Time-independent Schrödinger equation, normalizing

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on the normalization of the wave function for an electron trapped in a potential well defined by the regions -a PREREQUISITES

  • Understanding of quantum mechanics principles, particularly wave functions and potential wells.
  • Familiarity with normalization conditions in quantum mechanics.
  • Knowledge of continuity conditions for wave functions at boundaries.
  • Basic grasp of the Schrödinger equation and its applications in quantum systems.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the normalization of wave functions in quantum mechanics.
  • Learn about the implications of energy levels in potential wells, specifically E=V and E>V0 scenarios.
  • Explore the continuity conditions for wave functions at boundaries in quantum systems.
  • Investigate the concept of tunneling and penetration depth in quantum mechanics.
USEFUL FOR

Students and professionals in quantum mechanics, particularly those studying wave functions, potential wells, and normalization techniques. This discussion is beneficial for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of the time-independent Schrödinger equation and its applications.

WrongMan
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Homework Statement


An electron coming from the left encounters/is trapped the following potential:
-a<x<0; V=0
0<x<a; V=V0
infinity elsewhere
the electron has energy V0
a)Write out the wave function
b)normalize th wave function

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution


for -a<x<0
$$Ψ(x)=Acos(kx)+Bsin(kx)$$
$$k^2=\frac{2mV_0}{ħ^2}$$
and for 0<x<a
$$Ψ(x)=Cx+D$$
and 0 elsewhere
i used the sine and cosine because it seemed it would be better for continuity condition in x=0, if you would use exponential form please do explain why.
so this is what my teacher expects for a).
for b)
applying continuity conditions on x=0 i get:
A=D
B=C
and so:$$\int_{-a}^{0}|Ψ(x)|^2=1$$
im a bit confused here, is this the norm or the module? i think its the norm and if so ot might have been worth it to write the wave function in exponential form, so before i transcribe this big integral please clarify this for me.

Furthermore this should look like a particle traped in a box correct? i don't really understand what happens when E=V, i understand the probabiity part, it decays linearly further inside the step, correct?
And what about if E>V0 is it a particle traped in a box, but in the 0-a area the amplitude decreses? And the allowed energy levels for that area start at V0? what about penetration? and when E is smaller what happens?
Thank you!

Edit:would it be easier if i shifted the potential by -a so that it is in the range [0;2a]?
 
Last edited:
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##B=C## isn't quite correct. You should also apply continuity conditions for ##\psi(x)## at ##x=-a## and ##x=a##.

The normalization requirement is
$$\int_{-\infty}^\infty \lvert \psi(x) \rvert^2\,dx = 1.$$ In this problem, since the wave function vanishes for ##|x|>a##, you have
$$\int_{-a}^a \lvert \psi(x) \rvert^2\,dx = 1.$$
 

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