Time-independent Schrödinger equation, normalizing

AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on solving a quantum mechanics problem involving an electron in a potential well. The wave function is defined piecewise for different regions, with continuity conditions applied at the boundaries. Normalization of the wave function is clarified, emphasizing the integral over the entire range where the wave function is non-zero. Participants discuss the implications of energy levels relative to the potential, including cases where the energy equals or exceeds the potential. The conversation highlights the importance of applying continuity conditions at all relevant boundaries for accurate solutions.
WrongMan
Messages
149
Reaction score
15

Homework Statement


An electron coming from the left encounters/is trapped the following potential:
-a<x<0; V=0
0<x<a; V=V0
infinity elsewhere
the electron has energy V0
a)Write out the wave function
b)normalize th wave function

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution


for -a<x<0
$$Ψ(x)=Acos(kx)+Bsin(kx)$$
$$k^2=\frac{2mV_0}{ħ^2}$$
and for 0<x<a
$$Ψ(x)=Cx+D$$
and 0 elsewhere
i used the sine and cosine because it seemed it would be better for continuity condition in x=0, if you would use exponential form please do explain why.
so this is what my teacher expects for a).
for b)
applying continuity conditions on x=0 i get:
A=D
B=C
and so:$$\int_{-a}^{0}|Ψ(x)|^2=1$$
im a bit confused here, is this the norm or the module? i think its the norm and if so ot might have been worth it to write the wave function in exponential form, so before i transcribe this big integral please clarify this for me.

Furthermore this should look like a particle traped in a box correct? i don't really understand what happens when E=V, i understand the probabiity part, it decays linearly further inside the step, correct?
And what about if E>V0 is it a particle traped in a box, but in the 0-a area the amplitude decreses? And the allowed energy levels for that area start at V0? what about penetration? and when E is smaller what happens?
Thank you!

Edit:would it be easier if i shifted the potential by -a so that it is in the range [0;2a]?
 
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org
##B=C## isn't quite correct. You should also apply continuity conditions for ##\psi(x)## at ##x=-a## and ##x=a##.

The normalization requirement is
$$\int_{-\infty}^\infty \lvert \psi(x) \rvert^2\,dx = 1.$$ In this problem, since the wave function vanishes for ##|x|>a##, you have
$$\int_{-a}^a \lvert \psi(x) \rvert^2\,dx = 1.$$
 
Thread 'Help with Time-Independent Perturbation Theory "Good" States Proof'
(Disclaimer: this is not a HW question. I am self-studying, and this felt like the type of question I've seen in this forum. If there is somewhere better for me to share this doubt, please let me know and I'll transfer it right away.) I am currently reviewing Chapter 7 of Introduction to QM by Griffiths. I have been stuck for an hour or so trying to understand the last paragraph of this proof (pls check the attached file). It claims that we can express Ψ_{γ}(0) as a linear combination of...
Back
Top