Multiple electrons in an infinite square well

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the arrangement of 5 electrons in an infinite square well, specifically addressing how they achieve the lowest total energy configuration. According to the Pauli exclusion principle, no two electrons can occupy the same quantum state, which dictates that the first two electrons occupy the ground state (E1), while the remaining three occupy the first excited state (E2). The total energy of the system is expressed as E∞ = (π²ħ²)/(2mL²), where ħ is the reduced Planck's constant, m is the electron mass, and L is the well width.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of quantum mechanics principles, particularly the Pauli exclusion principle.
  • Familiarity with the concept of infinite square wells in quantum physics.
  • Knowledge of energy quantization and electron configurations in quantum systems.
  • Basic mathematical skills to manipulate expressions involving Planck's constant and other physical constants.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the implications of the Pauli exclusion principle in multi-electron systems.
  • Learn about energy quantization in infinite square wells and related quantum systems.
  • Explore the derivation of energy levels in quantum mechanics, focusing on infinite potential wells.
  • Investigate the role of quantum numbers in determining electron configurations in various quantum systems.
USEFUL FOR

Students and educators in quantum mechanics, physicists studying electron behavior in confined systems, and anyone interested in the principles of quantum confinement and energy quantization.

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Homework Statement


suppose you put 5 electrons into an infinite square well. (a) how do the electrons arrange themselves to achieve the lowest total energy? (explain with help of diagram) (b) give an expression for this energy in terms of electron mass, well width L and planks constant

The Attempt at a Solution


first off, does this well act similarly to atom in the way of electron configuration?
exclusion principle says no two electrons can have same quantum numbers, does this hold?

if so then at ground level the energy of the well is given by E[tex]\infty[/tex]=([tex]\pi[/tex]2[tex]\hbar[/tex]2)/2mL2

then E1 has 2 electrons and E2 has the last 3 electrons?

or are the first two electrons in ground level?

and then the arrangement would just be linear energy levels with the electrons?
 
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Yes, the way to fill the well with the lowest possible energy is to fit as many electrons into the lowest energy states possible.

Of course the Pauli exclusion principle holds! It always holds.
 
one more little thing... does ground level have the first two electrons? or are they in the E1 level and ground level has none?
 

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