Seemingly difficult complex arithmetic problem

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The discussion revolves around solving a complex arithmetic problem related to quantum mechanics, specifically the transmission and reflection coefficients of a wave passing through a one-dimensional square well. Participants express difficulty in deriving the coefficients T and R from the given equations and seek hints to understand the underlying complex arithmetic better. Key suggestions include using trigonometric identities, properties of moduli, and rationalizing complex numbers for division. The conversation emphasizes the importance of grasping the "spirit" of the problem to connect the mathematical concepts effectively. Overall, the thread highlights a collaborative effort to tackle a challenging physics problem through shared insights and hints.
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Homework Statement


Transmission of a quantum mechanical wave past a one-dimensional square well results in the following expressions relating initial to final wave amplitudes:

A= (cos(2ka)-{i\epsilon\over2}sin(2ka))e^{2ia\lambda}F+{i\eta\over2}sin(2ka)G
B= {-i\eta\over2}sin(2ka)F+(cos(2ka)+{i\epsilon\over2}sin(2ka))e^{-2ia\lambda}G

\epsilon={\lambda\over(k)}+{k\over\lambda}
\eta={\lambda\over(k)}-{(k)\over\lambda}

For G=0 (this represents an initial beam coming in only from the left) the "transmission" and "reflection" coefficients are defined respectively as:
T=|{F\over(A)}|^2
R=|{B\over(A)}|^2=1-T

Show that

T={1\over(cos^2(2ka)+{\epsilon^2\over4}sin^2(2ka))}

and

R={({\epsilon^2\over4}-1)sin^2(2ka)\over1+({\epsilon^2\over4}-1)sin^2(2ka)}

Homework Equations


See above

The Attempt at a Solution



This is a "challenge" problem from my mathematical methods in physics class. I have faith in this class and I would like to ask for a hint. What I mean is that I believe this problem will give me greater insight into complex arithmetic as the other challenge problems have. I worked with my group members for a few hours last night and didn't get anywhere. Mainly we kept trying to re-write things in different terms to see if we could reach the desired result. I believe that we are not thinking about the "spirit" (as my professor calls it) of the question. That is we are not thinking about how this question relates to complex arithmetic. Any takers?
Thank you for taking the time to read this thread.

Homework Statement


Homework Equations


The Attempt at a Solution

 
Last edited:
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What's so hard about this question?

It only requires some very basic trigonometric identities and properties of moduli.

Several Hints:

To derive T, 1) e-i(theta) = cos(theta) - i sin(theta)
2) How does one divide 2 complex numbers (ie. (x1 + iy1)/(x2 + iy2) )?
3) multiplicative property of moduli: |zw| = |z| x |w|
where z & w are complex

R just requires the use of some simple trigonometric identities, involving the T term that was derived.

Good Luck!
 
Since G=0 we can drop off a portion of Eq A and B, right?

Hint 1. I am aware of hint 1 but I do not see how it fits in.
Hint 2. To divide 2 complex numbers, it is best to rationalize the denominator by multiplying by the complex conjugate.
Hint 3. I also know about that property of moduli. I had to prove it in an earlier exercise.

I am not tying things together here...
 
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Sorry to bump, but I wanted to bring this problem to a wider audience. Can anyone else offer a bit more insight to the problem?
 
So you set G to 0 and solve for F/A, and you get

\left|\frac{F}{A}\right|=\frac{1}{|[\cos(2ka)-{i\epsilon\over2}\sin(2ka)]e^{2ia\lambda}|}

What are |\cos(2ka)-i(\epsilon/2)\sin(2ka)| and |e^{2ia\lambda}| equal to?
 
Question: A clock's minute hand has length 4 and its hour hand has length 3. What is the distance between the tips at the moment when it is increasing most rapidly?(Putnam Exam Question) Answer: Making assumption that both the hands moves at constant angular velocities, the answer is ## \sqrt{7} .## But don't you think this assumption is somewhat doubtful and wrong?

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