The plots of wave function of harmonic oscillator

In summary, the conversation discusses the plots of wave functions and their modulus in Griffiths' book "Introduction to Quantum Mechanics". With increasing order, the wave functions become higher, but according to Equation [2.85], this should not be the case. The conversation also discusses the possibility of the plots being a demonstration of energy levels and the relationship between energy and distance from the origin. The question ultimately asks for a better understanding of the plots.
  • #1
Tspirit
50
6

Homework Statement


In Griffiths' book "Introduction to Quantum Mechanics", Section 2.3, Chapter 2, the Fig. 2.7 gives the plots of the wave function (##\psi_{n}##) and its modulus of the harmonics oscillator, see the Appendix. With the order (##n##) increasing, they become both higher. However, according to the Equation [2.85], the wave function shouldn't be higher with ##n## increasing. They are just a normalizable wave function, if the baseline is greater than 1, it won't normalize. So how to understand the plots?
wavefunction.png


Homework Equations


$$\psi_{n}(x)=(\frac{m\omega}{\pi\hbar})^{1/4}\frac{1}{\sqrt{2^{n}n!}}H_{n}(\xi)e^{-\xi^{2}/2}$$
$$\xi\equiv x\sqrt{m\omega/\hbar}$$

The Attempt at a Solution


I doubt if it is just a demonstration of Energy level and the plots' height is not related to the wave function.
 
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  • #2
first off, the graf you called the "modulus" is actually the probability distrbution.
wth that in mind, the lines "n=x" are (must be) your 0 line, they are just ploted over each other. was that your question?

E=(n+1/2)ħw so with n increasing you have more energy therefore you can "travel" further from the origin.
 
  • #3
WrongMan said:
first off, the graf you called the "modulus" is actually the probability distrbution.
wth that in mind, the lines "n=x" are (mist be) your 0 line, they are just ploted over each other. was that your question?
Yes, that is. All of the functions should be around the horizontal axis.
 

1. What is a harmonic oscillator?

A harmonic oscillator is a system that exhibits a repeating or oscillating motion around a stable equilibrium point. It can be described mathematically using a sinusoidal function.

2. What is a wave function?

A wave function is a mathematical function that describes the behavior of a quantum system. It can be used to calculate the probability of finding a particle at a certain location or with a certain energy.

3. How are the plots of wave function of harmonic oscillator related to energy levels?

The plots of wave function of harmonic oscillator show the probability distribution of finding the particle at different energy levels. The peaks of the curve correspond to the most probable energy levels, while the troughs correspond to lower probability levels.

4. What is the significance of the shape of the plots of wave function of harmonic oscillator?

The shape of the plots of wave function of harmonic oscillator can provide information about the behavior and properties of the system. For example, a narrower curve indicates a more localized particle, while a broader curve indicates a more spread out particle.

5. How does the potential energy affect the plots of wave function of harmonic oscillator?

The potential energy affects the shape and energy levels of the wave function plots. A higher potential energy leads to higher energy levels and a more spread out wave function, while a lower potential energy leads to lower energy levels and a more localized wave function.

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