Quantum harmonic potential problem

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the probability of finding a particle in the classically excluded region of a harmonic potential when the particle is in the first excited state (n = 1). The total energy of the system is established as \(\frac{3}{2}\hbar\omega\). Participants emphasize the importance of determining the wave function and setting appropriate bounds for the normalization integral to quantify the probability accurately. The classically excluded region is defined as the area where the potential \(V(x)\) exceeds the total energy.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of quantum mechanics principles, specifically harmonic oscillators.
  • Familiarity with wave functions and normalization integrals.
  • Knowledge of classical limits in quantum systems.
  • Proficiency in using the Schrödinger equation for potential energy calculations.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of wave functions for quantum harmonic oscillators.
  • Learn how to compute normalization integrals for quantum states.
  • Explore the concept of classically excluded regions in quantum mechanics.
  • Investigate the implications of potential energy exceeding total energy in quantum systems.
USEFUL FOR

Students and educators in advanced physics, particularly those focusing on quantum mechanics and harmonic oscillators, will benefit from this discussion.

theWapiti
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Homework Statement



Consider a particle of mass m in a harmonic potential:
gif.latex?V(x)%20%3D%20%5Cfrac%7B1%7D%7B2%7Dm%5Comega%5E2x%5E2.gif


If the particle is in the first excited state (n = 1), what is the probability of finding the
particle in the classically excluded region?

Homework Equations



gif.latex?%5Cint%5E%7B%5Cinfty%7D_%7B%5Csqrt%7B3%7D%7Dx%5E2e%5E%7B-x%5E2%7Ddx%3D0.0495.gif


7B%5Cpartial%20x%5E2%7D%20%3D%20%5Cpsi(%5Cfrac%7Bm%5E2%5Comega%5E2x%5E2-2mE%7D%7B%5Chbar%5E2%7D).gif


The Attempt at a Solution



I sub in
ga%5E2%7D%7B%5Chbar%5E2%7D%0A%5C%5C%0A%5C%5C%0A%5Cbeta%20%3D%20%5Cfrac%7B2mE%7D%7B%5Chbar%5E2%7D.gif


and get a wave function:

7B%5Cfrac%7B1%7D%7B4%7D%7D%5Csqrt%7B2%5Calpha%7Dxe%5E%7B%5Cfrac%7B-%5Calpha%20x%5E2%7D%7B2%7D%7D.gif


But I don't know how to set my bounds for the normalization integral.

I've been advised that the classical limits are:
gif.gif


But I'm still stuck.
 
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theWapiti - the classically excluded region is where the potential [itex]V(x)[/itex] exceeds the total energy of the system, which in this case is [itex]\frac{3}{2}\hbar\omega[/itex]. You need to find out how much of your wavefunction lies in this region. The integral given will probably come in useful for doing that.

[I suggest the powers that be move this thread to "Advanced Physics Homework"]
 

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