Why does a free particle in an infinite well have uncertainty bigger than h/2 ?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the concept of uncertainty in quantum mechanics, specifically regarding a free particle in an infinite potential well. Participants are exploring the relationship between wave functions and the uncertainty principle, particularly questioning why the uncertainty can exceed the minimum limit of \(\hbar/2\).

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are attempting to understand the types of wave functions that can achieve the minimum uncertainty limit. There are inquiries about the nature of wave functions, such as whether a normal curve can be used to reach \(\hbar/2\), and what specific wave functions might be applicable.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided suggestions regarding the ground state of the harmonic oscillator as a potential example of a wave function that meets the uncertainty criteria. However, there is a lack of clarity among others about the specifics of this wave function and its relation to the current topic.

Contextual Notes

There is mention of prior learning constraints, as some participants indicate that they have not covered certain concepts, such as the ground state of the harmonic oscillator, which may limit their understanding of the discussion.

drop_out_kid
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Homework Statement
verify the uncertainty principle by wave function of infinite well free particle(ground state)
Relevant Equations
\sai(x)=\sqrt {2/L} sin(Pi*x/L)dx
So I think I use the right approach and I get uncertainty like this:
1650392221348.png


And it's interval irrelevant(ofc),

So what kind of wave function gives us \h_bar / 2 ? I guess a normal curve? if so, why is normal curve could be? if not then what's kind of wave function can reach the lower bound
 
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Supplyment:
For <x^2>

1650392441964.png

for <x> it's simply L/2

for <p> it's simply 0

for <p^2> it's
1650392576119.png
by sin^2 integration.
 
drop_out_kid said:
So what kind of wave function gives us \h_bar / 2 ? I guess a normal curve? if so, why is normal curve could be? if not then what's kind of wave function can reach the lower bound
Try the ground state for the harmonic oscillator of mass ##m## and frequency ##\omega##.
 
kuruman said:
Try the ground state for the harmonic oscillator of mass ##m## and frequency ##\omega##.
Sorry I didn't get what that even is. We didn't learned that, I assume that's a ground state sinusoidal wave function?
 
drop_out_kid said:
Sorry I didn't get what that even is. We didn't learned that, I assume that's a ground state sinusoidal wave function?
You asked and I replied. It is a Gaussian, $$\psi_0(x)=\left(\frac{m\omega}{\pi \hbar}\right)^{1/4}e^{-\frac{m \omega}{2\hbar}x^2}.$$Try it.
 

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