Time indep schrodinger equation

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on demonstrating that a particle can be described by the state function Ψ(x) = Ψ_0exp(-ax^2) within the framework of the time-independent Schrödinger equation. The participant successfully derived the second derivative of the wave function and substituted it into the equation, leading to the expression (-2h^2a^2x^2/m) + ah^2/m + (1/2)kx^2 = E. The conversation highlights the need to identify the energy corresponding to the wave function, emphasizing that it should remain independent of the variable x.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of the time-independent Schrödinger equation
  • Familiarity with wave functions and their properties
  • Knowledge of potential energy functions, specifically V(x) = (1/2)kx^2
  • Basic calculus, including differentiation and algebraic manipulation
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of energy eigenstates in quantum mechanics
  • Learn about the implications of Gaussian wave functions in quantum systems
  • Explore perturbation theory and its applications in quantum mechanics
  • Review resources on solving the time-independent Schrödinger equation for various potentials
USEFUL FOR

Students of quantum mechanics, physicists working with wave functions, and anyone interested in solving the time-independent Schrödinger equation for different potential energy scenarios.

jaredmt
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Homework Statement


Show by direct substitution into the time-independent Schrödinger equation that such a particle could be described by the state function
Ψ(x) = Ψ_0exp(-ax^2) with a, Ψ_0 constants



Homework Equations


V(x) = (1/2)kx^2

time independent equation:
6cf16270fbb803cb3cfdff9b9e65a9aa.png




The Attempt at a Solution



i found d2Ψ/dx2 = Ψ(4a^2x^2-2a)

then i plugged that and V(x) into the formula and get:
(-h^2/2m)[4a^2x^2 - 2a]Ψ + Ψ(1/2)kx^2 = EΨ

then divided Ψ out and multiplied out the left side and got:
(-2h^2a^2x^2/m) +ah^2/m + (1/2)kx^2 = E

now I am not sure where to go from here. does anybody know what to do or a website that tells how to do this proof?
 
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Can u use tex, pretty please?

You have a,x for the wavefunction and you want the perturbation independent "answer" provided, so what do the a and x represent, in respect of time and time/perturbation independence?
 
jaredmt said:
then divided Ψ out and multiplied out the left side and got:
(-2h^2a^2x^2/m) +ah^2/m + (1/2)kx^2 = E

now I am not sure where to go from here. does anybody know what to do or a website that tells how to do this proof?
Is this state supposed to be an energy eigenstate? If so, remember that you have to find out what the energy is that corresponds to the wavefunction, and it should be independent of x.
 

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