Question about some general potential form

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the general potential form introduced in a specific paper, focusing on the role of the normalizing amplitude function, ##A(r)##, within the context of quantum mechanics and potential theory. Participants explore the implications of this function in relation to specific potential forms, including a double well potential.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions why ##A(r)## is referred to as a normalizing amplitude function in the context of the general potential form.
  • Another participant explains that in quantum mechanics, a wavefunction is normalized to unity through a constant, drawing a parallel to how ##A(r)## normalizes the potential function to specific forms.
  • The second participant also notes that ##A(r)## is termed an amplitude function because it appears similarly to the amplitude in wavefunctions.
  • A participant raises a concern about the relevance of the discussion to the calculus forum, prompting a light-hearted acknowledgment of the oversight.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the appropriateness of the forum for this discussion, with no consensus on the relevance of the topic to calculus.

Contextual Notes

The discussion does not resolve the question of why ##A(r)## is termed a normalizing amplitude function, and assumptions regarding the definitions and implications of normalization in quantum mechanics remain unaddressed.

LagrangeEuler
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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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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.
 
Why is this in the calculus forum ?
 
That's a good question! :biggrin:

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

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