Question about some general potential form

In summary, the conversation discusses a paper in which a general potential form is introduced and how different class of period potential can be obtained from it. The paper also mentions the use of a normalizing amplitude function, denoted as A(r), which is used to obtain specific potential functions. This function is called a normalizing amplitude function because it appears in front of the sinusoidal factor, similar to a typical wave function. The conversation also briefly touches on the topic of normalisation in quantum mechanics.
  • #1
LagrangeEuler
717
20
In paper
Phys. Rev. B 29, 3153 – Published 15 March 1984
general potential form is introduced and from that form one can obtain different class of period potential

[tex]V(u,r)=A(r)\frac{1+e\cos (2\pi u)}{[1+r^2+2r\cos (2\pi u)]^p}[/tex]
##-1<r<1## , where ##r## is real number, ##m,p## are integers, ##e=\pm 1##. In is interesting that in that paper authors call ##A(r)## normalizing amplitude function. I am not sure why?
They take for example for
##A(r)=(1-r)^4##, ## m=p=2##, ##e=1##, ##0<r<1## to obtain double well potential. Could you explain me why ##A(r)## is normalizing amplitude function?
 
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  • #2
This is my understanding of your problem.

In quantum mechanics, a wavefunction ##\psi (x)## is said to be ##\textit{normalised to unity}## if ##\int |C \psi(x)|^{2} dx = 1##, for some constant ##C##. In other words, the introduction of the multiplicative factor ##C## normalised the integral of the square of the wavefunction ##\psi (x)## to unity. Here, ##C## is called the normalisation constant.

In the same way, ##A(r)## is called a normalising function (and not a normalisation constant) because, it normalises, in the same sense as before, the general form of the potential to various specific potential functions (which are not equal to unity, in general). Furthermore, ##A(r)## is called a normalising ##\textit{amplitude}## function because, hey, it appears in front of the sinusoidal factor just as in a typical wave function ##\psi (x) = A\ cos(kx- \omega t)##.

Let me know if I've made any mistakes anywhere.
 
  • #3
Why is this in the calculus forum ?
 
  • #4
That's a good question! :biggrin:

Why in the world did I not check that before I replied? o0)
 

FAQ: Question about some general potential form

1. What is the general potential form?

The general potential form is a mathematical representation of the potential energy of a system. It is used to study the behavior of a system in terms of its potential energy and how it changes with different variables.

2. How is the general potential form calculated?

The general potential form is calculated by taking into account the different forces acting on a system, such as gravitational, electromagnetic, and nuclear forces. These forces are then integrated over the distance between particles to determine the total potential energy of the system.

3. What is the significance of the general potential form in science?

The general potential form is significant in science as it allows us to understand and predict the behavior of physical systems. It is used in fields such as physics, chemistry, and engineering to study and model systems and their potential energy.

4. Can the general potential form be applied to any system?

Yes, the general potential form can be applied to any system that experiences forces and has a potential energy. It is a universal concept in physics and can be used to study a wide range of systems, from atoms and molecules to planets and galaxies.

5. How does the general potential form relate to the concept of equilibrium?

The general potential form is closely related to the concept of equilibrium, as it helps us understand the stability and balance of a system. In an equilibrium state, the potential energy of a system is at a minimum, and any small changes in the system will result in a restoring force that brings it back to equilibrium.

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