'Symmetry argument' for eigenstate superposition

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves expressing a function defined in an infinite potential well as a superposition of eigenstates. The function is given as ##\Psi (x, t=0)=Ax(L-x)## for ##0

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the normalization of the function and the calculation of inner products with eigenstates. There is a focus on understanding the symmetry properties of the function and how these relate to the contributions of odd and even eigenstates.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active, with participants questioning the symmetry of the function and its implications for the eigenstate contributions. Some guidance has been provided regarding the relationship between the symmetry of the function and the types of eigenstates that can contribute.

Contextual Notes

There is mention of potential confusion regarding the symmetry point in relation to the infinite potential well, as well as the completeness of the Hilbert space and its relevance to the problem.

Skatelenneke
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Homework Statement
For an infinite potential well of length [0 ; L], I am asked to write the following function ##\Psi## (at t=0) as a superposition of eigenstates (##\psi_n##):
$$\Psi (x, t=0)=Ax(L-x) $$
for ## 0<x<L##, and ##0## everywhere else.

The attempt at a solution
I have first normalized this function, which gave me a certain value for A.
Next, I used the following reasoning:
$$\Psi> = \sum_n \psi_n><\psi_n . \Psi> = \sum_n <\psi_n . \Psi> . \psi_n> $$
Where:
$$<\psi_n . \Psi> = \int_0^L \psi_n(x)^*.\Psi(x) dx$$
I have calculated these integrals to be:
$$C_n.(1-cos(n.\pi ))$$ where ##C_n## is a constant combination of L's, n's and numbers, not really relevant to my question I think.Here I see that only odd (uneven) eigenstates will contribute to the superposition that makes up the function ##\Psi##. Now I am asked to support this with a symmetry argument, but I don't know how this should be done.
I suspected I had to prove ##\Psi## is an uneven function, but it isn't as far as I can see. In class my teacher said something vague about the "completeness" of the Hilbertspace that prohibits even eigenstates to contribute to uneven wavefunctions, but I'm not too sure what that means. I'm not completely sure my integral calculation is correct, but any general explanation about this sort of symmetry argument would be much appreciated.

Thanks in advance, Lennart :)
 
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You are probably looking at odd and even wrt x = 0, this is not what the potential is symmetric around ...
 
Orodruin said:
You are probably looking at odd and even wrt x = 0, this is not what the potential is symmetric around ...
Oh I see! ##\Psi## is indeed symmetric/even around ##x=L/2##. So is it then a valid argument to say that only even eigenstates contribute to even functions?
 
Yes, by the symmetry the inner product with the odd states is zero.
 
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