Unbound particle through potential

  • Context: Graduate 
  • Thread starter Thread starter omiros
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Particle Potential
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on solving the wave function for an unbound particle encountering a potential step of height V0. The particle's energy E is greater than V0, leading to specific wave functions for regions x < 0 and x ≥ 0. The wave functions are expressed in complex notation, with ψ(x) defined as ψ(x) = CI*eikx + CR*e-ikx for x < 0 and ψ(x) = C*ei√(2m(E-V0))/ħ x + D*e-i√(2m(E-V0))/ħ x for x ≥ 0. The continuity conditions at x = 0 for both the wave function and its first derivative are critical for determining the constants A, B, C, and D.

PREREQUISITES
  • Quantum mechanics fundamentals, specifically wave-particle duality
  • Complex number notation in wave functions
  • Understanding of potential energy steps in quantum mechanics
  • Knowledge of boundary conditions in wave equations
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of wave functions for particles in potential wells
  • Learn about the continuity conditions for wave functions in quantum mechanics
  • Explore the implications of potential barriers on particle transmission and reflection
  • Investigate the role of the Schrödinger equation in determining wave functions
USEFUL FOR

Students of quantum mechanics, physicists analyzing wave functions, and educators teaching concepts related to potential steps and unbound particles.

omiros
Messages
29
Reaction score
0
1. Homework Statement
A particle with mass m moving in the positive x -direction (i.e. from left to right) is incident on a potential step of height V0 at x = 0 so that the potential experienced by the particle is;
V(x) = 0 for x < 0 and V(x) = V0 for x ≥ 0
2. Homework Equations

Determine the time-independent wave function for the particle in the case where the particle energy, E, is greater than V0. This case corresponds to the solution for an ‘unbound’ particle (E > V0). Write your wave functions using complex notation; let the amplitudes of the incident, reflected and transmitted waves be CI, CR and
CT respectively. Define the wavenumber, k, in the region x < 0 and the wavenumber
k' in the region x ≥ 0 .

3. The Attempt at a Solution
ψ(x) = CI*eikx + CR*e-ikx for x < 0 (is probably the first part of the equation).

My main problem is what to do with the second one, as the particle is constantly 'under the influence' of the potential V0 and at the same time I have to find CT when the wave has not been exactly transmitted so the equation can't just be CT*eikx(in my point of view)
 
Physics news on Phys.org
The solution on the left side of the step is ##\psi(x)=Aexp\left(\frac{i\sqrt{2mE}x}{\hbar}\right)+ Bexp\left(-\frac{i\sqrt{2mE}x}{\hbar}\right)## and the solution on the right side of the step is ##\psi(x)=Cexp\left(\frac{i\sqrt{2m(E-V_{0})}x}{\hbar}\right)+ Dexp\left(-\frac{i\sqrt{2m(E-V_{0})}x}{\hbar}\right)##. Start by determining the conditions that the constants ##A,B,C,D## must satisfy so that ##\psi## and its first derivative are continuous at ##x=0##.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
4K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
2K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
2K
  • · Replies 20 ·
Replies
20
Views
3K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K