The wave fuction for particle in a box

Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around solving the wave equation for a particle in an infinite potential well, specifically from x = -l/4 to x = 3l/4. The original poster expresses difficulty in progressing beyond their initial setup of the wave function and seeks tips for completing the problem.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to set up the wave function in the form of Asinkx + Bcoskx and raises questions about how to proceed with boundary conditions. Some participants suggest changing the variable to simplify the problem, while others inquire about the reasoning behind such changes and the necessity of experience in physics.

Discussion Status

The discussion includes various attempts to clarify the variable change suggested by one participant, with some expressing confusion about its implementation. There is acknowledgment of the usefulness of the discussed skills, but no consensus on the final solution is reached, as the original poster seeks validation of their answer.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the challenge of distinguishing between similar characters in the variable notation, which may affect clarity in communication. The original poster also indicates uncertainty about normalizing the wave function due to unknown coefficients A and B.

VHAHAHA
Messages
58
Reaction score
0
Whwn i am doing exercise, i don't know how to solve the follow question by myself Although i hv the ans, i want to complete it by myself. Plz give me some tips only so that i can finish this question, please also tell me how do you know the question should be solved in this way.

The question requires me to solve the wave equation for a pacticle in a infinity potential well, from x=-l/4 to x= 3l/4
I let the wave equ be the form
Asinkx + B cos kx

and i got.
Asin(-kl/4) + B cos (-kl/4) = 0
and
Asin(3kl/4) + Bcos(-3kl/4) = 0

and than i can't do anymore
it is different from to x=0 to x= a case
What should i do? Any tips?
Is there any general solution for the wave fuction of the pacticle in a box from a point x to y?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Change the variable to u=x+1/4.
 
thinks i am now trying to calculate
Could you please tell me why u know that the varible should be changed? Due to the experience? I am not good at physics but i love it should i do more exerience to develope this sence?
 
sorry
i don't get it
where should i change varible
do u mean that i should differinate the fuction?
I can't normalize it caz i don't know A abd B
 
clem meant "let u= x+ l/4" (it's a little difficult to distinguish between "l" ('ell') and "1" ('one') depending upon which font you use.) The only purpose of that is to change the boundaries from x= -l/4 and x= 3l/4 to u= 0 and u= 1 which makes the arithmetic slightly easier.
 
HallsofIvy said:
(it's a little difficult to distinguish between "l" ('ell') and "1" ('one') depending upon which font you use.)
Script ell ℓ is easier to read, one reason I use UTF.
 
Thank you guys. I got the answer. This skill is really useful for dealing with waves in the box.
The answer is : fuction = A sin (kx + kl(ell)/4) and A = root(2/a)
am i correct?:)
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
Replies
8
Views
1K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
1K
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
Replies
4
Views
1K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
1K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
1K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K
Replies
2
Views
997