Two dimensional asymmetric harmonic oscillator

In summary, the potential for a 2D harmonic oscillator is defined by V = 1/2m(Omegax)x^2 + 1/2m(Omegay)y^2 and the energy is given by (Nx+Ny+1)hbarOmega. When Omegax and Omegay are not equal, the energy can be found by using the separable solution \psi(x,y)= X(x)Y(y) and is given by E = (Nx+1/2)hbarOmegax + (Ny+1/2)hhbarOmegay.
  • #1
JackPunchedJi
3
0
Let's say I have a 2D harmonic oscillator:

Homework Statement


The potential is of course defined by: V = 1/2m(Omegax)x^2 + 1/2m(Omegay)y^2

Homework Equations



Generally when doing a harmonic oscillator we find that in two dimensions the energy is just:

(Nx+Ny+1)hbarOmega is the energy.

How does this change when the Omegax and Omegay are not equal?

The Attempt at a Solution



Do we simply get the energy as...

E = (Nx+1/2)hbarOmegax + (Ny+1/2)hhbarOmegay ?

That would seem logical, but would like the clarification.
 
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  • #2
Your intuition is correct. You can work it out by considering a separable solution of the form [itex]\psi(x,y)= X(x)Y(y)[/itex].
 

FAQ: Two dimensional asymmetric harmonic oscillator

What is a two dimensional asymmetric harmonic oscillator?

A two dimensional asymmetric harmonic oscillator is a physical system where the restoring force is proportional to the displacement from the equilibrium position and the motion is confined to two dimensions.

What are the applications of a two dimensional asymmetric harmonic oscillator?

Two dimensional asymmetric harmonic oscillators are commonly used in physics and engineering to model systems such as pendulums, molecular vibrations, and electronic circuits. They also have applications in quantum mechanics and statistical mechanics.

How is the motion of a two dimensional asymmetric harmonic oscillator described?

The motion of a two dimensional asymmetric harmonic oscillator is described by the equations of motion, which are second-order differential equations. The solution to these equations gives the position and velocity of the oscillator as a function of time.

What factors affect the behavior of a two dimensional asymmetric harmonic oscillator?

The behavior of a two dimensional asymmetric harmonic oscillator is affected by several factors, including the mass of the oscillator, the strength of the restoring force, and the initial conditions (position and velocity) of the oscillator.

How does the frequency of a two dimensional asymmetric harmonic oscillator relate to its energy?

The frequency of a two dimensional asymmetric harmonic oscillator is directly proportional to its energy. As the energy of the oscillator increases, so does the frequency of its oscillations.

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