Solving Degeneracy Equation: General Formula & More

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steveb
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Hello all.
I'm presently on my first set of homework for my 2nd QM class, and am stuck on the degeneracy issue.
I thought that I had a more comprehensive explanation of it in my notes from the first semester, but was not able to find them.
I know that I'm suppposed to take the sum of the squares of the choices---
[n_x]^2 + [n_y]^2 + [n_z]^2 will give me the total values of the n's, and that should then tell me my d value.
For the first 3 energy states-- n=1, 2, 3, d=1 for n=1, d=3 for n=2&3.
What is the general formula for degeneracy? One that would give me the total qty of choices?
Thanks.
Pardon me if I sound out of it. I had nasal surgery on friday, and am still not feeling all there.
 
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steveb said:
What is the general formula for degeneracy? One that would give me the total qty of choices?
There is no general formula for an arbitrary quantum system. You have to set up and solve the (time-independent) Schrödinger's equation, see what eigenfunctions you come up with.
 
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