Understanding Quantum Mechanics with Notes and Resources

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around understanding concepts in quantum mechanics, specifically related to differential equations and potential wells as presented in a course context. The original poster seeks clarification on material from their professor's notes and a textbook, indicating a struggle with the subject matter.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants suggest that the original poster should ask specific questions about their attachment to better identify areas of confusion. There is a focus on understanding the differential equation and its relation to known systems in quantum mechanics.

Discussion Status

Some guidance has been provided regarding the relationship between the differential equation and the 1D Schrödinger equation, with hints about potential wells. The original poster has expressed gratitude for the assistance and indicated that clarification from a classmate has helped them understand the question better.

Contextual Notes

The original poster appears to be in a course on quantum mechanics and is navigating complex terminology and concepts that may not be clearly articulated in the materials they have. There is an emphasis on deciphering word problems as part of their learning process.

Biirrdd
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I have an attachement added. I was hoping someone could shine some light on anything in that attachment. I took all the prof's notes and I have the book but neither one help. I am just looking for some direction or maybe a possible alternative book to use. Please help.
 

Attachments

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    quantum mechanics.png
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Welcome to PF;
You will do much better by asking specific questions.
Why don't you comment on what strikes you about the attachment? That way we can see your thinking and thus where you need help the most.
 
I have zero idea about the whole thing...so the whole thing is striking
 
The solution to that differential equation is going to give you an answer with the form of A sin(λx) + B cos(λx). That should call to mind a certain simple system which you should be able to use to solve the first few questions.

So, which system does that differential equation, with those boundary conditions, represent?
 
Hi Aqualis; welcome to PF;
kudos for helping someone on the first post :)
the trick here is to help OP over the misunderstandings without actually doing the problem itself.

@Biirrdd: you appear to have been doing a course in QM: is that correct? That will include course notes.
The attachment is asking you about a very common potential that is usually demonstrated in class. You first task, therefore, is to go through your notes and look for something like what is in the equations.

Hint: write down the 1D Schrödinger equation and compare it with the DE shown to you.
What is V(x)? You've seen that before. Think "potential well" - what kinds do you know about?
 
Thank you for the help. I just did not understand the way the question was worded, but a classmate deciphered it for me. Thanks again!
 
Yes I figured as much ;) that was why I directed you at your course notes.
Asking a classmate is also good. It is good exercise - you are training to be able to answer questions nobody knows the answer to. These questions are seldom phrased in a familiar way, so getting you to decipher word problems is actually an important part of your education.
 

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