Quantum mechanics: one thousand neutrons in an infinite well

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves one thousand neutrons confined in an infinite square well, with specific boundaries and an initial wavefunction. The questions focus on determining the number of particles in a certain interval and the energy of particles at a later time.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss normalizing the initial wavefunction and the implications of time dependence on probability. There are considerations about the symmetry of the problem and potential complexities in calculating probabilities and energy expectations.

Discussion Status

Some participants have offered insights regarding the nature of probabilities in stationary states and the relevance of time in calculations. There is an ongoing exploration of how to approach the problem, with no explicit consensus reached yet.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the importance of checking calculations and the potential for interference between different states, which may affect the outcomes. The discussion also highlights the challenge of integrating over infinite summations in the context of the problem.

Broseidon
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I apologize in advance for not being familiar with LaTex.

1. Homework Statement

One thousand neutrons are in an infinite square well, with walls x=0 and x=L. The state of the particle at t=0 is :
ψ(x,0)=Ax(x-L)

How many particles are in the interval (0,L/2) at t=3?

How many particles have energy E5 at t=3s? (That is the <E> at t=3s)

Homework Equations



Wavefunction of the infinite square well: ψ(x)=Sqrt[2/L]Sin[n*Pi*x/L]

Time dependence of wavefunctions: ψ(x,t)=∑cnψn(x,t)

cn coefficients: cn=∫ψn(x)*f(x)dx

The Attempt at a Solution



This problem is quite similar to this one: https://www.physicsforums.com/threads/neutrons-in-a-one-dimensional-box.242003/, except that now, one must calculate the quantities at a later time, forcing us to construct the full time-dependent solution (I suspect).

I begin by normalizing the initial wavefunction, where I get: A=Sqrt[30/L2].

Then, in principle, we can get ψ(x,t) by calculating those cn coefficients, and plug it in the general solution (Griffiths example 2.2 does this).

Well, this is all very nice and beautiful, but let's not forget what the question asks: calculating a probability at a later time. When putting this in Born's postulate to find the probability, the time dependence (a complex exponential) cancels out, so we don't even have to opportunity to 'plug in 3s! Not to mention, the infinite summation would also give me trouble when trying to perform the integral. (I hope I made sense...)

So, does anyone have any advice on how else to attack this problem?
Thank you!

[/B]
 
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The problem can be simplified by consider the symmetry of the situation. Also, look out for red herrings.
 
Broseidon said:
I begin by normalizing the initial wavefunction, where I get: A=Sqrt[30/L2].
Check that result also.
 
Right, probability is not supposed to change with time for stationary states, and it doesn't matter if it's 3 seconds or 0 seconds.
So to calculate the probability, I can use the sin wavefunction, and I suppose the initial wavefunction must then be used in the second part, since the expectation value of energy formula involves finding the cn.
Am I missing anything else?
 
Broseidon said:
Right, probability is not supposed to change with time for stationary states, and it doesn't matter if it's 3 seconds or 0 seconds.
The probability of being in a given state doesn't change, but different states can interfere with each other. You need to see if this affects the answer here.
 

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