Schrodinger equation for N particles in a box

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the Schrödinger equation for N particles in a box, focusing on the identification of microstates and the implications of particle statistics (bosons vs. fermions) on energy state placement. It includes theoretical considerations and mathematical formulations related to the Hamiltonian of the system.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant references a text discussing how microstates can be identified with independent solutions of the Schrödinger equation, questioning how this concept applies to the discussion of N particles.
  • Another participant suggests the need to investigate whether the N particles are bosons or fermions, which affects their placement in energy states.
  • A subsequent post reiterates the importance of distinguishing between bosons and fermions, noting that the original author did not mention this aspect.
  • A participant presents a mathematical formulation involving two non-interacting particles, detailing the total Hamiltonian and the eigenstates of the system, and asks for validation of their approach regarding microstates.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the relevance of particle statistics (bosons vs. fermions) and the application of the Schrödinger equation to identify microstates, indicating that multiple competing views remain without consensus.

Contextual Notes

The discussion includes assumptions about the nature of particles and their interactions, as well as the mathematical treatment of the Hamiltonian, which may not be fully resolved or agreed upon by all participants.

Kashmir
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[Pathria, statistical mechanics][1], pg2 ,when discussing ##N## particles in a volume ##V##

"...there will be a large number of different
ways in which the total energy E of the system can be distributed among the N particles
constituting it. Each of these (different) ways specifies a microstate, or complexion, of the
given system"
"Each of these (different) ways specifies a microstate, or complexion, of the
given system. In general, the various microstates, or complexions, of a given system can
be identified with the independent solutions ##ψ(r_1,..., r_N )## of the Schrödinger equation of
the system, corresponding to the eigenvalue E of the relevant Hamiltonian" .
If we have N particles in a box, we solve the energy eigenvalue for the total system ##H|E>=E|E>## and find the eigenvectors.

Using linear combination of these and boundary conditions we find the general solution ##ψ(r_1,..., r_N )##.So how does "the various microstates, or complexions, of a given system can
be identified with the independent solutions ##ψ(r1,..., rN )## of the Schrödinger equation of
the system, corresponding to the eigenvalue E of the relevant Hamiltonian" enter the discussion? [1]: https://www.google.co.uk/books/edition/Statistical_Mechanics/PIk9sF9j2oUC?hl=en
 
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We should investigate whether N particle of same kind are bosons or fermions for their placement in energy states.
 
anuttarasammyak said:
We should investigate whether N particle of same kind are bosons or fermions for their placement in energy states.
The author didn't mention that.
 
Here is my attempt:
Suppose we have two non interacting particles in identical environment.

The individual Hamiltonian for both is ##H_1## and the total Hamiltonian is ##H=H_1 \otimes 1+ 1\otimes H_2##
Also if ##|\phi_1>## and ##|\phi_2>## are the eigenstates of ##H_1## with eigenvalues ##E_1##,## E_2## then the eigenstates of the system is ##|\phi_1> \otimes|\phi_2>## with eigenvalue ##E_1 + E_2##

One of the state of the system is then
##|\psi >= e^(-iE_1t/\hbar)|\phi_1>
\otimes e^(-iE_2t/\hbar) |\phi_2>##

This state corresponds to particle 1 in state ##|\phi_1>## having energy ##E_1## & particle 2 in ##|\phi_2>## with energy ##E_2## defining a microstate.

Is this correct?
 
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