Quantum number and wave vector

In summary, the conversation discusses the use of quantum numbers and wave vectors to describe the state of a particle. The relationship between the two is that they are different representations, with quantum numbers representing the position of the particle on a sphere and wave vectors representing a discrete set of allowed wavenumbers based on boundary conditions. The context also mentions the use of different bases and the inability to simultaneously diagonalize certain operators.
  • #1
ewilibrium
5
0
Hello!

Can you help me a question?

-The particle was describeb by 3 quantum number: n,l,m (not consider the spin).
-But in Solid books, writer often use wave vector [tex]\vec{k}[/tex] to describe state of particle. That is kx, ky and kz with 3 dimension of coordinate.

Then, what relation with 3 quantum number with 3 wave number?
 
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  • #2
Your context is very vague, but based on what I've encountered in textbooks is that n,m,l are scaled wavenumbers, so that they can take integer values.
Normally the wavevector can take any value, but if you impose strict boundary conditions on the position (limit the position to a square well, or apply periodic boundary conditions) the allowed wavenumbers become a discrete set. For reference it is then sometimes useful to refer to the states by integers.
 
  • #3
ewilibrium said:
Hello!

Can you help me a question?

-The particle was describeb by 3 quantum number: n,l,m (not consider the spin).
-But in Solid books, writer often use wave vector [tex]\vec{k}[/tex] to describe state of particle. That is kx, ky and kz with 3 dimension of coordinate.

Then, what relation with 3 quantum number with 3 wave number?

You are using different basis.

The first (nlm) is the Basis where Lz is diagonal, but you cannot diagonalized Lz simoultaneusly with Px (remeber that: P|k>=K|k>).
infact [Lz,Px]=Py and so on.

They are just 2 different Representations.
It depends which kind of experiment u have to perform.
 
  • #4
Thanks you very much!
Then I can say n,l,m include posittion of the particle?
 
  • #5
ewilibrium said:
Thanks you very much!
Then I can say n,l,m include posittion of the particle?

On the sphere obviously. see spherical armonics.

bye marco
 

Related to Quantum number and wave vector

1. What is a quantum number?

A quantum number is a numerical value that is used to describe the energy levels and properties of an electron in an atom. It helps to determine the position, energy, and spin of an electron within an atom.

2. How many types of quantum numbers are there?

There are four types of quantum numbers: principal quantum number, azimuthal quantum number, magnetic quantum number, and spin quantum number.

3. What is the relationship between quantum numbers and electron shells?

The principal quantum number is directly related to the electron shell, with larger numbers representing higher energy levels and larger orbits. The other quantum numbers help to further specify the position and properties of the electrons within the shell.

4. What is the significance of the spin quantum number?

The spin quantum number indicates the direction of an electron's spin, which can be either "up" or "down". This is important because electrons with opposite spins can occupy the same orbital, allowing for more efficient electron pairing and stability within an atom.

5. What is the wave vector in quantum mechanics?

The wave vector, also known as the propagation vector, is a mathematical quantity that describes the direction and magnitude of a wave in quantum mechanics. It is used to calculate the momentum and energy of particles in quantum systems.

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