Understanding the Energy Differences: Rigid Rotors vs. Harmonic Oscillators

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on the energy differences between the ground states of rigid rotors and harmonic oscillators in quantum mechanics. It establishes that for rigid rotors, the ground state energy E(0) is zero when the quantum number L equals zero, indicating no rotational energy. In contrast, the ground state energy of a simple harmonic oscillator is always above zero, specifically at v(0), which signifies that it never reaches E(0). This distinction highlights fundamental differences in energy quantization between these two systems.

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  • Understanding of quantum mechanics principles
  • Familiarity with rigid rotor and harmonic oscillator models
  • Knowledge of quantum numbers and their significance
  • Basic concepts of energy quantization in physical systems
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  • Study the mathematical formulation of rigid rotors in quantum mechanics
  • Explore the energy levels of harmonic oscillators using the Schrödinger equation
  • Learn about the implications of quantum numbers in various quantum systems
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Students in modern physics courses, educators teaching quantum mechanics, and anyone interested in the foundational concepts of energy in quantum systems.

texans57
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I am currently taking a modern physics course, and we have a take home quiz. I am not savvy in physics at all, much less quantam mechanics, so any and all help is greatly appreciated. My question is:

Explain what is the difference in terms of energy between the ground states of rigid rotors and of harmonic oscillators?

All i can deduce is that because the quantum number L is equal to zero, then E(0)=0 and the lowest ground state for rotation=0. While the lowest ground state for a simple harmonic oscillator is at v(0) and it never touches E(0).

Oh and by the way this isn't the last question I will probably post, because this is a 20 question take home quiz.

Thanks again
 
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As this is a homework question, you're going to have to post this in the homework forum. Go there and read the FAQ on how to post it.

Also, I hope this isn't your first and final trip here! There's always stuff to learn and good people to talk to here! :biggrin:
 
ok, could you help me then on the homework question forum?
 
texans57 said:
ok, could you help me then on the homework question forum?

I wish I could. But I don't know anything about this question, sorry.

Also, I think I misread your post. I though you said it would be the last question you posted lol. Thats why I said I hope you wouldn't just leave after that 1 post. :-p
 

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