Probability of measuring E in a Hydrogen atom, and expectation values

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the quantum mechanics of the hydrogen atom, specifically focusing on the energy eigenstates and their properties. The original poster presents a linear combination of energy eigenstates and poses questions regarding the probabilities of measuring specific energy levels, expectation values of angular momentum operators, and the parity of the state.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the calculation of probabilities associated with energy measurements and express uncertainty about the correctness of their results. There is a focus on the interpretation of the eigenvalues and the implications of the orthonormality of the states. Some participants question whether the original poster's calculations for the probabilities and expectation values are accurate.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively engaging with the problem, raising questions about the calculations and exploring different interpretations of the results. There is a recognition of potential errors in the probability calculations, and some guidance is offered regarding the need to consider the modulus of the amplitudes squared. However, no consensus has been reached on the correct values or methods.

Contextual Notes

There is an indication that the original poster may be confused about how to properly account for the coefficients in front of the eigenstates when calculating probabilities and expectation values. Additionally, there is a concern about the sum of the probabilities exceeding one, which suggests a need for careful consideration of the normalization of the state.

Dixanadu
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Homework Statement


Hey guys, so here's the question:
The energy eigenstates of the hydrogen atom \psi_{n,l,m} are orthonormal and labeled by three quantum numbers: the principle quantum number n and the orbital angular momentum eigenvalues l and m. Consider the state of a hydrogen atom at t=0 given by a linear combination of states:
\Psi=\frac{1}{3}(2\psi_{0,0,0}+2\psi_{2,1,0}+\psi_{3,2,2})

(a) What is the probability to find in a measurement of energy E_{1}, E_{2}, E_{3}?

(b) Find the expectation values of the energy \vec{\hat{L}}^{2} and L_{z}.

(c) Does this state have definite parity? (HINT: use orthonormality of the \psi_{n,l,m} and the known eigenvalues of \psi_{n,l,m} with respect to \hat{H}, \vec{\hat{L}}^{2}, \hat{L}_{z}.


Homework Equations



So here's what we need I think:

Eigenvalues of \vec{\hat{L}}^{2} = \hbar^{2}l(l+1)
Eigenvalues of \hat{L}_{z} = \hbar m
Eigenvalues of \hat{H} = E_{n}..right?

The Attempt at a Solution



so for part (a)...is this just really trivial, that the E_{1}=\frac{2}{3}, E_{2}=\frac{2}{3}, E_{3}=\frac{1}{3} or am I missing something?

(b) I've got something pretty weird...like <\vec{\hat{L}}^{2}>=\frac{8}{3}\hbar^{2} and <\hat{L}_{z}>=\frac{2}{3}\hbar which doesn't seem right to me...

(c) I have no idea!

could you guys gimme a hand please?

thanks a lot!
 
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Dixanadu said:
so for part (a)...is this just really trivial, that the E_{1}=\frac{2}{3}, E_{2}=\frac{2}{3}, E_{3}=\frac{1}{3} or am I missing something?

Remember, the probabilities are from the modulus of the amplitudes squared.
Dixanadu said:
(b) I've got something pretty weird...like <\vec{\hat{L}}^{2}>=\frac{8}{3}\hbar^{2} and <\hat{L}_{z}>=\frac{2}{3}\hbar which doesn't seem right to me...
Would you be willing to show some work?
 
You might also have noticed that if you added up the three probabilities you got, they sum to more than 1, which should strike you as wrong.
 
as far as the probabilities go, is the correct answer then:
E_{1}=\frac{4}{9}, E_{2}=\frac{4}{9}, E_{3}=\frac{1}{9}?

And yea, i'll show u my working for part (b), but I am a bit confused cos of the factors. I'll type it in word:
http://imageshack.com/a/img21/6121/81jv.jpg
 
Last edited by a moderator:
I have a hunch that I'm not meant to multiply by the factors already in front of the \psi's...
 

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