Solution to the Schrödinger equation for a non rigid step

Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around solving the time-independent Schrödinger equation for a particle transitioning between regions of different potentials, specifically focusing on a potential that varies linearly in one region. The original poster expresses difficulty in finding a solution for the differential equation in the non-constant potential region.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to solve the differential equation by reducing its order but is seeking alternative methods or insights into resolving it. Some participants mention that the solutions are Airy functions, but the implications of this are not fully explored.

Discussion Status

Participants have identified a potential solution type (Airy functions), but the original poster has not yet confirmed understanding or application of this information. The discussion remains open, with no explicit consensus reached on the best approach to the problem.

Contextual Notes

The original poster's inquiry suggests a lack of familiarity with the specific properties of Airy functions in the context of quantum mechanics, indicating a potential gap in foundational knowledge that may affect their ability to proceed.

Arturo Miranda
Messages
2
Reaction score
0
I've been having troubles resolving the Schödinger's time independent one-dimensional equation when you have a particle that goes from a zone with a constant potential to a zone with another constant potential, yet the potential is a continuos function of the form:

$$
V(x)=\left\{
\begin{array}{lcl}
0&\text{if}&x<0\\
\displaystyle\frac{V_{0}}{d}x&\text{if}&0<x<d\\
V_{0}&\text{if}&d<x
\end{array}\right.
$$

My main problem is around the solution in the second region of the potential, the non-constant region, in which looks like:
$$E\psi(x)=\frac{\hbar^{2}}{2m}d_{x}^{2}\psi(x)+\frac{V_{0}}{d}x\,\psi(x)$$
If tried solving the differential equation by lowering it's order, yet I have not managed to do so. Is there another way of attacking the problem? Or how may I resolve the diff. equation?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
No worries - it's not something you were going to guess.
Note: this sort of thing happens a lot.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
Replies
1
Views
2K
Replies
4
Views
2K
Replies
7
Views
2K
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
2K
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 20 ·
Replies
20
Views
3K
  • · Replies 17 ·
Replies
17
Views
3K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
3K