What Parameter Should Be Used in Variational Approximation for This Hamiltonian?

  • Thread starter Thread starter LCSphysicist
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Approximation Qm
Click For Summary
The discussion revolves around using variational approximation to estimate energy for a specific Hamiltonian, bx^4 + p²/2m. The initial suggestion is to use the ground state wave function of the harmonic oscillator, but uncertainty exists about which parameter to vary. Participants propose varying the product mω/ħ as a potential parameter for optimization. There is skepticism about the effectiveness of the harmonic wave function in this context. The conversation highlights the need for clarity on parameter selection in variational methods.
LCSphysicist
Messages
644
Reaction score
162
Homework Statement
.
Relevant Equations
.
Hello. I should find the energy aproximatelly using the variational approximation for this physical hamiltonian: ##bx^4 + p²/2m## Imediatally, i thought that the better trial wave function would be the one correspondent to the ground state of the harmonic quantum oscilator. THe problem is, in fact, that i don't know what parameter to use in order to vary it! I mean, $$\psi = (mw/\pi \hbar)^{1/4}e^{-mwx^2/2 \hbar}$$. So, what parameter should i use? w=w(\alpha)? or m = m(\alpha)? How do i know by the beginning what parameter should i use to vary it?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Last edited:

Similar threads

Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 16 ·
Replies
16
Views
3K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Replies
1
Views
2K