Solving Quantum Well Problems: K1 & K2

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around solving quantum well problems in quantum mechanics, specifically focusing on the calculation of wave numbers K1 and K2 based on energy states and potential well depth. Participants are exploring the implications of unit conversions and the expected order of magnitude for these values.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are examining the calculations for K1 and K2, questioning the unit conversions for energy and potential. There is a focus on whether the large values obtained are reasonable given the context of quantum mechanics.

Discussion Status

Some participants are providing guidance on the expected order of magnitude for K1 and K2, while others are expressing uncertainty about their calculations and the correctness of their unit conversions. The discussion is ongoing, with multiple interpretations of the problem being explored.

Contextual Notes

There is a mention of the need to clarify whether the problem is a homework assignment or a general question about quantum mechanics. Participants are encouraged to provide more context or original problem statements to facilitate assistance.

fahmed6
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I just took up my first course of quantum mechanics and i am having some serious problems solving quantum well problems.the thing is that after i take out the energy states of the well
and try to find K1 and K2 from it, the values i get are very very large.i think i am making a msitake with units somewhere.here r the units that i am taking.can someone please point out where I am making a mistake.

K1=sqrt(2*m*E/h^2)
K2=sqrt(2*m*(V-E)/h^2)

E=energy(i am converting ev to Joules)
V=well depth(i am again converting ev to J)
m=e mass(9.1e-31)
h=1.054e-34 J.s
all lengths in meters

So if for example E=.245ev ,V=.36ev,what values of K1 and K2 should i be getting.

Thanx
 
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Think about this. The thing that sets the scale at the quantum level is [tex]\hbar[/tex]. Your values for E and V are so much above this, that you should not be surprised to see large values for k.
 
But I am converting everything to SI units.Shouldnt that be right?
 
this not a homework.just a question realted to Qm.the example i gave is just a random example.
 
Well it looks very much as something that is in home work problems..It is just a question if you got the right order of magnitute. Whats related to Qm is quite much if we do this definition..

And you should get something in the order of 10^9; what do you get?

k1 = 2.53*10^9
k2 = 1.74*10^9
 
im getting the same thing but its not right.thats y i think I am making the a mistake in the units.
 
If this is a homework problem, post the original problem and as many steps as possible so that we may help you properly. Maybe you get wrong due to some other misstake in another part of the problem?

It can't be wrong if you have mass in kg, energy in J and h-bar in J*s
 
ok I am posting an example from book.its slightly different but solving this wpild solbve my problem with units
For a single quantum well
K1=sqrt(2*m*E/h^2)
K2=sqrt(2*m*(V-E)/h^2)

aplpplying theb boundary conditions on the well gives us
plot(1)
k1=k2*tan(k2*a/2)
-k1=k2*cot(k2*a/2)

an additional relationship is obtained
plot(2)
k1^2+k2^2=*m*V/h^2

which would be a circle.ploting the above would give me the k1 and k1 values at the points of intersection of the grfaph and from that i can find the values for E using the above realtion.

if well width=a=10e-10m
well depth=V=.347ev
m=9.1e-31
the ans is E1=.12660ev E2=.3413ev

I can't get this answer!
 

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