Quantum Mechanics: Outside a (in)Finite Well

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the behavior of the wavefunction in the context of quantum mechanics, specifically regarding an infinite potential well. Participants are exploring the conditions under which the wavefunction approaches zero outside the well boundaries.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Conceptual clarification

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are attempting to understand the implications of the wavefunction being zero outside the boundaries of the well, questioning the reasoning behind constants C and D being set to zero in those regions. There is also an exploration of the normalizability condition of the wavefunction and its relation to the Schrödinger equation.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active, with participants providing insights and questioning assumptions. Some have expressed clarity on certain points, while others continue to seek further understanding of the boundary conditions and the implications of normalizability.

Contextual Notes

Participants are navigating the complexities of the wavefunction's behavior in relation to boundary conditions imposed by the infinite potential well, and there is an acknowledgment of missing explanations in the source material regarding the constants involved.

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Homework Statement


Referencing image attached.

Screen Shot 2017-08-12 at 3.35.11 PM.png


I'm not sure how the example arrived at ψ ⇒ 0 at x<0 and >L as K ⇒ ∞ in the limiting case of an infinite potential well.

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution



I tried simply applying limits to the wavefuction but in the case x<0, the answer I was arriving at was simply ∞ as the term with constant C approaches 0 and the term with constant D approaches ∞.

I'm also clueless as how ψ ⇒ 0 for x>L.

Can anyone help point out what I'm missing? Thanks in advance.
 
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Hi,
From the explanation at (b) you see that D = 0 for x < 0 . Idem C = 0 for x > 0.
Why this is so is indeed not mentioned. So: how can they claim that ?
 
I see it now, thank you for the insight!

BvU said:
Hi,
Why this is so is indeed not mentioned. So: how can they claim that ?

I assume that this is a possible solution arising out of the Schrödinger equation for a 1D finite well, and that C and D are adjusted to ensure that this wavefunction meets boundary conditions? Is this answer somewhat correct?
 
The wavefunction has to be normalizable. That excludes terms ##e^{+x}## on the far right and ##e^{-x}## on the far left.
 

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