomial for a physics problem. And I don't know weather everyone known about how the analyze a physics problem and how do they apply a correct mathematical methods?
 
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This will clear your "ancient" doubt.
There are several ways that Hermite polynomials can be defined, but the one used by physicists is this: the Hermite polynomial of degree
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is defined as
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At first glance, this doesn’t look like a polynomial at all, since it contains only exponentials. But if we calculate the first few, we can see that we get a sequence of polynomials:

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Thank you Mr. John
 
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The pleasure was all mine.
 
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You can find a short discussion of Hermite polynomials in a book on mathematical methods. I have the one written by Arfken, but I'm sure others (those by Boas or Riley) will cover it, too. An in-depth treatment is in Lebedev, Special Functions and Their Applications, which also has excellent coverage of the other important functions (polynomials, Bessel functions, spherical harmonics, etc.) with many physics applications. It's a Dover book so it's inexpensive.

Finally, Hermite polynomials are famous as the solution to the one dimensional quantum-mechanical harmonic oscillator. You can find this physics application in all quantum mechanics books. For an undergrad QM text, see any of the standards like Griffith, Shankar, Liboff, or an inexpensive used copy of E. Anderson.

As to the general question of how to solve physics problems, I think you need to start with a course or a basic physics text. It is traditional to start with mechanics.
 
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Thank you Mr.Marcus
 

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