Quantum Mechanics II (Phys.

353)
Homework # 1
Due: Thursday 5/3/2011

h ∂
1. Show that L z = . You need to follow what we did in the classroom and work
i ∂φ
all the details to reach the final formula.

2. The state of an electron is described by the wavefunction

( x2 + y 2 + z 2 ) / a
ψ ( x, y, z ) = C xy e −
Where C and a are constants. (Note: You don’' need to know the constants C and a to
answer the following.)
a) Write the wavefunction in spherical coordinates using the spherical harmonics.
b) If the L2 and Lz are measured, what are the possible values to be found for each one
and with what probabilities?

3. Starting from Θ ll (θ ) = C (sin θ ) l , find Y1,1 (θ , φ ) . Then, use the lowering operator to
find Y1,0 and Y1,-1. Make sure that all your eigenstates are normalized.

4. The wave function of a particle is given by:

| ψ (θ , φ ) > = C ( | 2,2 > +3 | 2,1 > −2 | 2,−1 >)

Where the eigen kets | l, m > are the spherical harmonics. Find:
a) The normalization constant C.
b) The probability that a measurement of L2 gives 6h 2 .
c) The possible values of Lz that can be obtained from a measurement and their
respective probabilities.
d) The expectation value of Lx, i.e < Lx >.