Perturbation theory energy shift for hydrogen atom

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around perturbation theory applied to the energy shift of hydrogenic states in quantum mechanics, specifically focusing on the relativistic corrections to the hydrogen atom's energy levels.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the transition from the Hamiltonian minus potential to a specific expression involving energy levels and constants. Questions arise about the definitions of terms like delK and V(r), as well as the implications of the potential's form.

Discussion Status

Some participants are clarifying definitions and relationships between terms, while others are attempting to understand the steps taken in the lecturer's derivation. There is an ongoing exploration of the mathematical expressions involved without reaching a consensus on the interpretation.

Contextual Notes

There is mention of specific constants and their definitions, such as alpha and the potential V(r), which are relevant to the problem but not fully detailed in the discussion. The context suggests that participants are working within the constraints of a homework assignment.

philip041
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I'm trying to follow some working by lecturer;

Treating delK (previously found in first bit of question), show that the energy En of the usual hydrogenic state [nlm> is shifted by some expression given.

basically we start with

<br /> <br /> \[<br /> \frac{1}{2m_{0}c^{2}} \left\langle nlm\right|\left(\hat{H_{0}} - V\left(r\right)\right)^{2}\left|nlm\right\rangle<br /> \]<br /> <br />

and it goes to

<br /> <br /> <br /> \[<br /> \frac{1}{2m_{0}c^{2}} \left\langle nlm\right|\left(E_{n}+\frac{\alpha\hbar c}{r}\right)^{2}\left|nlm\right\rangle<br /> \]<br /> <br />

I don't understand what he has done top replace the H - V?

Cheers
 
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Hello Philip041 :smile:

Could you describe what delK is? From what I can see, this looks like the first order relativistic correction to the hydrogen atom, commonly found in the fine structure correction (minus the spin orbit coupling).
 
philip041 said:
I don't understand what he has done top replace the H - V?

Hi philip041! :smile:

Well, H0|nlm> = En|nlm> by definition.

What is V(r)?

(it's presumably defined so that V(r)|nlm> is approximately (ahc/r)|nlm>)
 
In that step Professor Heath has taken the potential given in the question (4th line down from the question number) and worked on it using the definition of alpha.

V\left(r\right) = -\frac{e^{2}}{4\pi\epsilon_{0}r}

\alpha = \frac{e^{2}}{4\pi\epsilon_{0}\hbar c}

\alpha\hbar c = \frac{e^{2}}{4\pi\epsilon_{0}}

So, V\left(r\right) = -\frac{\alpha\hbar c}{r}

\left(H_{0}-V\left(r\right)\right) = \left(H_{0} + \frac{\alpha\hbar c}{r}\right)


Ta Da!
 
Last edited:
I looked at your profile yesterday(!) by chance and thought 'only Jew Dave would call himself that', I'm assuming it is Jew Dave? Or Gayer than Gay Dave.. Cheers for the heads up. Hope revision's going well. I think I will be getting a 2:2 at this rate, I'm holding out for Bristol to flood so we can't take exams...
 
I hope my previous post doesn't constitute bad banter, they are legitimate nicknames of people on my course...
 
The question is: which phil are you??

Dave
 
How many Daves and Phils are there in your place? :smile:

and isn't there a tiny-dave or a tiny-phil? :-p
 
I can think of at least 3 Phil's in this lecture course, and there's probably a similar number of Daves. I suppose if you want I can be tiny-dave too, I'm only 6'2''...

Dave
 
  • #10
I'm the cool one
 
  • #11
demonstrated by association with this forum
 

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