Quantum Mechanics: Particle in a Box Periodic BC's

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around solving the Schrödinger equation for a particle in a box under periodic boundary conditions, specifically addressing the implications of the condition ψ(0)=ψ(a).

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the implications of periodic boundary conditions and discuss the need for additional conditions to solve for constants A and B. There is consideration of normalization and the relationship between the wave function's values and derivatives at the boundaries.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active, with participants providing insights into the nature of the boundary conditions and the normalization requirement. Some suggest that the existing equations may suffice to solve for the unknowns, while others propose alternative forms for the wave function to facilitate understanding.

Contextual Notes

There is mention of a potential interpretation of the periodic boundary conditions and the need for clarity on the normalization condition, which has not been explicitly stated in the original problem.

Xyius
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Homework Statement


The question says to solve the Schrödinger equation for a particle in a box with periodic conditions and then it gives.
ψ(0)=ψ(a)

The Attempt at a Solution


I used the above BC and I also did it as its derivative. (It wasn't stated but I assumed it was implied. I had no other way to solve for anything.)

Here is my work..
http://imageshack.us/a/img853/9774/qmproblem2.jpg

I was able to get the Energies, but I now have nothing left to solve for A and B! I was thinking of setting ψ(0)=0 or ψ(a)=0 but I don't know if this is correct because it is the same as the non-periodic condition.
 
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Hi.
A box is bended so that point x=0 and point x=a coincide. derivatives and value of wave function coincide there. That might be an interpretation for your question.
 
The norm of the wave function must be 1. This is the missing condition.
 
I did the normalization and came to the following...
[tex]A=\sqrt{\frac{2}{a}-B^2}[/tex]

I still need one more condition to solve for A and B...
 
You have two unknowns, A and B. You have two equations relating them with each other and a. I do not think you need anything else.
 
There are three unknowns: A, B, and k. You might find it easier to understand if you write the solution in the form ##\psi(x) = A \cos(kx+\phi)##. The normalization condition will allow you to solve for A, and like before, periodicity allows you to solve for k.
 

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