Spectrum energy of a particle moving on a circumference

In summary, the energy spectrum of a particle constrained to move on the edge of a circumference is continuous and two times degenerate due to the fact that it can move in both clockwise and counterclockwise directions. This degeneracy is indicated by the 2 in the exponent of the exponential solution, but it does not affect the spacing of the energy levels. The difference between energy levels is determined by the potential, while the multiplicity is based on the symmetry.
  • #1
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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  • #2
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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  • #3
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)
 
  • #4
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.
 
  • #5
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?
 
  • #6
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.
 

FAQ: Spectrum energy of a particle moving on a circumference

What is spectrum energy?

Spectrum energy refers to the range of energies that a particle can have while moving on a circumference. It is determined by the particle's velocity and the circumference of the circle it is moving on.

How is spectrum energy related to the movement of a particle on a circumference?

The spectrum energy of a particle is directly related to its movement on a circumference. As the particle's speed and/or the circumference of the circle increases, the spectrum energy also increases.

What is the significance of understanding spectrum energy for particles moving on a circumference?

Understanding spectrum energy is important for studying and predicting the behavior of particles moving on a circumference. It can help us understand how these particles interact with their surroundings and how their energy levels change over time.

How is spectrum energy calculated?

Spectrum energy is calculated using the formula E = (1/2)mv^2, where E is the energy, m is the mass of the particle, and v is its velocity.

What factors can affect the spectrum energy of a particle on a circumference?

The spectrum energy of a particle can be affected by its mass, velocity, and the circumference of the circle it is moving on. Other factors such as external forces, friction, and collisions may also play a role in changing the particle's energy levels.

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