QM, central potential, system collapse

AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on proving that a homogeneous system of spin 1/2 particles with a central, spin-independent potential V will collapse under certain conditions. The expectation value of the Hamiltonian is analyzed, focusing on how the energy per particle, (E^{(0)} + E^{(1)}) / N, behaves as density increases. It is suggested that if this energy decreases with increasing density, the system is prone to collapse. Participants express confusion about how to mathematically demonstrate this relationship, particularly regarding the impact of increasing particle numbers on the sums involved. The overall conclusion emphasizes the need for a clear mathematical approach to show the conditions leading to system collapse.
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Homework Statement


Homework Equations


(this is ~Fetter & Walecka Quantum theory of many-particle systems problem 1.2b)
Homogeneous system of spin 1/2 particles, potential V.
Expectation value of Hamiltonian in the non interacting ground state is
E^{(0)} + E^{(1)} = 2 \sum_k^{k_F} \frac{\hbar^2 k^2}{2m} + 1/2 \sum_{k \lambda}^{k_F} \sum_{k' \lambda'}^{k_F} \big[ <k\lambda k'\lambda'|V|k\lambda k'\lambda'> - <k\lambda k'\lambda'|V|k'\lambda' k\lambda>\big]

Assume V is central and spin independant
V(|x_1-x_2|) < 0 for all |x_1-x_2|
The intergral of |V(x)| is finite

Prove that the system will collapse.
Hint: start from ( E^{(0)} + E^{(1)} ) / N as a function of density

The Attempt at a Solution



If the energy per particle, ( E^{(0)} + E^{(1)} ) / N, is reduced when the density increases (which I guess means that N increases) the system will collapse.
But how do I show that, I don't see what I can do.
 
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If the particle number increases, the sums might have a few more terms, how does that reduce the number of particles?
 
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