Solve Particle in a Box Questions: Lowest Energy & Probability

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To solve the first question regarding the lowest energy level of a particle in a box, the energy levels are inversely proportional to the square of the box's width, so for a box of width (1/4)L, the common energy level is 16Eo. For the second question, to find the first value of x greater than 0 where the probability of finding the particle in state n = 11 is highest, one must analyze the wave function derived from the Schrödinger equation. The probability density is related to the square of the wave function, which peaks at specific points determined by the quantum number n. Understanding the infinite square well potential is crucial for both problems. These concepts are foundational in quantum mechanics and can be explored further through the Schrödinger equation.
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Can someone please explain to me how I should go about solving the following 2 questions?

#1 The lowest energy level in a particle confined to a one-dimensional region of space with fixed dimension "L" is Eo. If an identical particle is confined to a similar region with the fixed distance (1/4)L, what is the energy of the lowest energy level that the particles have in common? Express in terms of Eo.

#2 Consider a particle in a box of width "L" and let the particle be in a state n = 11. What is the first value of x, larger then 0, where the probability of finding the particle is the highest?
 
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Physicsiscool said:
Can someone please explain to me how I should go about solving the following 2 questions?

#1 The lowest energy level in a particle confined to a one-dimensional region of space with fixed dimension "L" is Eo. If an identical particle is confined to a similar region with the fixed distance (1/4)L, what is the energy of the lowest energy level that the particles have in common? Express in terms of Eo.

#2 Consider a particle in a box of width "L" and let the particle be in a state n = 11. What is the first value of x, larger then 0, where the probability of finding the particle is the highest?


I have the awkward feeling I've seen these 2 problems somewhere on this forum;perhaps one of the moderators/science advisors/homework helpers could give u the link.I couldn't since i don't have a statute/etiquette on this forum.
But I'm interested in one...Guys,can u tell me what i need to do to get me label of science advisor/homework helper ? :confused:
 
Physicsiscool said:
Can someone please explain to me how I should go about solving the following 2 questions?

You should solve the Schrödinger equation with the 'infinite square well potential': V=0 between 0<x<L or -(1/2)L<x<(1/2)L or something like that and V=infinite outside this region. The given that the particle is confined to this region gives you your boundry condition.
 
For #1 the energy levels of the box go as 1/L^2

So substitute in L/4 for L and you'll have the energy (16 Eo if I do my math right)
 
That sounds right. Now for the second question you need the wave function, if this is not given you will still have to solve the Schrödinger equation or have an idea of what the solution will look like...
 
The book claims the answer is that all the magnitudes are the same because "the gravitational force on the penguin is the same". I'm having trouble understanding this. I thought the buoyant force was equal to the weight of the fluid displaced. Weight depends on mass which depends on density. Therefore, due to the differing densities the buoyant force will be different in each case? Is this incorrect?

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