Infinite Quantum Well: E2-E1, Wavefunction, Energy

In summary, the conversation discusses an infinite quantum well with a width of 5 nm and an electron confined within it. The electron has equal probabilities of being in the lowest eigenstate (E1) and the second lowest state (E2). The questions asked are: 1) What is the energy difference between E2 and E1? 2) What is the possible wavefunction of the electron? 3) What is the average energy of the electron? 4) When t=(Pi/2)[hbar/(E2-E1)], what is the wavefunction? The possible wavefunction could be Psi(x)=Sqrt(.5)Phi1(x) + Sqrt(.5)Phi2(x) and the average
  • #1
grothem
23
1

Homework Statement


An infinite quantum well width is 5 nm. An electron is confined in the well with 50% in the lowest eigenstate E1 and 50% in the second lowest state E2.
1. What is the energy difference between the two lowest states, E2-E1
2. What is the possible wavefunction of the electron
3. What is the average energy of the electron
4. When t=(Pi/2)[hbar/(E2-E1)], what is the wavefunction


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution


I know the possible wavefunction could be Psi(x)=Sqrt(.5)Phi1(x) + Sqrt(.5)Phi2(x)
And the average energy, .5E1+.5E2
But I'm not sure where the width of the well comes into play for these equations, unless I'm not on the right track

Also, not sure how to find the difference between the two states
 
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  • #2
Both [itex]\psi_1(x)[/itex] and [itex]\psi_2(x)[/itex] depend on the width of the well...what are the expressions for these states?

You should also already be familiar with the energy levels of a particle in a box...what are they?
 

FAQ: Infinite Quantum Well: E2-E1, Wavefunction, Energy

1. What is an infinite quantum well?

An infinite quantum well is a theoretical model used in quantum mechanics to describe the behavior of a particle confined within a potential well with infinite walls. It is a simplified representation of a real-world system, and is often used to study the properties of electrons in a crystal lattice.

2. What is the significance of the E2-E1 energy gap in an infinite quantum well?

The E2-E1 energy gap refers to the difference between the energy levels E2 and E1 in an infinite quantum well. This energy gap plays a crucial role in determining the behavior of particles within the well, as it dictates the probability of a particle transitioning from one energy level to another.

3. What is a wavefunction in an infinite quantum well?

A wavefunction in an infinite quantum well is a mathematical representation of the quantum state of a particle within the well. It describes the probability amplitude of finding the particle at a given position within the well, and can be used to calculate various properties such as the energy levels and probability of finding the particle in a particular state.

4. How does the energy of a particle in an infinite quantum well relate to its wavelength?

The energy of a particle in an infinite quantum well is directly proportional to its wavelength. This means that as the energy of the particle increases, its wavelength decreases. This relationship is known as the de Broglie wavelength and is a fundamental principle of quantum mechanics.

5. What are some real-world applications of an infinite quantum well?

An infinite quantum well has various applications in fields such as materials science, electronics, and quantum computing. It is often used to model the behavior of electrons in semiconductors, which are crucial components in electronic devices. It is also used to study the properties of quantum dots, which have potential applications in nanotechnology and optoelectronics.

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