Spectrum energy of a particle moving on a circumference

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on the energy spectrum of a particle constrained to move on the edge of a circumference, exploring the implications of symmetry in motion (clockwise and counterclockwise) on energy levels and degeneracy. Participants examine mathematical representations and the relationship between degeneracy and energy spacing.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants propose that the energy spectrum is continuous and doubly degenerate due to the particle's ability to move in both clockwise and counterclockwise directions, leading to two states with the same energy.
  • One participant questions the mathematical representation of double degeneracy, seeking clarification on the implications of the factor of 2 in the exponential solution.
  • Another participant suggests that the factor of 2 in the exponent is related to the circumference of the circle rather than indicating multiplicities, emphasizing that the difference between energy levels is independent of multiplicities and arises from the potential's structure.
  • There is a discussion about whether the degeneracy implies equally spaced energy levels, with one participant comparing it to the energy levels of a particle in a box.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the interpretation of mathematical representations and the implications of degeneracy on energy levels. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the relationship between degeneracy and energy spacing.

Contextual Notes

Participants highlight the need for clarity on assumptions regarding the mathematical formulation and the definitions of terms like degeneracy and energy levels, which may vary based on context.

Lola1
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If you consider the one-dimensional case of a particle constrained to move on the edge of a circumference, the energy spectrum is continuous and two times degenerate. Why the fact that the particle can move in clockwise and counterclockwise implies that the spectrum is degenerate twice?
In any case thanks to the help
 
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Moving clockwise and anticlockwise at the same absolute momentum has the same energy as it is symmetric. Two states with the same energy.
 
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Mathematically double degeneration is known by 2 that multiplies the exponents of the exponential solution? (Which we get by imposing the boundary conditions):
ψ (x) = α \exp (2i (nπ / L ) x) + β \exp (-2i (nπ / L) x)
 
Lola1 said:
Mathematically double degeneration is known by 2 that multiplies the exponents of the exponential solution?
I don't understand that sentence.

You can write down the general solution like that, but you can also let n be positive or negative, and of course you can always have superpositions of those solutions.
 
I meant that the two who multiplies the exponents indicates that the energy spectrum is degenerate twice...is it true? Furthermore if the energy spectrum is degenerate twice means that his energy levels are equally spaced (but with spacing that is En=(2n^2π^2)⋅(ħ^2)/mL^2 ,unlike the energy levels of the particle in a box where the levels are En=(n^2π^2)⋅(ħ^2)/mL^2 ) or are one double the previous one?
 
The 2 in the exponent is part of a factor (2pi), the circumference of a circle. It has nothing to do with multiplicities.

The difference between energy levels is independent of the multiplicities. It arises from the detailed structure of the potential, while the multiplicity is based on the symmetry. Every symmetric potential will have this multiplicity, but it can have different steps between the energy levels.
 

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