Consider a particle of mass m confined to a one-dimensional box of length L and in a state with normalized wavefunction ψn. (a) Without evaluating any integrals, explain why ⟨x⟩ = L/2. (b) Without evaluating any integrals, explain why ⟨px⟩ = 0. (c) Derive an expression for ⟨x2⟩ (the necessary integrals will be found in the Resource section). (d) For a particle in a box the energy is given by En = n2h2/8mL2 and, because the potential energy is zero, all of this energy is kinetic. Use this observation and, without evaluating any integrals, explain why <p2x> = n2h2/4L2.
Consider a particle of mass m confined to a one-dimensional box of length L and in a state with normalized wavefunction ψn. (a) Without evaluating any integrals, explain why ⟨x⟩ = L/2. (b) Without evaluating any integrals, explain why ⟨px⟩ = 0. (c) Derive an expression for ⟨x2⟩ (the necessary integrals will be found in the Resource section). (d) For a particle in a box the energy is given by En = n2h2/8mL2 and, because the potential energy is zero, all of this energy is kinetic. Use this observation and, without evaluating any integrals, explain why <p2x> = n2h2/4L2.
Physical Chemistry
2nd Edition
ISBN:9781133958437
Author:Ball, David W. (david Warren), BAER, Tomas
Publisher:Ball, David W. (david Warren), BAER, Tomas
Chapter10: Introduction To Quantum Mechanics
Section: Chapter Questions
Problem 10.26E: For a particle in a state having the wavefunction =2asinxa in the range x=0toa, what is the...
Related questions
Question
Consider a particle of mass m confined to a one-dimensional box of length L and in a state with normalized wavefunction ψn. (a) Without evaluating any integrals, explain why ⟨x⟩ = L/2. (b) Without evaluating any integrals, explain why ⟨px⟩ = 0. (c) Derive an expression for ⟨x2⟩ (the necessary integrals will be found in the Resource section). (d) For a particle in a box the energy is given by En = n2h2/8mL2 and, because the potential energy is zero, all of this energy is kinetic. Use this observation and, without evaluating any integrals, explain why <p2x> = n2h2/4L2.
Expert Solution
This question has been solved!
Explore an expertly crafted, step-by-step solution for a thorough understanding of key concepts.
This is a popular solution!
Trending now
This is a popular solution!
Step by step
Solved in 5 steps with 4 images
Knowledge Booster
Learn more about
Need a deep-dive on the concept behind this application? Look no further. Learn more about this topic, chemistry and related others by exploring similar questions and additional content below.Recommended textbooks for you
Physical Chemistry
Chemistry
ISBN:
9781133958437
Author:
Ball, David W. (david Warren), BAER, Tomas
Publisher:
Wadsworth Cengage Learning,
Introductory Chemistry: A Foundation
Chemistry
ISBN:
9781337399425
Author:
Steven S. Zumdahl, Donald J. DeCoste
Publisher:
Cengage Learning
Physical Chemistry
Chemistry
ISBN:
9781133958437
Author:
Ball, David W. (david Warren), BAER, Tomas
Publisher:
Wadsworth Cengage Learning,
Introductory Chemistry: A Foundation
Chemistry
ISBN:
9781337399425
Author:
Steven S. Zumdahl, Donald J. DeCoste
Publisher:
Cengage Learning