An infinite square well problem

AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around solving an infinite square well problem in quantum mechanics, specifically calculating the momentum probability density P(p,t) for a given initial wave function. Participants emphasize the importance of normalizing the wave function, computing expansion coefficients, and deriving the time-dependent solution. There is confusion regarding the initial wave function's complexity and how to proceed with the calculations. Clarifications are sought on the definitions of expansion coefficients and the process for obtaining the momentum probability density. The conversation highlights the need for clear steps in tackling quantum mechanics problems.
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Homework Statement



Particle in well:

V(x)=0 for |x|<\frac{L}{2}
V(x)=∞ for |x|>\frac{L}{2}

initial wave function \Psi(x,0)=\frac{1}{√L}[cos\frac{\pi*x}{L}+ i*sin\frac{2*\pi*x}{L}]

a) calc P(p,t) (momentum prob density)

Homework Equations



Anything from Griffiths QM

The Attempt at a Solution



I'm getting tripped out from the initial wave function. It is perfectly clear to me the process in which to solve for ψ(x,t) , given the initial wave function ψ(x,0); however, I'm not sure what to do in this case.

I know that, given ψ(x,0), we must do the following:

1)normalize \Psi(x,0)
2)compute the expansion coefficients (aka, c_{n})
3)compute E_{n} and plug into the time dependent solution
4)plug in c_{n}, Normalized "A" value, and E_{n} into ψ(x,t)
 
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If the initial wave function had been

$$ \Psi(x,0) = \sqrt{\frac{2}{L}}sin(\pi x/L) $$

do you know what \Psi(x,t) would be?
 
king vitamin said:
If the initial wave function had been

$$ \Psi(x,0) = \sqrt{\frac{2}{L}}sin(\pi x/L) $$

do you know what \Psi(x,t) would be?

If you're trying to see that I know how to do the most basic infinite square well problem , yes, and I've done it for various situations (shifted wells and whatnot)

\Psi(x,t)=c_{n}\frac{√2}{√L}sin(\frac{n\pi*x}{L})(e^{\frac{-in^2\pi^{2}ht}{2mL^{2}}})

where, in ψ(x,t), h = h-bar (didn't know how to find h-bar in latex)

was the plan to aid in clarification of the problem at hand once i prove that I'm not just looking for "answers" ?
 
quasi-static said:
(didn't know how to find h-bar in latex)

It's \hbar. :biggrin:
 
I didn't have a "plan," I'm just trying to help based on info given to me. Given that you have no problem attaining \Psi(x,t), do you know the equation you use to find the momentum probability density? You mention expansion coefficients in your OP, but I'm not sure what expansion coefficients you're referring to (are they for momentum?).
 
quasi-static said:

Homework Statement



Particle in well:

V(x)=0 for |x|<\frac{L}{2}
V(x)=∞ for |x|>\frac{L}{2}

initial wave function \Psi(x,0)=\frac{1}{√L}[cos\frac{\pi*x}{L}+ i*sin\frac{2*\pi*x}{L}]

a) calc P(p,t) (momentum prob density)

Homework Equations



Anything from Griffiths QM

The Attempt at a Solution



I'm getting tripped out from the initial wave function. It is perfectly clear to me the process in which to solve for ψ(x,t) , given the initial wave function ψ(x,0); however, I'm not sure what to do in this case.

I know that, given ψ(x,0), we must do the following:

1)normalize \Psi(x,0)
2)compute the expansion coefficients (aka, c_{n})
3)compute E_{n} and plug into the time dependent solution
4)plug in c_{n}, Normalized "A" value, and E_{n} into ψ(x,t)
So what's stopping you from doing these steps? It would help if you were a little more specific than saying you're "getting tripped out."
 
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