Quantum Mechanics 2

2014 Fall Semester

Problem Set 5
1. Without using the Wigner-Eckart theorem, show that the objects |k, qi |j, mi and
(k)
Tq |j, mi rotate under the same transformation rule.
2. Show explicitly that r and p are vector operators.
3. Prove explicitly that if V is a Cartesian vector operator, then
(1)

(1)

V1 = 12 (Vx iVy ) ; V0

= Vz

is a spherical tensor operator of rank 1.

(k )

(k )

4. Prove that if Xq1 1 and Zq2 2 are spherical tensor operators of order k1 and k2
respectively, then
XX
Tq(k)
(k1 k2 ; q1 q2 |k q) Xq(k1 1 ) Zq(k2 2 )
q1

q2

is a spherical tensor operator of rank k. In your proof you can use the identity
known as the Clebsh-Gordan Series,
XXX
(j )
(j )
(j)
Dm11 m0 (R) Dm22 m0 (R) =
(j1 j2 ; m1 m2 |j m) (j1 j2 ; m01 m02 |j m0 ) Dm m0 (R),
1

m0

and the orthogonality of CG coefficients,

XX
(j1 j2 ; m1 m2 |j m) (j1 j2 ; m1 m2 |j 0 m0 ) = jj 0 mm0 .
m1

m2

5. We will see that when placing an electron in a magnetic field, its energy is determined
by its magnetic moment, defined B (L+2S), where B is the Bohr magneton.
Use the projection theorem to show that for a particle with total angular momentum
J , composed of orbital angular momentum L and spin S,
hi = gJ B hJ i.
Calculate explicitly the coefficient gJ (called the Lande g-factor) and its dependence
on the quantum numbers associated with J , L and S. Find all possible magnetizations for an electron in a hydrogen atom in the state |2, 1, mi.
1

6. Calculate all non-vanishing matrix elements of

~ |n, l, mi
hn0 , l0 , m0 | X
for n, n0 {1, 2}, and where |nlmi is a hydrogen energy eigenstate. This calculation
will be handy later on this semester when you discuss the Stark effect. Hints: review
the hydrogen atom, use Wigner-Eckart theorem, find the relevant Clebsh-Gordan
coefficients. It is probably easiest to first determine which matrix elements do
vanish. In addition you may use
 11/2
2
a0
r drR21 (r)R10 (r) = 4
3
0
Z

r3 drR21 (r)R20 (r) = 27a0 ,

Z

where Rnl (r) is the radial part of the hydrogen wave-function, hx |n, l, mi = Rnl (r)Ylm (),
and a0 is the Bohr radius.