Solve Schrodinger equation for an eletron in a box. Why discrete?

AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on solving the Schrödinger equation for an electron confined in a one-dimensional box, with boundaries at x=0 and x=L. The derived energy levels are given by En=n^2*h^2/(8*m*L^2), and the wave function is expressed as Ψ(x)=({2/L})^{1/2}*Sin(n*Pi*x/L). Participants explore the concept of quantization, noting that the wavelength is quantized due to reflections at the box's walls, leading to discrete energy levels. Questions arise regarding the quantization of velocity and frequency, with the relationship between frequency and energy highlighted as a key point. The suggestion is made to solve the differential equation to gain deeper insights into these quantization aspects.
tsuwal
Messages
105
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement



An eletron is moving along one axis between x=0 and x=L. It's mass is given by m. We want to know the energy and wave function of its possible states given by the quantic number n.

eq sch.png


Show that the solution to the above equation is

En=n^2*h^2/(8*m*L^2)

\Psi(x)=({2/L})^{1/2}*Sin(n*Pi*x/L)

Homework Equations


The Attempt at a Solution



I see that it is a second order ordinary differencial equation, I should have no problem solving that. However, I can't fully grasp the quantization thing. I mean, I understand why the wavelength is quantized, because of the refletction on its walls, so the wavelength must be 2L/n. But why does the velocity and the frequency must be quanticized? For the energy to be quantized, the velocity must be quanticized and thus, both the wavelength and the frequency must be quanticized. Right? But why is the frequency quantized?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Frequency and energy are related via the time-dependent Schrödinger equation: for static solutions, they are proportional to each other.
 
I suggest you actually solve the differential equation. The answers to your questions come out in the math.
 
Thread 'Collision of a bullet on a rod-string system: query'
In this question, I have a question. I am NOT trying to solve it, but it is just a conceptual question. Consider the point on the rod, which connects the string and the rod. My question: just before and after the collision, is ANGULAR momentum CONSERVED about this point? Lets call the point which connects the string and rod as P. Why am I asking this? : it is clear from the scenario that the point of concern, which connects the string and the rod, moves in a circular path due to the string...
Back
Top