QM - Transmission coefficient for square well

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves calculating the transmission coefficient for electrons encountering a square potential well. The context is quantum mechanics, specifically dealing with wave functions and tunneling phenomena.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the assignment of values to variables and the calculation of the transmission coefficient using a provided formula. Some participants express confusion over the calculations and the correct application of mathematical identities.

Discussion Status

There is ongoing dialogue regarding the calculations and assumptions made in the problem. Some participants have offered corrections to the formula and discussed discrepancies in numerical results. The discussion reflects a collaborative effort to identify errors and clarify the mathematical approach.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the importance of correctly interpreting mathematical identities and ensuring accurate input values in calculations. There is acknowledgment of potential mistakes in transcription and understanding of the formula components.

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Homework Statement



A steady stream of 5 eV electrons impinges on a square well of depth 10 eV. The width of the well is 7.65 * 10^-11 m. What fraction of electrons are transmitted?

Homework Equations


The following equation for the transmission coefficient, T, is given:
T = [1 + \frac{V_0 ^2 sinh^2 κa}{4E(V_0 - E)}]^-1 (**that is meant to be ^-1 for the whole bracket - apologies, this is my first time using LaTex**)
Where κ^2 = \frac{8mπ^2}{h^2}(V_0 - E)

We are also provided with a not-so-subtle hint that sinh~iθ = i~sinh~θ

The Attempt at a Solution



So I have assigned the following values based on the information:

a = 7.65 * 10^-11 m
E = 5 eV
V = - 10 eV
m = 9.11 * 10^-31 kg

It then seems like it should be very straightforward. I calculate ka and found this to be 1.52i. Then using the definition of sinh I calculate sinh^2 κa = -4.73.
Plugging the other values in I arrive at T = 0.388 which seemed reasonable to me, but... The postgrad who marked my work fed back to me that the numerical answer he had was T = 0.75.
I'd be really grateful if someone can check the calculation for me, because it's really bugging me that I can't see my error.
Thanks in advance.
 
Last edited:
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The h in the denominator for κ2 should be h2, I guess.

I can confirm 1.52i, but if I put this in the final formula I get 0.75.
Well, WolframAlpha does.
 
Thank you, yes it should be h^2, I've now corrected that. I guess I'll go through the figures again carefully :/
 
I've realized my stupid mistake. I copied down the identity incorrectly. A moments thought and I would have seen that sinh~iθ = i~sinh~θ is nonsense :rolleyes: embarrassing
 

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