PHYS305/PHY8305 Quantum Mechanics Problem 7
28/03/2024 (a) Show that [xn, p] = iħnxn-1.
Assignment 3 (will not be marked as per (b) Show more generally that
the subject handout) due Thursday
04/04/2024 (submit after the lecture). df
[ f ( x ), p ] i , for any function f(x).
dx
Problem 1
For the infinite square well problem, show Problem 8
that P = |ψn|2 maximum at the values x = xj Show that the general expression for the wave
given by function for a free particle, given by
𝑥 𝑎, j = 0, 1, 2, ..., n-1.
Ψ 𝑥, 𝑡 𝐶𝑒 𝐶𝑒 ,
Problem 2
is not an eigenfunction of momentum unless
Reduce ii to a real number.
C1 = 0 or C2 = 0.
Problem 3
Problem 9
Show that there is no acceptable solution to
A particle is moving in a simple harmonic
the TISE for the infinite square well with
oscillator potential V(x) = kx2/2 for x 0, but
E = 0 or E < 0. Hint: Do it by explicitly
with infinite potential barrier at x = 0 (the
solving the Schrödinger equation, and
paddle ball potential). Calculate the allowed
showing that you cannot meet the boundary
wave functions and corresponding energies.
conditions.
Hint: Draw V(x). No lengthy solutions.
Problem 4
Problem 10
(a) Construct ψ2(x) for the harmonic
Using the uncertainty principle, show that the
oscillator.
lowest energy of an oscillator is ћω/2.
(b) Sketch of ψ0, ψ1, and ψ2.
Hint: Consider the confinement as the
(c) Check the orthogonality of ψ0, ψ1, and ψ2
position uncertainty.
by explicit integration. Hint: If you exploit the
even-ness and odd-ness of the functions, there
Problem 11
is only one integral to do.
Consider the box potential
Problem 5
A tennis ball is confined between two thick 0, 0 x a,
walls a distance 0.5 m apart. Calculate the V ( x)
zero-point energy (the lowest possible energy , elsewhere
of a quantum mechanical physical system) of
the ball. Express answer in Joules. (a) Estimate the energies of the ground state
as well as those of the first and the second
Problem 6 excited states for (i) an electron enclosed in a
A particle is in the ground state of the box of size a = 10-10 m (express your answer
harmonic oscillator with classical frequency in electron volts); (ii) a 1g metallic sphere
ω, when suddenly the spring constant which is moving in a box of size a = 10 cm
quadruples, so ω´= 2ω, without initially (express your answer in joules).
changing the wave function (of course, Ψ will (b) Discuss the importance of the quantum
now evolve differently, because the effects for both of these systems.
Hamiltonian has changed). What is the (c) Use the uncertainty principle to estimate
probability that a measurement of the energy the velocities of the electron and the metallic
would still return the value ћω/2? What is the sphere, considering “typical” uncertainty
probability of getting ћω? distances for each.
