Energy eigenvalue and eigen vector

In summary: So in this case, the energy eigenvalues will be the sums of the squares of the three 1D eigenvalues (which are each 1).The problem just has a confusing wording. He is only given one length 'L' in part b. But since it is part "b", apparently this implies that the result of part "a" is to be applied to the specific case.The energy eigenvalues of a 3D-well will be sums of three 1D-well eigenvalues, but this does not make the box a "3D square box" (since, for example L_x \neq L_y. ).
  • #1
dusrkeric
1
0
I have some question on energy eigenvalue and eigenfunction
help please

A particle, mass m , exists in 3 dimensions, confined in the region
0< x < 2L, 0 < y < 3L, 0 < z < 3L

a) what are the energy eigenvalues and eigenfunctions of the particle?

b) if the particel is a neutron which is confined in a volume with L=10^-15m, what are the three lowest energy eigenvalues, in MeV? what is the lowest energy eigenvalue which is degrenerate?
 
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  • #2
I think this should be posted in the homework help section, eh?
 
  • #3
Yes, and also show work done etc. Exactly whatis it that you don't understand? If we don't know how then we can not help you. It is against the policy of the forumus to just hand out solutions to problems. Our teachers in real life do not do so either..

Somebody will move this post eventually, so " dusrkeric " do not make a new one.
 
  • #4
Elemer Elad Rosinger said:
Contrary to what some may believe, your eigenvector and eigenvalue question is not a mere homework issue, but rather, a foundational one...[snip!]

No, it's a mere homework issue.
 
  • #5
simple formula dude...
use equations of particle in three dimension box.
But u don't mean that v outside bos is finite,I guess.
 
  • #6
dusrkeric said:
I have some question on energy eigenvalue and eigenfunction
help please

A particle, mass m , exists in 3 dimensions, confined in the region
0< x < 2L, 0 < y < 3L, 0 < z < 3L

a) what are the energy eigenvalues and eigenfunctions of the particle?

b) if the particel is a neutron which is confined in a volume with L=10^-15m, what are the three lowest energy eigenvalues, in MeV? what is the lowest energy eigenvalue which is degrenerate?
These have pretty straightforward solutions. Please post your work/formulae that you have used. Just few hints...
a] Use the energy eigenvalue equation for a 3-dimensional box after normalizing the eigenfunctions.
b]This is even easier...use the particle in a 3D square box solution.
 
  • #7
Reshma said:
b]This is even easier...use the particle in a 3D square box solution.
The box is not a cube - it is a cuboid. You can not use the square well energy eigenvalues.
 
  • #8
Gokul43201 said:
The box is not a cube - it is a cuboid. You can not use the square well energy eigenvalues.

why not? The solution is obtained via separation of variables. And the general solution in a 1-dim box of length a is [tex] \sqrt{2/a} sin \dfrac{n \pi x}{a} [/tex] just substitut n, x and a to proper values and the solution for 3dim is obtained by multiply all these into one equation.

At least we have done so here in sweden
 
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  • #9
Yes, the eigenvalues of a 3D-well will be sums of three 1D-well eigenvalues, but this does not make the box a "3D square box" (since, for example [itex]L_x \neq L_y. [/itex]) I should have specified that "you can not use the 3D square box energies."
 
  • #10
Gokul43201 said:
Yes, the eigenvalues of a 3D-well will be sums of three 1D-well eigenvalues, but this does not make the box a "3D square box" (since, for example [itex]L_x \neq L_y. [/itex]) I should have specified that "you can not use the 3D square box energies."
Yes it is a cuboid in the first case. However, in the second case, he has been given only one length. So it is a special case of a square box. I don't know if case a] & b] are connected. If yes, then I am wrong.
 
  • #11
Look. The problem just has a confusing wording. He is only given one length 'L' in part b. But since it is part "b", apparently this implies that the result of part "a" is to be applied to the specific case.

There is only one length 'L' given in part "a" as well--but the region is not a cube in part a, it is a rectangular solid of sides L, 2L, and 3L.

I'm sure that we all understand the elementary quantum mechanics, so the point now under discussion by Reshma and Gokul is just the slightly vague wording of part "b".
 
  • #12
That's right (gramps).

Reshma, in part b, you are not (explicitly) given the length of the sides; you are given the value of L. The lengths of the sides are still (2L,3L,3L).
 
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Related to Energy eigenvalue and eigen vector

1. What is an energy eigenvalue?

An energy eigenvalue is a numerical value that represents the energy of a quantum mechanical system. It is obtained by solving the Schrödinger equation for the system and is considered to be a characteristic property of the system.

2. What is the importance of energy eigenvalues?

Energy eigenvalues play a crucial role in quantum mechanics as they give information about the allowed energy states of a system. They also help in predicting the behavior of a system and determining the probability of finding the system in a particular energy state.

3. What is an energy eigenstate?

An energy eigenstate is a state in which a physical system exists with a definite energy eigenvalue. This means that the system is in a stationary state and does not change with time.

4. How is an energy eigenvalue related to an eigenstate?

An energy eigenvalue is associated with an eigenstate through the Schrödinger equation. When the equation is solved, the resulting solutions are the energy eigenstates of the system, and the corresponding eigenvalues are the allowed energy values.

5. What is the difference between energy eigenvalues and energy levels?

Energy eigenvalues are the allowed energy values of a quantum mechanical system, while energy levels refer to the discrete energy states that a system can occupy. Energy levels can be thought of as a collection of energy eigenvalues that a system can have.

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