Potential Barrier help starting problem

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a problem involving an infinite potential barrier described by a Dirac delta function in quantum mechanics. The original poster attempts to solve the time-independent Schrödinger equation for a particle incident upon this potential barrier, focusing on the wavefunctions in two regions defined by the barrier's position.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the formulation of wavefunctions for regions x < 0 and x > 0, questioning the correctness of the proposed solutions and the definitions of variables. There are attempts to derive matching conditions and clarify the integration of the Schrödinger equation.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active, with participants providing feedback on the original poster's attempts. Some participants question the definitions and assumptions made in the problem setup, while others suggest revisiting the integration process and the treatment of the delta function in different regions.

Contextual Notes

There are indications of confusion regarding the use of variables and the application of the delta function in the context of the potential barrier. Participants are also addressing the need for clarity in the mathematical expressions used in the problem.

jahaition
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Homework Statement



Infinite Potential Barrier
particle moving in one dimension is incident upon a potential barrier given by V (x) = Gδ(x) where δ(x) is the Dirac delta function and G is a constant with units of energy times distance. (The delta function must have units of inverse distance because its integral is unity.)

1. Solve the time independent Schrödinger equation to find the wavefunctions uE(x) in the two regions x < 0 and x > 0. Be sure to define all your variables.

2.Write down (but do not yet solve) the two matching conditions at x = 0 in terms of the various wavefunction amplitudes

3.Solve the two equations and find the reflection and transmission coefficients for the barrier in terms of the energy of particle and the constant G.

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution



1. U=Ae^ikx + Be^-ikx, x<0
U=Ce^kx + De^-kx, x>0
 
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Your solution for x>0 isn't correct.

You need to put a bit more effort into working problems on your own before you can receive help here.
 
write down Schrödinger eqn and integrate it so as to find a condition between the coefficients,you used while defining the U's.(you have forgotten i somewhere)
 
-h^2/2m (ψ'') + V(u)=Eu

I. x<0
ψ''+(2m/h)E=0
K^2=2mE/h

ψ=Ae^ikx +Be^-ikx

II. x>0
ψ''+(2m/h)(Gδ(x)-E)=0
K^2=(2m/h)(Gδ(x)-E)

ψ=Ce^kx +Be^-kx => ψ=Be^-kx

This what i got, did i make a mistake somewhere?
 
Yes, for starters, what is u? Is it your independent variable, as suggested by your writing V(u)? If so, then what's x supposed to be? Why doesn't it show up in your subsequent work?

Why did you include the delta function for x>0 but not x<0? Should it be there for x<0, or should it not be there for x>0?
 

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