Is Ψ2Px an Eigenfunction of L2 or Lz in Quantum Mechanics?

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around whether the wave function Ψ2Px, defined as [Ψ2p+1 + Ψ2p-1]1/2, is an eigenfunction of the angular momentum operators L2 or Lz in quantum mechanics. Participants explore the implications of this question, including the quantum numbers associated with the wave function.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant asks if Ψ2Px is an eigenfunction of L2 or Lz and requests clarification on the values of l and m.
  • Another participant suggests applying the operators to determine if Ψ2Px is an eigenfunction and interprets the notation as involving electron spin states.
  • A participant inquires about the eigenvalue equation for operators like H, L2, or Lz and how it relates to the wave function.
  • Clarifications are made regarding the notation of the wave function, emphasizing the square root and its implications.
  • There is a suggestion to review quantum numbers and the spdf notation to better understand the context of the wave function.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on whether Ψ2Px is an eigenfunction of L2 or Lz, and the discussion remains unresolved with multiple viewpoints and interpretations presented.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations in the clarity of the notation used and the assumptions regarding the application of operators. The discussion also reflects varying levels of familiarity with quantum mechanics concepts among participants.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals interested in quantum mechanics, particularly those studying angular momentum and wave functions, may find this discussion beneficial.

kenyanchemist
Messages
24
Reaction score
2
hi, am major new on quantum mechanics. please help me understand. is the real wave function
Ψ2Px= [Ψ2p+1 +Ψ2p-1]1/2 an eigen function of L2 or Lz?
if so, how is it?
and if so kindly explain the values of l and m
thanks
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Good question - did you apply the operators to find out?

If I am reading your notation correctly as:
##\psi_{2p,x} = \frac{1}{\sqrt{2}}\left(\psi_{2p,+1}+\psi_{2p,-1}\right)##
This says that the 2p state for, say, a hydrogen atom, is equally likely to involve the electron spin up or spin down.
The "2" is the energy eigenstate number, the "p" is from "s,p,d,f..." notation, and is the orbital angular momentum state number. You can look these up.
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: bhobba
By all means tell me more... you are being a major help.
So how would I go about applying
And from the explanation you've just given above am guessing l and m are normal quantum number values
 
Let's say we have an operator A, an eigenvalue a and the corresponding eigenfunction \psi_a. How does the eigenvalue equation look like?

What do you get if you replace A by H, L^2 or L_z and \psi_a by \psi_{n,l,m}?
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: bhobba
Oh and the entire equation in the brackets are to the power of 1/2 (square root) not multiplied by the root of 1/2
Sorry I think there was a font issue there
 
the entire equation in the brackets are to the power of 1/2 (square root) not multiplied by the root of 1/2
Sorry I think there was a font issue there
No - I was just assuming someone made a mistake.

What you wrote was:

Ψ2Px= [Ψ2p+1 +Ψ2p-1]1/2

Another interpretation would be: ##\psi_{2px} = \left[ \psi_{2p+1}+\psi_{2p-1}\right]^{1/2}##
... but that does not make any sense, though it looks like it can be used to answer the questions.

So how would I go about applying
... how would you normally go about applying an operator?
(By the time you get to see angular momentum in QM, you have met operators and how to apply them: go back through your notes.)

And from the explanation you've just given above am guessing l and m are normal quantum number values
... have you looked up "spdf notation" yet?
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electron_configuration

The quantum numbers for an atomic state are n,l,m(,s) - so ##H\psi_{nlm} = E_n\psi_{nlm}##
... for hydrogen, ##E_n=-13.6\text{eV}/n^2##. The advantage of doing QM this way is that you don't have to do lots of differentiating and integrating.
Also see: http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/quantum/qangm.html

Note: you have received some suggestions and some questions designed to help you.
If you do not follow suggestions and do not answer questions, we cannot help you.
We can only point in the right sort of direction - you have to do the work.
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: kenyanchemist
Yes I have followed the your suggestions and I have checked out the spdf notations... it has been a great help...thanks a lot
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
1K
  • · Replies 22 ·
Replies
22
Views
2K
  • · Replies 16 ·
Replies
16
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • · Replies 61 ·
3
Replies
61
Views
6K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
2K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K