Quantum Mechanics Question 1-D Well

AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around a homework problem involving quantum mechanics and the calculation of the length of quantum wires modeled as a 1-D infinite potential well. The longest absorbed wavelength is given as 0.44 mm, leading to an energy calculation using E = hc/λ, resulting in 0.0028182 eV. The participant attempts to find the wire length using the energy formula for a quantum well but arrives at 11.555 nm instead of the expected 20 nm. The participant seeks clarification on where their calculations may have gone wrong, expressing concern about posting in the correct forum. The conversation highlights the complexities of applying quantum mechanics principles to practical problems.
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Homework Statement



Light of various wavelengths is shined on a collection of "quantum wires" all of the same length. Each 'wire' consists of an electron trapped in a carbon nanotube, which we approximate as a 1-D infinite potential well of a width equal to the length of the wire.

It is observed that the longest wavelength that is absorbed by the collection of wires (corresponding to an electronic excitation in each wire), is 0.44 mm. What is the length of each wire?


Homework Equations



En = (h^2/(8mL^2))n^2
E = hc/lamda

The Attempt at a Solution



Ok, so I actually know the answer to this question. It is 20 nanometers. I can't figure out what I'm doing wrong, though. Here is what I did:

First calculate the energy being absorbed:

E = hc/lamda = 1240 / (.44*10^6) = .0028182

Then I use that to find L, the length of the wire (width of the potential well):

E1 = (h^2/(8mL^2))1^2
L^2 = (1.505/(4*.0028182))
L = (1.505/(4*.0028182))^.5 = 11.555 nm

The answer should be 20 nm, where and how did I go wrong?
 
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Did I post this in the wrong forum? I see a lot of quantum mechanics in the advanced physics forum.
 
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