Ground state energy of 5 identical spin 1/2 particle

AI Thread Summary
The ground state energy of five identical spin 1/2 particles in a one-dimensional harmonic oscillator potential is calculated by considering the fermionic nature of the particles, which prevents them from occupying the same quantum state. Each particle occupies a unique state corresponding to quantum numbers n=0, 1, 2, 3, and 4, leading to individual energies of (1/2)ħω, (3/2)ħω, (5/2)ħω, (7/2)ħω, and (9/2)ħω. The total energy sums to (25/2)ħω, but this is incorrect due to the need to account for the Pauli exclusion principle and the specific filling of states. The correct calculation results in a total ground state energy of (13/2)ħω. The discussion highlights the importance of understanding quantum statistics in determining the energy levels of fermions.
Sushmita
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Homework Statement


The ground state energy of 5 identical spin 1/2 particles which are subject to a one dimensional simple harkonic oscillator potential of frequency ω is
(A) (15/2) ħω
(B) (13/2) ħω
(C) (1/2) ħω
(D) 5ħω

Homework Equations


Energy of a simple harmonic oscillator potential is
En = (n+½) ħω

The Attempt at a Solution


Since the particles have 1/2 spin so they are fermions. So any two particpes cannot be in the same state. So every particle will have a different state and hence a different energy corresponding to that state.
To calculate the ground state so each of the 5 particles will have energy corresponding to n= 0,1,2,3,4

(1/2)ħω
(3/2)ħω
(5/2)ħω
(7/2)ħω
(9/2)ħω

So total energy of the particle is = (25/2)ħω

But this is not the answer. Can you let me what am I doing wrong?
 
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Sushmita said:
So any two particpes cannot be in the same state. So every particle will have a different state and hence a different energy corresponding to that state.
There can be more than one state with the same energy.
 
TSny said:
There can be more than one state with the same energy.
But this is a one dimensional potention. There is no degeneracy.
 
A possible state of a spin 1/2 particle is to have an energy of ħω/2 with its spin "up". But that's not the only way the particle could have an energy of ħω/2.
 
Last edited:
TSny said:
A possible state of a spin 1/2 particle is to have an energy of ħω/2 with its spin "up". But that's not the only way the particle could have an energy of ħω/2.
Okay. i get it now. Thanks a lot.
 
Sushmita said:

Homework Statement


The ground state energy of 5 identical spin 1/2 particles which are subject to a one dimensional simple harkonic oscillator potential of frequency ω is
(A) (15/2) ħω
(B) (13/2) ħω
(C) (1/2) ħω
(D) 5ħω

Homework Equations


Energy of a simple harmonic oscillator potential is
En = (n+½) ħω

The Attempt at a Solution


Since the particles have 1/2 spin so they are fermions. So any two particpes cannot be in the same state. So every particle will have a different state and hence a different energy corresponding to that state.
To calculate the ground state so each of the 5 particles will have energy corresponding to n= 0,1,2,3,4

(1/2)ħω
(3/2)ħω
(5/2)ħω
(7/2)ħω
(9/2)ħω

So total energy of the particle is = (25/2)ħω

But this is not the answer. Can you let me what am I doing wrong?
Here filling of electron will be 2,2,1=5
So E=2(0+1/2)hcutw +2(1+1/2)hcutw+1(2+1/2)hcutw
E= 13/2hcutw
 
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