TDSE, time evolution between states (Check my working please?)

Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the time-dependent Schrödinger equation (TDSE) and its application to a quantum system initially prepared in a symmetric superposition state of two orthonormal solutions of the time-independent Schrödinger equation (TISE). Participants are exploring the average energy of the system as a function of time, the conditions for returning to the original state, and the probabilities associated with finding the system in various superposition states.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss expressing frequency differences in terms of energy eigenvalues and question the validity of certain assumptions regarding the integration of mixed terms. There is also a consideration of the implications of orthogonality of states and the effects of integration limits on results.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants providing guidance on expressing terms and questioning the problem statement's clarity. There is an exploration of the implications of orthogonality and integration limits, but no consensus has been reached on the interpretations or outcomes.

Contextual Notes

Participants note that the problem statement may be ambiguous, particularly regarding the phases of the states involved, which could affect the results. There is also a mention of the potential independence of certain probabilities from time, raising questions about the assumptions made in the problem setup.

unscientific
Messages
1,728
Reaction score
13

Homework Statement


Hi guys, I've recently taken up quantum, so it's all very new to me, it would be greatly appreciated if someone could check my working!Let ψ1(x) and ψ2(x) be two orthonormal solutions of the TISE with corresponding
energy eigenvalues E1 and E2. At time t = 0, the particle is prepared in the symmetric
superposition state:

and subsequently allowed to evolve in time. What is the average energy of the system
as a function of time? What is the minimum time ¿ for which the system must evolve
in order to return to its original state (up to an overall phase factor), when it starts in
the state ψ(+) (x)

Determine the probability to ¯nd the system in the antisymmetric superposition
state

as a function of time when it starts in the state ψ(+) (x)

At time t1 the particle is found in the antisymmetric superposition state. What is
the probability to ¯nd the particle in the symmetric superposition state at time t1 + T,
where T is the time found above?
21eol6h.png

Homework Equations


The Attempt at a Solution



6j3tcg.png

33xc0a9.png

2qmnkg5.png

2uqeni9.png


Not sure if the last part is right, as it suggests that the probability of finding the particle in the left half of the box is independent of time! Then again, in an infinite square well the potential doesn't depend on time, so TDSE is reduced to TISE?
 
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org
I think you should express ##\Delta \omega## in terms of the energies.

For the last part, why do you think those mixed terms are zero if you integrate them from 0 to L/2?
The problem statement itself is bad here, I think. The answer depends on the phases used to define the first two states, and those phases are arbitrary.[/size]
 
mfb said:
I think you should express ##\Delta \omega## in terms of the energies.

For the last part, why do you think those mixed terms are zero if you integrate them from 0 to L/2?
The problem statement itself is bad here, I think. The answer depends on the phases used to define the first two states, and those phases are arbitrary.[/size]

Because ψ1 and ψ2 are orthogonal states? And to get the answer in the previous parts they were zero...Is the reason why they are non-zero here because the limits of integration are not from -∞ to ∞?
 
unscientific said:
Because ψ1 and ψ2 are orthogonal states? And to get the answer in the previous parts they were zero...Is the reason why they are non-zero here because the limits of integration are not from -∞ to ∞?
Right, orthogonality just means that the integral over the whole space is zero.
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: 1 person

Similar threads

  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Replies
8
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Replies
7
Views
3K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K