Lowest energy state with infinite and finite potential

In summary, the conversation discusses a problem with an electron confined to a region with differing potentials. The energy of the electron in the ground state is lower in the second region due to the wavefunction extending into the higher potential area. This difference is caused by the process of tunnelling.
  • #1
omiros
30
0
Hello everyone and thanks for reading my post.

I have a problem with an electron, which actually is confined into a region 0 ≤ x≤ L with infinite potential around it, and its energy in the ground state is 0.38eV. Then on the x > L region the potential is 5eV and the energy of the lowest eigenstate is 0.32eV. What causes that difference?

Thanks for your time.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
The different potential causes a difference.

In the second case, the wavefunction will extend a bit into the x>L-region. This is similar to a larger potential well, so the ground state has a lower energy.
 
  • Like
Likes 1 person
  • #3
I think the difference happen as a result of the TUNNELLING of the electron into the potential barrier.
 

FAQ: Lowest energy state with infinite and finite potential

What is the lowest energy state with infinite potential?

The lowest energy state with infinite potential refers to the state of a system where the potential energy is infinitely high. This means that the system is at its most stable state and has no further potential to release energy.

How is the lowest energy state with infinite potential different from the lowest energy state with finite potential?

The main difference between the two is that in a system with infinite potential, the energy is completely trapped and cannot be released, whereas in a system with finite potential, there is still some potential for energy to be released.

Can the lowest energy state of a system with infinite potential ever change?

No, the lowest energy state of a system with infinite potential is a constant state and cannot change. This is because the potential energy is infinitely high, leaving no room for further changes.

How can the lowest energy state with finite potential be determined?

The lowest energy state with finite potential can be determined by solving the Schrödinger equation for the given system. This equation takes into account the potential energy of the system and predicts the lowest energy state.

What happens if a system is not in the lowest energy state with finite potential?

If a system is not in its lowest energy state with finite potential, it will tend to move towards that state in order to achieve stability. This can happen through energy transfers or other processes that release energy from the system.

Similar threads

I On a constructive method of quantum state preparation (Ballentine)
Replies
2
Views
1K
A State in the infinite potential well
Replies
7
Views
1K
I Finite Well Problem: Can Energy Be Equal to V0?
Replies
12
Views
2K
A Ground state energy of a particle-in-a-box in coordinate scaling
Replies
4
Views
1K
I Energies of bound state for delta function potential
Replies
2
Views
1K
A Softened potential well / potential step
Replies
5
Views
1K
I Bound states of a periodic potential well in one dimension
Replies
2
Views
2K
A Doubts in a lattice translation example
Replies
4
Views
1K
A Ground state energy of cube-like potential wells
Replies
3
Views
1K
I Is the potential energy always negative in the ground state of a hydrogen atom?
Replies
12
Views
2K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top