Perturbation of hydrogen energy due to nucleus

AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on estimating the energy correction to the ground state of the hydrogen atom due to the finite size of the nucleus, modeled as a uniformly charged shell. Participants are working on constructing the interaction Hamiltonian, H', and calculating the expectation value using the wave function for the ground state. There is confusion regarding the dependence of H' on the radial coordinate, with some participants initially treating it as a constant. Ultimately, it is clarified that H' should include both a constant term and a term that varies with r, leading to a more accurate representation of the perturbation. The conversation highlights the importance of correctly formulating the interaction to proceed with the perturbation calculation.
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Consider the ground state of the hydrogen atom. Estimate the correction \frac{\Delta E}{E_1s} caused by the finite size of the nucleus. Assume that it is a unifromly charged shell with radius b and the potential inside is given by \frac{-e^2}{4\pi \epsilon b}

Calculate the first order energy eorrection to the ground state and expand in \frac{b}{a_0}. Keep the leading term and observe \frac{\Delta E}{E_1s} for b = 10^-15m.

Ok, I need help in constructing the interaction W (or H'). Once I get that, I would then calculate the expectation value of it by sandwiching it between \psi_1s. Is this correct and how would I construct the interaction?

Here is what I have so far

H0 = (p^2)/2m - e^2/r and H = H0 for r > r0

H = (p^2)/2m -e^2/(4pi epsilon b) = H0 + H' for r < r0

Then I would solve for H' and use the perturbation equation. Is this correct ?

James
 
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Ok, i tried it and it is not making any sense. H' somehow does not depend on r. What am I doing wrong?

James
 
Anything guys...whatever you can suggest would be great.

James
 
The perturbation is a constant,indeed...The radius of the nucleus is a constant.And because the \psi_{1,0,0} (r,\theta,\phi) is normalized,the integration will be trivial.

Daniel.
 
Are the steps I used correct?
 
Ok, I think I made a mistake. H' does in fact depend on r.

H' = H0 + e^2/r - e^2/(4pi epsilon b)

So I am going to get a constant term plus a term that depends on r so there will be some dependence. Where am I slipping up?

James
 
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