I Proving Behavior of Particle in Infinite Potential: Wave Function?

Click For Summary
The discussion centers on understanding the behavior of a particle in an infinite potential well, commonly referred to as a "particle in a box." Participants emphasize the importance of the wave function in this context and suggest starting with foundational resources, such as Wikipedia and introductory quantum mechanics texts. The conversation highlights the complexities involved in defining operators within this model, particularly the momentum operator. Additionally, there is a mention of the wave function's collapse and its significance in quantum mechanics. Overall, the thread serves as a guide for those seeking to grasp the fundamental concepts of quantum behavior in confined systems.
loversphisics
Messages
3
Reaction score
1
Hello, guys! I have a question. How can I prove the behavior of a particle subjected to an infinite potential? Will the wave function exist?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Welcome to PF.

loversphisics said:
Hello, guys! I have a question. How can I prove the behavior of a particle subjected to an infinite potential? Will the wave function exist?
Do you mean like a particle in a box? A particle in an infinite potential well? Can you be more specific? Thanks.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Particle_in_a_box
 
berkeman said:
Welcome to PF.Do you mean like a particle in a box? A particle in an infinite potential well? Can you be more specific? Thanks.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Particle_in_a_box
Yes! It´s like a particle in a box. Do you how can i describe the wave function to this exemple ? Where do i start to solve this question ?
 
loversphisics said:
Yes! It´s like a particle in a box. Do you how can i describe the wave function to this exemple ? Where do i start to solve this question ?
Did you read the Wikipedia link that I posted? That should answer your question pretty well.
 
berkeman said:
Did you read the Wikipedia link that I posted? That should answer your question pretty well.
IMG! I hadn't seen the link above. I'll read it and anything I'll come here. Thank you very much.
 
Wave functions are interesting. Even more so their collapse.
 
Another common term for this situation is "infinite square well." If you Google for this phrase you will find many lecture notes about it. I think almost every introduction to quantum mechanics by way of Schrödinger's equation starts with this example. :smile:
 
  • Like
Likes vanhees71 and PeroK
Yes, and almost any introduction hides the subtle problems of this only apparently simple example. E.g., you cannot define a momentum operator but its square (and thus the Hamiltonian used to define the model)...
 
  • Like
Likes LittleSchwinger

Similar threads

  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
2K
  • · Replies 36 ·
2
Replies
36
Views
7K
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
1K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
2K
Replies
8
Views
2K
  • · Replies 21 ·
Replies
21
Views
2K
Replies
3
Views
3K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
1K