What's a firm/good definition of an "attractive" potential?

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SUMMARY

An "attractive" potential in the context of one-dimensional Schrödinger equations (1D S.E.) is defined as a potential that permits the existence of bound states. In contrast, a potential that only allows for scattering states is classified as "repulsive." Understanding these distinctions is crucial for analyzing quantum systems and their behaviors under various potential conditions.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of one-dimensional Schrödinger equations (1D S.E.)
  • Familiarity with quantum mechanics concepts, particularly bound and scattering states
  • Knowledge of potential energy functions in quantum systems
  • Basic mathematical skills for visualizing potential graphs
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  • Research the characteristics of bound states in quantum mechanics
  • Study the implications of repulsive versus attractive potentials in quantum systems
  • Explore graphical representations of delta potentials and their effects on wave functions
  • Learn about the mathematical formulation of potentials in quantum mechanics
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Students and researchers in quantum mechanics, physicists exploring potential theory, and anyone interested in the foundational concepts of quantum states and potentials.

Zacarias Nason
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What makes an attractive potential "attractive"? I've just started learning about 1D S.E.'s with delta potentials and see the phrase frequently but am having trouble discerning a good, clear definition of what that means.
 
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It's a potential which allows the existence of bound states. If a potential allows only scattering states, it's called "repulsive".
 
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Maybe these figures help a little to visualize it:
joeldia2.gif
 
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