What Are the Eigenvalues of the Operator \hat{B} in Quantum Mechanics?

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SUMMARY

The eigenvalues of the operator \(\hat{B} = -\frac{\hbar^2}{2m}\frac{d^2}{dx^2}\) in quantum mechanics are determined using the eigenstates \(\Psi(x) = A \sin\frac{n\pi x}{L}\), where \(n = 1, 2, 3, \ldots\). The calculated eigenvalues are \(\frac{\hbar^2 n^2 \pi^2}{2mL^2}\), confirming the correct application of the operator on the eigenstate. This solution demonstrates a successful first attempt at solving quantum mechanics problems involving differential operators and eigenvalues.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of quantum mechanics principles
  • Familiarity with differential operators
  • Knowledge of eigenvalues and eigenstates
  • Basic calculus, particularly differentiation
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the properties of differential operators in quantum mechanics
  • Learn about normalization constants in quantum states
  • Explore the implications of boundary conditions on eigenstates
  • Investigate the role of the Schrödinger equation in determining eigenvalues
USEFUL FOR

Students and self-learners of quantum mechanics, particularly those tackling problems involving operators and eigenvalues, will benefit from this discussion.

thepopasmurf
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I'm trying to teach myself quantum mechanics using a book I got. I made an attempt at one of the questions but there are no solutions or worked examples so I'm wondering if I got it right.

Here it goes

Homework Statement


Suppose an observable quantity corresponds to the operator [tex]\hat{B}= -\frac{\hbar^2}{2m}\frac{d^2}{dx^2}[/tex].

For a particular system, the eigenstates of this operator are
[tex]\Psi(x)=Asin\frac{n\pi x}{L}[/tex], where n = 1,2,3,...; A is the normalisation constant

Determine the eigenvalues of [tex]\hat{B}[/tex] for this case




Homework Equations



[tex]\hat{A}\psi_{j}=a_{j}\psi_{j}[/tex] I think


The Attempt at a Solution


I used the operator on [tex]\psi[/tex] and differenciated twice to get
[tex]\frac{\hbar^2 n^2 \pi^2}{2mL^2}ASin\frac{n\pi x}{L}[/tex]
this corresponds to [tex]a_j\psi_j[/tex] so my answer for the eigenvalues is

[tex]\frac{\hbar^2 n^2 \pi^2}{2mL^2}[/tex]

This is my first attempt at anything like this so any help is welcome
 
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You are 100% correct. Congratulations on your first successful attempt. :approve:
 

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