Uncertainty product of infinite square well

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The discussion centers on calculating the uncertainty product (Δx)(Δp) for a particle in a one-dimensional infinite square well. The initial calculations yielded a result that did not match any provided options, leading to confusion about potential mistakes. The correct approach involves using the wavefunction for the ground state and calculating the expectation values for position and momentum. After reviewing the calculations, it was determined that a typographical error in the problem statement likely caused the discrepancy, suggesting that "h" should have been "ħ." The final consensus is that the calculations are valid, and the issue lies in the problem's wording.
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For the ground state of a particle moving freely in a one-dimentional box 0\leqx\leqL with rigid reflecting end-points, the uncertainty product (del x)(del p) is
1 h/2
2 sqrt{2}h
3 >h/2
4 h/sqrt{3}

I used (del x)^2 =<x^2>-<x>^2 and (del p)^2 =<p^2>-<p>^2
Using the wavefunction of infinite square well potential in ground state i found the the expectation value . i got
(del x)(del p)= (h/2) ( sqrt{ (1/12) -- (1/2(Pi)^2) } )
which is none of the options.
How to solve it?
 
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I got a different answer. Please show us the details of your work. It's impossible to spot where your mistake is otherwise.
 
\Psi=\sqrt{}(2/L) Sin(\Pix/L)

<x>=\int(2/L) (Sin(\Pix/L)^2 x dx {in the limit 0 to L}
<x>=L/2

<x^2>=\int(2/L) (Sin(\Pix/L))^2 x^2 dx {in the limit 0 to L}
<x^2>=(L^2 / 3) - ( L^2 / (2 \Pi^2)

<p>=\int(2/L) Sin(\Pix/L) (-i \hbar d/dx) Sin(\Pix/L) dx {in the limit 0 to L}
<p>=0

<p^2>=\int(2/L) Sin(\Pix/L) ( - \hbar^2 d/dx (d/dx) ) Sin(\Pix/L) dx {in the limit 0 to L}
<p^2>= (\hbar^2 \Pi^2) /L^2

(del x)^2=<x^2>-<x>^2=( L^2 /12 ) - ( L^2 /( 2 \Pi^2) )
(del p)^2=<p^2>-<p>^2=(\hbar^2 \Pi^2) /L^2

(del x)(del p)= (\hbar\Pi/L) \sqrt{}(( L^2 /12 ) - ( L^2 /( 2 \Pi^2) ) )
(del x)(del p)=(h/2) \sqrt{}( (1/12) - ( 1 / ( 2 \Pi^2 ) ) )
 
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In the very last step, you made an algebra mistake when you pulled the factor of L/2π out.

<br /> \Delta x \Delta p &amp; = \frac{\hbar\pi}{L} \sqrt{\frac{L^2}{12}-\frac{L^2}{2\pi^2}} =<br /> \frac{\hbar\pi}{L} \sqrt{\frac{L^2}{(2\pi)^2}\left(\frac{1}{3}-\frac{2}{\pi^2}\right)}<br />
 
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In the question all the options are expressed in terms of " h " rather then " \hbar " so i used \hbar=h/(2\Pi) hence i got the last step
 
Oh, I see. Your answer looks fine. It's probably just a typo in the problem where they meant \hbar instead of h.

(Not sure what I was thinking when I wrote that last radical.)
 
Right thank you :smile:
 
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