Quantum harmonic oscillator in electric field

Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a quantum harmonic oscillator subjected to an external electric field. The original poster is tasked with finding the probability of the oscillator's energy being in a specific state after the electric field is applied, having already solved the Schrödinger equation for the system.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the general method for calculating probabilities in quantum mechanics, questioning the need for state vectors when the Hamiltonian and energy eigenvalues are known. There is also a request for a step-by-step explanation of the solution process.

Discussion Status

The conversation is ongoing, with participants expressing frustration over the lack of examples and guidance. Some have emphasized the importance of self-discovery in learning, while others are seeking clarification on the absence of state vectors despite having solved the Schrödinger equation.

Contextual Notes

There is a noted constraint regarding the original poster's access to examples or resources that could aid in understanding the problem. Additionally, there is a sense of urgency and frustration expressed by participants regarding the complexity of the topic.

mbijei
Messages
2
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


There is a harmonic oscillator with charge q and sudenly we turn on external electric field E, which direction is the same as oscillator's. We need to find probability, that particles energy calculated in electric field will be in m state.
n=1, m=2

2. Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution


So I've solved Schrödinger's equation for harmonic oscillator in electric field and found needed energy eigenvalue, but I don't know how to find probability.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
How do you usually calculate probabilities in quantum mechanics? In other words, if the particle is in state ##\lvert \psi \rangle## and you want to know the probability you'll find it in state ##\lvert \phi \rangle##, what do you do?
 
That's the point, I don't have state vectors ∣ψ⟩ and ∣ϕ⟩. I only have Hamiltonian and energy eigenvalue.
 
You said you solved the Schrödinger equation. How can you not have the state vectors?
 
Could someone PLEASE explain this solution step by step? I have this very same problem (except both n and m are equal to 1) and i can't find any examples how to solve this kind of problems anywhere..
 
No, that's not how it works here. We don't provide solutions. You need to try figure it out. That's how you learn.
 
Well I've been trying since yesterday and I'm pretty frustrated by now. I've searched everywhere for at least one example on how to solve this kind of problem and found nothing. I'm probably not the brightest kid and i seem to be unable to figure it all out just by myself..
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Replies
11
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
7K
Replies
4
Views
3K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
4K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
7K