Perturbed Hamiltonian and its affect on the eigenvalues

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the effects of a perturbed Hamiltonian on eigenvalues in quantum mechanics. The original poster expresses uncertainty regarding the interpretation of the problem, particularly due to a lack of information about the unperturbed Hamiltonian.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the formulation of the total Hamiltonian and the separation of unperturbed and perturbed components. There is a focus on understanding the changes in eigenvalues as a result of perturbation theory.

Discussion Status

Some participants are exploring different interpretations of the problem, particularly regarding the nature of the Hamiltonian matrix provided. Guidance has been offered on how to structure the Hamiltonian, but there is no explicit consensus on the interpretation of the eigenvalue changes.

Contextual Notes

There is a noted ambiguity regarding the information provided in the problem statement, particularly about the unperturbed Hamiltonian, which may affect the participants' understanding and approach to the question.

pondzo
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Homework Statement



ps4 QM.PNG


Homework Equations



$$E_n^{(2)}=\sum_{k\neq n}\frac{|H_{kn}'|^2}{E_n^{(0)}-e_k^{(0)}}$$

The Attempt at a Solution



Not sure where to start here. The question doesn't give any information about the unperturbed Hamiltonian. Some guidance on the direction would be great! Cheers.
 
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Start by writing out ##H_T = H_0 + H'##, where ##H_T## is the total Hamiltonian, the matrix of which is given in the question, ##H_0## the unperturbed Hamiltonian whose elements do not contain ##\lambda##, and ##H'## the perturbation term which is proportional to ##\lambda##.
 
Hi blue_leaf! Thanks for that, I just realized that I interpreted the question wrong. I thought the matrix given was only the unperturbed Hamiltonian.

So I have separated it into its un/pertrubed matrices. I just don't think I understand what the question is asking, when it says the change in eigenvalues.

##E_1\approx E_1^{(0)}+E_1^{(1)}+E_1^{(2)}##
##~~~~~=E_0+0-\frac{4}{7}E_0\lambda^2##

##E_2\approx E_2^{(0)}+E_2^{(1)}+E_2^{(2)}##
##~~~~~=8E_0+0+\frac{4}{7}E_0\lambda^2##

##E_3\approx E_3^{(0)}+E_3^{(1)}+E_3^{(2)}##
##~~~~~=3E_0+E_0\lambda+0##

##E_4\approx E_4^{(0)}+E_4^{(1)}+E_4^{(2)}##
##~~~~~=7E_0+0+0##

So are the changes in the eigenvalues ##-\frac{4}{7}E_0\lambda^2,~\frac{4}{7}E_0\lambda^2,~E_0\lambda \text{ and } 0## respectively ?
 
I think the full expressions of the new energies are what the questions asks.
 

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