Particle in an infinite potential well, showing the uncertainty in x

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on calculating the uncertainty in the position of a particle confined in an infinite potential well, using the energy formula E = h²n²/8ml². The participant derived the momentum p = hn/2l and applied the uncertainty principle, concluding that the uncertainty in position, Δx, must be greater than L/2πn. The participant seeks clarification on their calculations and understanding of the Hamiltonian, which is defined as H = p²/2m in this context.

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  • Understanding of quantum mechanics concepts, particularly the uncertainty principle.
  • Familiarity with the Hamiltonian operator in quantum mechanics.
  • Knowledge of energy levels in quantum systems, specifically for infinite potential wells.
  • Basic algebra and rearrangement of equations involving physical constants.
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  • Study the derivation of energy levels in infinite potential wells using quantum mechanics.
  • Learn about the uncertainty principle and its applications in quantum mechanics.
  • Explore the concept of the Hamiltonian in quantum systems and its significance.
  • Investigate the implications of momentum and position uncertainty in quantum particles.
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Students and professionals in physics, particularly those focusing on quantum mechanics, as well as educators seeking to clarify concepts related to potential wells and uncertainty principles.

SuperNomad
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I've got this question and I'm absolutely clueless, any help will be greatly appreciated:

The nth energy level for a particle of mass m confined in an infinite potential well is :

E = h^2n^2/8ml^2

where L is the width of the well and h is Planck’s constant. Assuming that the uncertainty in the particle’s momentum is equal to the momentum itself, show that the uncertainty in the particle’s position is less than the width of the well by a factor of n.
 
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Figure out it's momentum. Calculate uncertainty. Use uncertainty principle. Hint: the Hamiltonian is \frac{p^2}{2m}.
 
Don't really know what 'hamiltonian' means but anyway I substituted in p^2/2m for E

so I get p^2/2m = h^2n^2/8ml^2

re-arranging for p I get: p = hn/2l

not entirely sure where to go from here.
 
"assuming that the uncertainty in the particle’s momentum is equal to the momentum itself"
Now use the uncertainty principle.
 
so delta(x) p > h-bar/2

delta(x) hn/2L > h-bar/2

delta(x) hn/2L > h/4pi

delta(x) > L/2pi(n)

...

What have I done wrong?
 
Last edited:

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