Calculate the energies of the six lowest states

[acusanelli]

Homework Statement

Suppose that a particle of mass m is confined to move in the x-y plane in a 2-dimensional box of length Lx = L and LY = ½ L. Calculate the energies of the six lowest states.

Homework Equations

not sure to set up this problem?

The Attempt at a Solution

the most I can get is
E = (h^2π^2(n1^2+.5n2^2))/ 2mL^2
E = (h^2π^2)/ mL^2
and I don't think this is right

 

[nickjer]

Why do you have two energy equations? You know how to separate the wavefunction and solve for it in 2 dimensions. What can you say about the total energy after you separated the variables?

 

[acusanelli]

thats because I don't know how to set the problem up, i pulled those equations out of the book and am not sure what I am doing

 

[nickjer]

You should read how the first equation you listed was derived. That way you can reproduce it for your problem.