- #1
Mayan Fung
- 131
- 14
I observe that all bound states have discrete energy levels, eg. particle in a box, hydrogen atoms. But unbound states always have a continuous energy spectrum. For example, for the case of a finite potential well, when ##E<V_0##, we have discrete energy for the bound states. When ##E>V_0##, the energy spectrum is continuous. Many books only solve the Schrodinger Equation to show that we have some constraints so that the allowed energy can only take certain value.
Apart from the maths, is there any physical interpretation for this fact? Is there any theory explaining some characteristics of the bound and unbound states?
Apart from the maths, is there any physical interpretation for this fact? Is there any theory explaining some characteristics of the bound and unbound states?