Linear Harmonic Oscillator Quantum Mechanics

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a linear harmonic oscillator in quantum mechanics, specifically analyzing the wave function at time t = 0 and determining the possible energy values that can be measured from this state. The original poster expresses uncertainty about how to approach the problem, which involves recognizing eigenfunctions and their corresponding energy eigenvalues.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the need to identify eigenfunctions of the linear harmonic oscillator and question the differences between harmonic oscillators. There are inquiries about the use of ladder operators and the nature of the wave function provided in the problem. Some participants attempt to relate the given wave function to known eigenfunctions and explore the concept of expansion coefficients.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants providing insights into the nature of the wave function and the importance of expansion coefficients. Some guidance has been offered regarding the identification of non-vanishing coefficients in the expansion of the wave function, but there is no explicit consensus on the approach to take.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the challenge of finding reference materials specifically addressing the linear harmonic oscillator, as much of the available literature focuses on the general harmonic oscillator. There are also mentions of potential confusion regarding the definitions and roles of various symbols and terms used in the context of quantum mechanics.

  • #31
says said:

Homework Statement


A linear harmonic oscillator with frequency ω = hbar / M is at time t = 0 in the state described by the wave-function:
Ψ(x,0) = C( 1 + √2x) e-x2/2

Determine the values of energy which can be measured in this state.

I'm not really sure where to start this question and was wondering if someone could help me get the ball rolling.

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution

The idea is to write the wave function given to you as a linear combination of the harmonic oscillator wave functions. By that I mean you write

\Psi(x,0) = C_0 \Psi_0(x,0) + C_1 \Psi_1(x,0) + C_2 \Psi_2(x,0) + \ldots

where the coefficients ##C_0,C_1,C_2 \ldots ## are unknowns for now and by ##\Psi_0(x,0), \Psi_1(x,0) \ldots ## I mean the wave functions of the harmonic oscillator corresponding to n=0, n=1, n=2, etc.

Now, your goal is to determine the values of the unknown coefficients ##C_0,C_1,C_2 \ldots ##. In fact, you need to do something simpler: just determine which ones are nonzero. Do you see how to do that? (hint: you must work with each power of x times the exponential separately.)
 

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