Spherical well potential problem

In summary, the problem is to find the energy levels and radial wave function for s states (l=0) in a spherical well potential where V(r)= -V0 for 0<r<a and infinite for r>a. The approach is to solve for V0 treating the region r>a as zero and then solve for 0<r<a treating V0=0 with the infinite potential for r>a, and then combine the solutions to obtain the wave function and energy. It was suggested to state the problem as given, as there may be some confusion in the paraphrasing.
  • #1
xinoki
6
0

Homework Statement



particle in a spherical well potential where V(r)= -V0 for 0<r<a and infinite for r>a


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution


can i simply solve the problem for V0 treating the region r>a as zero and then solve 0<r<a treating V0=0 with the infinite potential for r>a and then stitch them together to obtain the wave function and energy
 
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  • #2
It seems a bit strange to set the potential to a non-zero value inside the well if the potential outside is infinite. I get the feeling something's getting lost in your paraphrasing of the problem. Can you state the problem as it was given to you?
 
  • #3
the problem was stated as above. find energy levels and radial wave function for the s states (l=0). i know how to solve each component individually (with V=-V0 or V= infinite). its the combination of the two that confuses me. I mentioned the above attempt because I've seen another solution where the solution was combined from a harmonic oscillator potential with the infinite potential well solution.
 
  • #4
To answer your original question, yes, that's how you'd solve this problem.
 
  • #5
levels of the particle in the spherical well potential?

Yes, that is a valid approach to solving the spherical well potential problem. By treating the region r>a as zero and solving for V0, you can determine the wave function and energy levels for the particle within the well. Then, by treating V0=0 for the region 0<r<a and using the infinite potential for r>a, you can stitch together the solutions to obtain the complete wave function and energy levels for the particle. This approach is commonly used in solving potential problems in quantum mechanics and can provide valuable insight into the behavior of particles in confined potential wells.
 

1. What is a spherical well potential problem?

A spherical well potential problem is a theoretical model used in physics to describe the behavior of a particle inside a spherical potential well. This potential well is created by a force that pulls the particle towards the center of the sphere, and the particle's energy is determined by its position within the well.

2. What are the applications of a spherical well potential problem?

The spherical well potential problem has applications in many areas of physics, including quantum mechanics, atomic physics, and nuclear physics. It is commonly used to study the behavior of particles in confined spaces, such as atoms or nuclei, and to understand the properties of quantum systems.

3. How is a spherical well potential problem solved?

The solution to a spherical well potential problem involves solving the Schrödinger equation, a fundamental equation in quantum mechanics. This equation describes the behavior of a quantum system and can be solved analytically for simple systems, such as a particle in a spherical potential well.

4. What are the key features of a spherical well potential problem?

The key features of a spherical well potential problem include the shape of the potential well, which is spherical, and the energy levels of the particle inside the well. The energy levels are quantized, meaning they can only take certain discrete values, and are determined by the depth and width of the potential well.

5. What are the limitations of a spherical well potential problem?

While the spherical well potential problem is a useful model for understanding the behavior of particles in confined spaces, it has some limitations. It assumes a spherically symmetric potential, which may not accurately describe real-world systems. Additionally, it does not take into account other forces or interactions that may be present in a system, such as electromagnetic interactions.

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