QM - Wedge-shaped potential - Uncertainty Principle

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a quantum mechanics problem involving a wedge-shaped potential and its implications related to the uncertainty principle. Participants express varying levels of familiarity with the topic and seek clarification on the setup and relevant equations.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the nature of the wedge-shaped potential and its graphical representation. Some express confusion about the physical setup, questioning whether it involves two conductor plates forming an angle. Others reflect on their understanding of potential functions and the time-independent Schrödinger equation.

Discussion Status

The conversation is ongoing, with participants sharing their thoughts and attempting to clarify the problem's context. Some guidance has been offered regarding the need to solve the Schrödinger equation and analyze wavefunctions, but no consensus has been reached on the approach to take.

Contextual Notes

Participants note their struggles with quantum mechanics concepts and the challenge of recalling relevant calculations after a long time. There is an acknowledgment of the need for patience and understanding in the discussion.

wombat4000
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Homework Statement


See lower down for question

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



I have been trying to find help with this question on the net and in my textbooks. I am really struggling with QM, i don't know where to start - i appreciate what the graph of the wedge-shaped potential looks like but i just don't understand the rest of it.
 
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Does it mean that one has two conductor plates with the edges close or touching (but well insulated) and the planes form an angle (looking along the planes parallel to the closer for common edges?

Also, please be patient and don't bump with multiple posts.
 
That would make sense i guess.

(Sorry about the multiple posts - i couldn't post the URL without having 15 or more posts.)
 
still no joy though.
 
OK, now I get it. I was think an electostatic problem, which this isn't.


I presume one has an idea of what to do if one has a potential V(x).


Well the potential in infinite for x < 0. V(0) = 0, and V(x) = bx, x >0, so it inreases linearly with slope b, i.e. like a ramp function, as opposed to being constant, for example.


It's been 30+ years since I've done this type of calc, so bear with me, and I'll get others to look in.
 
much appreciated.
 
I think you need to solve the time independent Schrödinger equation for this potential, find the stationary state wavefunctions, and then find the standard deviations and variances of the momentum and position
 

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