What is the physical meaning of this eqn

  • Thread starter Thread starter MarkB
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Physical
MarkB
Messages
5
Reaction score
0
I am doing a research about the wave function. I am planning on take ing teh way function and changing the power on the x.
m(d^(2)x/dt^(2)) + kx^n =0

What is the physical meaning when you do make the x rasied to some power?

Thanks
 
Physics news on Phys.org
If n is not 1, but odd, you could call it a non-linear oscillator.
 
MarkB said:
I am doing a research about the wave function. I am planning on take ing teh way function and changing the power on the x.
m(d^(2)x/dt^(2)) + kx^n =0

What is the physical meaning when you do make the x rasied to some power?

Thanks
Arildno gave a good answer.
Note: you should not call x(t) a "wavefunction". A wavefunction would be, say y(x,t) for a transverse wave on a string (as one example).
 
Thread 'Need help understanding this figure on energy levels'
This figure is from "Introduction to Quantum Mechanics" by Griffiths (3rd edition). It is available to download. It is from page 142. I am hoping the usual people on this site will give me a hand understanding what is going on in the figure. After the equation (4.50) it says "It is customary to introduce the principal quantum number, ##n##, which simply orders the allowed energies, starting with 1 for the ground state. (see the figure)" I still don't understand the figure :( Here is...
Thread 'Understanding how to "tack on" the time wiggle factor'
The last problem I posted on QM made it into advanced homework help, that is why I am putting it here. I am sorry for any hassle imposed on the moderators by myself. Part (a) is quite easy. We get $$\sigma_1 = 2\lambda, \mathbf{v}_1 = \begin{pmatrix} 0 \\ 0 \\ 1 \end{pmatrix} \sigma_2 = \lambda, \mathbf{v}_2 = \begin{pmatrix} 1/\sqrt{2} \\ 1/\sqrt{2} \\ 0 \end{pmatrix} \sigma_3 = -\lambda, \mathbf{v}_3 = \begin{pmatrix} 1/\sqrt{2} \\ -1/\sqrt{2} \\ 0 \end{pmatrix} $$ There are two ways...
Back
Top