Simple Harmonic Oscillator - Schrodinger Equation

In summary, the conversation discusses a possible solution for the wave function of the simple harmonic oscillator, which is derived using the time independent Schrodinger wave equation. The conversation also explores finding the energy level of the oscillator and discusses different approaches to solving the problem. The use of LaTeX is also mentioned as a helpful tool in writing equations.
  • #1
cpmiller
8
0

Homework Statement



One possible solution for the wave function ψn for the simple harmonic oscillator is

ψn = A (2*αx2 -1 ) e-αx2/2

where A is a constant. What is the value of the energy level En?

Homework Equations



The time independent Schrodinger wave equation

d2ψ / dx2 = (α2 * x2 - β )ψ

β = 2mE/ [tex]\hbar[/tex]2

The Attempt at a Solution



So I took the solution that we were given ψn and found the second derivative of this. (I found A[3α + 3α2x2 -2α3x4]e-αx2/2, but I haven't triple checked my algebra yet, I'll do that later).

So I have
d2ψ / dx2 = (α2 * x2 - β )ψ

A[3α + 3α2x2 -2α3x4]e-αx2/2 = (α2 * x2 - β ) * A (2*αx2 -1 ) e-αx2/2

(In a nutshell I plugged the solution we were given into the time independent Schrodinger wave equation).

Then I did some tedious algebra, observed that my A's cancelled, and my exponentials cancelled, leaving me with

3α + 3α2 x2 - 2α3x4 = (α2 x2 - β) (2αx2 -1)

So some tedious algebra and polynomial division (oh and subsitituting β = 2mE/ [tex]\hbar[/tex]2) yields

E = [2 α x2 - α - 4α/[2αx2 -1] ]

Which would all be well and good, except I have approximately 0 confidence in this answer.

I'm finding this material really confusing, and I don't really know what an answer should look like, is it okay to have α's in it? I don't know... It seems too convenient that my A's just cooperatively went away, that part just seems too good to be true.

Anyway, if anybody could give me any encouragement, or pointers towards another way of looking at this, I'd really appreciate it!

Thanks!
 
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  • #2
Well, I didn't check your math but it seems that your Hamiltonian does not include the potential energy for the harmonic oscillator.

I think you should get something proportional to [tex]\hbar \omega[/tex]
 
  • #3
Argh...Double and triple checking my post and I leave out obvious things...

α2 = m*k / [tex]\hbar[/tex]2

The potential is k*x2 /2 so having the α in the Shrodinger equation should include the potential. I'm relatively certain that the Schrodinger equation that I gave above is correct, in that it is derived in the book (and I've rechecked my typing...)

However, you are right about the solution that I got at the end, I meant to type:


E = [hbar /2m] [2 α x2 - α - 4α/[2αx2 -1] ]

(For some reason it really wants that hbar to be a kappa... it shows up as hbar in my preview and then kappa when I submit the post... mysterious, but beyond my comprehension... more about this problem to make me feel stupid :frown: )

So does my approach at solving this seem reasonable? I had another thought about how to solve it using the Hermite polynomials, such that my solution would be given in terms of A rather than alpha, but I don't know if that would be a reasonable approach...

Thanks for your help!
 
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  • #4
No your answer doesn't make sense. The energy should be position independent.
 
  • #5
I think your energy eigenvalue doesn't make sense because you are solving the Schroedinger equation for a free particle when you are told that it is a possible solution to the simple harmonic oscillator. Your time-independent Schroedinger equation will be:

[tex]
-\frac{\hbar^2}{2m}\frac{\partial^2\Psi}{\partial x^2}+V(x)\Psi(x)=E\Psi(x)
[/tex]

You should plug in the trial wavefunction and see what you come to using this.EDIT: Oh yeah, [itex]V(x)=\frac{1}{2}m\omega^2x^2[/itex].
 
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  • #6
Feldoh,

Thanks for your response. I had a feeling my solution wasn't right and I couldn't figure out why... at least I've learned a way to know I'm wrong.

Jdwood,

I think that my Schroedinger equation is for the harmonic oscillator. I like your way of writing it a lot better than the way my book did it with the alphas and betas, I think I understand the meaning better now that I see what you did... but if you plug in the values for alpha and beta (and do a little bit of multiplication) you get:

- [hbar /2m] * d2ψ / dx2 = - (k/2) x2 + E * ψ

which is what you have, except with potential written in terms of k (because it's like a spring constant). I think maybe plugging into Schroedinger isn't the way to go :-(
 
  • #7
Plugging into the Schroedinger equation is the only way to go. I see what your textbook does in trying to simplify the mathematics by using substitutions, but sometimes too many substitutions lead to not seeing the big picture.

So I went back to the beginning:

[tex]
\Psi(x)=\left(2\alpha x^2-1\right)\exp\left[-\frac{\alpha x^2}{2}\right]
[/tex]

then the first derivative gives

[tex]
\frac{\partial\Psi}{\partial x}=4\alpha x\exp\left[-\frac{\alpha x^2}{2}\right]-\alpha x\left(2\alpha x^2-1\right)\exp\left[-\frac{\alpha x^2}{2}\right]
[/tex]

and the second derivative

[tex]
\frac{\partial^2\Psi}{\partial x^2}=\alpha^2x^2\left(2\alpha x^2-1\right)\exp\left[-\frac{\alpha x^2}{2}\right]-\alpha\left(2\alpha x^2-1\right)\exp\left[-\frac{\alpha x^2}{2}\right]-8\alpha^2x^2\exp\left[-\frac{\alpha x^2}{2}\right]+4\alpha\exp\left[[-\frac{\alpha x^2}{2}\right]
[/tex]

But this can be reduced to

[tex]
\frac{\partial^2\Psi}{\partial x^2}=\left(2\alpha^3x^4-11\alpha^2x^2+5\alpha\right)\exp\left[-\frac{\alpha x^2}{2}\right]
[/tex]

So this is where it seems you went awry, your untriple-checked algebra! This should help.

EDIT: Whoops, I forgot the factor of [itex]A[/itex] in the math above. Each term should have that constant multiplied in front so that you can cancel it in the end.
 
  • #8
Jdwoods,

Thanks so much for your help!

I really appreciate both the math checking and the encouragement that my way of approaching the problem wasn't totally off base, plus your writing of the Schroedinger equation helped me understand this better!

I think I'm going to have to learn LaTeX, your equations are a lot easier to follow than mine...


Thanks again,

Caroline
 
  • #9
cpmiller said:
I think I'm going to have to learn LaTeX, your equations are a lot easier to follow than mine...

LaTeX is definitely the best way to write papers, journals, and (if your teacher allows it) homework. I've been using http://www.lyx.org/" as my go-to editor for any LaTeX needs (completely free and usable in any operating system) for several years (I believe I first used version 1.4.something, they're on version 1.6.4 now)

The best way to learn LaTeX is to keep at it. When you post here, click the capital Sigma ([itex]\Sigma[/itex]) to show the LaTeX Reference and use the TeX environment. It may take longer to post homework questions, but it'll go faster as you learn it.
 
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FAQ: Simple Harmonic Oscillator - Schrodinger Equation

What is a Simple Harmonic Oscillator?

A Simple Harmonic Oscillator is a system that has a restoring force that is directly proportional to the displacement from equilibrium. It is a mathematical model that describes the motion of a particle in a potential energy well.

What is the Schrodinger Equation?

The Schrodinger Equation is a fundamental equation in quantum mechanics that describes the behavior of quantum particles. It is a differential equation that describes how the wave function of a particle changes over time.

What is the relationship between the Simple Harmonic Oscillator and the Schrodinger Equation?

The Simple Harmonic Oscillator is a specific case of the Schrodinger Equation. It is used to describe the motion of a quantum particle in a potential energy well that has a quadratic potential. The Schrodinger Equation provides a mathematical framework for understanding the behavior of the particle in this system.

How is the Simple Harmonic Oscillator solved using the Schrodinger Equation?

The Schrodinger Equation is a second-order differential equation that can be solved using various mathematical techniques, such as the method of separation of variables or the use of operators. The solutions to the Schrodinger Equation for the Simple Harmonic Oscillator are known as energy eigenfunctions, which represent the possible energy states of the particle in the system.

What are the implications of the Schrodinger Equation for the Simple Harmonic Oscillator?

The Schrodinger Equation allows for the calculation of the energy levels and probabilities of finding the particle at a particular location in the Simple Harmonic Oscillator system. It also shows that the energy states of the system are quantized, meaning they can only take on certain discrete values. This has important implications for understanding the behavior of quantum systems and for applications in fields such as materials science and chemistry.

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