Quantum Physics help/Electron trap problem

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the energy of the ground state for a system of seven electrons in a rectangular corral with dimensions Lx = L and Ly = 1.94L. The energy levels are derived using the formula Enx,ny = h^2/(8mL^2) (nx^2 + ny^2). The user initially calculated the ground state energy as 1.266 and the first excited state as either 2.063 or 2.266, but expressed uncertainty regarding the correct approach due to the degeneracy of the energy states. Ultimately, the user concluded that the total energy for the rectangular trap should be 32 multiples of h^2/8mL^2.

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Homework Statement


A rectangular corral of widths Lx = L and Ly = 1.94L contains seven electrons. What multiple of h2/8mL2 gives the energy of the ground state of this system? Assume that the electrons do not interact with one another, and do not neglect spin.


Homework Equations


Enx,ny = h^2/(8mL^2) (nx^2 + ny^2)



The Attempt at a Solution


used (nx/Lx)^2 + (ny/Ly)^2 to solve for the energy states resulting in
ground state: 1.266
1st excited: 2.063 (or 2.266?)
2nd excited: 5.063

I feel this approach is incorrect because the 1st excited state could have two possible energy states...

obviously, after finding the states, I multiplied 2 electrons by ground, 4 by 1st, and 1 by second, but the sum jumps around the answer instead of giving me a correct answer.

I'm new to the forum posting, but you guys are always a big help for me so thanks for any input ahead of time.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
state energy
1,1 2
1,2 5
2,1 5
2,2 8

So won't the energy be 2*2 + 5*2 + 5*2 + 8*1 or 32 multiples?
 
Yes, there will be 32 multiples, but that would be assuming a square electron trap...I'm not sure how to figure out the multiples based on the trap being rectangular.
 

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