Working out Zero-Point Energy and ration of potential to kinetic for a particle.

[Epideme]

Homework Statement

Consider a particle with mass, m moving in one dimensional potential U=kx^2/2 as in a mass-spring system. The total energy of the particle is

E= (p^2/2m) + (kx^2/2)

Classically, the absolute minimum of the enrgy, E=0 is acheived when p=0 and x=0. In quantum mechanics however, the momentum, p and the co-ordinate x cannot simulataneously have certain valus. Using the Heisenberg uncertainty relation:

a)Calculate the minimum possible value of energy, E. This lowest possible energy, which is not zero, is called zero-point energy.
b)What is the ratio of kinetic to the potential enrgy of the particle in a state of minimal total energy

Homework Equations

Delta x delta p = hbar / 2 <---Hesinberg Uncertainty Principle

The Attempt at a Solution

I'm completely lost, with all the remaining 4 questions of my work which I'm posting.

 

[malawi_glenn]

I don't think that one can be completely lost, never.

If one has no idea, then one usually make a competent guessing, try it.

 

[tiny-tim]

help pleasezzz!

I don't think that one can be completely lost, never.

I'm completely lost. ​

Which thread am I supposed to be in?

 

[malawi_glenn]

I'm completely lost. ​

Which thread am I supposed to be in?

You have to provide an attempt to solution

Please make a new thread if you want to ask a question

 

[tiny-tim]

You have to provide an attempt to solution

Well, I the last thing I remember is turning left at the Library, and heading towards Special & General Relativity …

after that it's all a blur …

do you think I traveled faster than light?