Particle of mass m in a box of length L Quantum Mechanics

In summary, the conversation discusses the solution to a quantum mechanics problem involving the Schrodinger equation and the expectation value. The first part involves solving the equation to obtain the energy, with the assumption that the potential inside the box is zero. The second part discusses the fundamental postulate of quantum mechanics and how it relates to measuring the energy of the system.
  • #1
FloridaGators
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1. http://img10.imageshack.us/img10/8602/232cw.jpg /b][/URL]

Homework Equations


http://img199.imageshack.us/img199/484/232ag.jpg

sorry about the insert pictures, i don't know how to type up the eqns easily

The Attempt at a Solution


Now I know that outside the box the schrodinger equation should give 0 right. I'm just not sure how to go about (a) and (b). (c) The expectation value is pretty straightforward in that you just evalutate <psi|omega|psi>/<psi|psi> with the boundaries from 0 to L and we know the denominator here is 1 since it's normalized.
 
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  • #2
I think for part(a) .. you have to solve the schroedinger`s equation to obtain the energy and you know that the potential inside the box is zero , so go from there ..
 
  • #3
One fundamental postulate of QM is that if you make an observation, then you collapse the state of the particle into an eigenstate of the observable. Eigenstates of the Hamiltonian (the energy observable) are exactly the solutions to the Schroedinger equation. From this information, can you see what are the possibilities when you measure the energy of the system?
 

1. What is the uncertainty principle in regards to a particle of mass m in a box of length L in quantum mechanics?

The uncertainty principle states that it is impossible to know the exact position and momentum of a particle at the same time. This means that the more precisely we know the position of a particle, the less we know about its momentum, and vice versa.

2. How does the size of the box affect the energy levels of the particle?

The energy levels of a particle in a box are directly related to the size of the box. As the size of the box increases, the energy levels become more closely spaced. This means that the energy difference between levels becomes smaller, resulting in a larger number of energy levels.

3. How does the mass of the particle affect its energy levels in a box of length L in quantum mechanics?

The mass of the particle also affects the energy levels in a box of length L. A heavier particle will have higher energy levels compared to a lighter particle in the same box. This is because the energy levels are proportional to the mass of the particle.

4. How does the concept of wave-particle duality apply to a particle in a box of length L in quantum mechanics?

In quantum mechanics, particles are described as both waves and particles. This means that a particle in a box of length L can exhibit wave-like behavior, such as interference and diffraction, in addition to the expected particle-like behavior. This is known as wave-particle duality.

5. What is the significance of the boundary conditions in a particle in a box of length L in quantum mechanics?

The boundary conditions, such as the position and size of the box, play a crucial role in determining the energy levels and behavior of a particle in a box. These conditions affect the wave function of the particle, which in turn determines its energy and behavior. Therefore, the boundary conditions are essential in understanding the quantum mechanical properties of a particle in a box.

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