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DAYALBAGH EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTE

PHM 601 : QUANTUM MECHANICS
Question Bank
UNIT I
1. Derive a relationship between the Delta Function and the Fourier Transform.
2. Discuss the concept of a wave-packet and its dispersion.
3. State and prove Ehrenfest’s theorem’s.
4. Derive the uncertainty relation by considering the uncertainties in x and p as standard
deviations of x and p .
5. Prove that the most general solution of the time-dependent Schrödinger’s equation is given by
Y( x, t ) = å cny n ( x)e-iEnt / !
n
6. For the operators A, B and C, prove the following commutation identities are valid:
(a) [B,A] = -[A,B]
(b) [A+B, C] = [A,C] + [B,C]
(c) [A,BC] = [A,B]C + B[A,C]
7. Prove that the product  B̂ is hermitian if, and only if,  and B̂ commute. Hence show that
the square of a hermitian operator is hermitian.
8. What is a hermitian operator? Prove that eigen-values of a hermitian operator are real.
9. Prove the following relations for operators:
(a) H = px2 / 2m + V ( x) is hermitian,
(b) [xp x - px x]Y = i!Y .
10. Prove the hermitian nature of the position r and momentum operator p x = - ! ¶ .
i ¶x
11. Prove that if Ψ" and Ψ# are eigen-functions of a hermitian operator  with different eigen-
values a1 and a2, then Ψ" and Ψ# are orthogonal.
12. Evaluate the commutator [x, [x,H]], where H is the Hamiltonian operator.
13. Discuss eigen-function expansion and the completeness relation.
14. Prove that if the operators  and B̂ have a complete set of simultaneous eigen-functions, then
 and B̂ commute.
15. Consider the following two kets:
−3𝑖 2
|𝜓 >= (2 + 𝑖 / , 𝑎𝑛𝑑 |𝜙 > = ( −𝑖 /,
4 2 − 3𝑖
(a) Find the bra <f|.

(b) Evaluate the scalar product <f|y>.
(c) Examine why the products |y>|f> and <f|<y| do not make sense.

16. Consider the following two kets:

5𝑖 3
|𝜓 >= ( 2 / , 𝑎𝑛𝑑 |𝜙 > = ( 8𝑖 /,
−𝑖 −9𝑖
(a) Find |y>* and <y|.

(b) Is |y> normalized? If not, normalize it.
(c) Are |y> and |f> orthogonal?
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17. (a) What is parity operator?

(b) Show that if potential energy function is an even function, i.e., V ( x) = V (- x) , then parity
operator commutes with Hamiltonian.

18. Derive the following properties of the adjoint of an operator

(a) (A†)† = A
(b) (𝜆A)† = 𝜆*A†, where 𝜆 is a complex number
(c) (A+B) † = A† + B†
(d) (AB)† = B†A†

19. State and mathematically explain the postulates of quantum mechanics.

20. Derive a generalized expression for the Heisenberg uncertainty principle.
21. The Hamiltonian operator of a system is H = -d2/dx2 + x2. Show that Nx exp(-x2/2) is an
eigenfunction of H and determine the eigenvalue.
22. Find the eigenfunctions and eigenvalues of the operator d2/dx2 + (2/x)(d/dx).
23. Show that [ Lx , px ] = 0,[ Lx , p y ] = i!pz ,[ Lx Ly ] = i!Lz

UNIT II
24. Explain the non-degenerate time-independent perturbation theory.
25. Derive an expression for the first-order perturbation to the energy for the non-degenerate
case.
26. Calculate the first order correction to the ground state energy of an anharmonic oscillator of
mass m and angular frequency ω subjected to a potential V(x) = ½ mω2x2 + bx4, where b is a
parameter independent of x. The ground state wave function is
𝑚𝜔 "/C 𝑚𝜔𝑥 #
ѱ;; = < A 𝑒𝑥𝑝 G H
𝜋ħ 2ħ
27. The unperturbed wave function of a particle trapped in an infinite square well of bottom a are
# "/#
ѱ;I = <JA sin (𝑛𝜋𝑥/𝑎) . If the system is perturbed by raising the floor of the well by a
constant amount V0, evaluate the first and second order corrections to the energy of the nth
state.
28. Derive an expression for the second-order perturbation to the energy for the non-degenerate
case.
29. Derive an expression for the first-order perturbation to the ground state energy for a linear
harmonic oscillator, considering a perturbation of the form ½ bx2.
30. Evaluate the first order correction to the energy of the n = 1 state of an oscillator of mass m
and angular frequency ω subjected to a potential
1 1
𝑉(𝑥) = 𝑚𝜔# 𝑥 # + 𝑏𝑥, 𝑏𝑥 ≪ 𝑚𝜔# 𝑥 #
2 2
31. Discuss the time-independent perturbation theory for degenerate states.
32. Describe the application of the time-independent perturbation theory to hydrogen.
33. The ground state of the Hydrogen atom is split by the hyperfine interaction. Work out the
interaction energy using first order perturbation theory and indicate the level diagram.
34. Discuss the splitting of atomic energy levels in a strong magnetic field. (Paschen-Back effect).
35. Write short notes on the application of time-independent perturbation theory to the
following:
a. Fine structure b. Paschen Back Effect
c. Weak field Zeeman effect d. Stark Effect
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UNIT III
36. Discuss the basic principle of variational method.
37. Estimate the ground state energy of a harmonic oscillator of mass m and angular frequency 𝜔
using the trial function j(x) = A exp(-ax2).
38. Using variational method, evaluate the ground state energy level of hydrogen atom. The
ground state wave function is y = A exp(-ar / a0 ).
39. Estimate the ground state energy of a one-dimensional harmonic oscillator of mass m and
angular frequency ω using a Gaussian trail function.
40. Optimize the trail function exp(-αr) and evaluate the ground state energy of the Hydrogen
atom.
41. The Hamiltonian of a particle of mass m is given by,
ħU WU
𝐻 = − #V WX U + 𝑏𝑥 C ,
U U
where b is a constant. Use the trail function 𝜙(𝑥) = 𝐴𝑒 Z[ X , where α is the variable
parameter, to evaluate the energy of ground state.
42. Explain in brief the WKB method. State the kind of potentials on which it is applicable, giving
reasons.
43. What are turning points? Using connection formulae, state the nature of WKB solution on
either sides of the turning point. Explain with suitable graphs.
44. Use the WKB method to calculate the transmission coefficient for E<V0 for the potential barrier
defined as,
V(x) = V0, for |x| < a
= 0, for |x| > a

45. Discuss how the WKB method is used to determine eigenvalues in bound state problems.
46. Calculate the energy eigenvalues corresponding to the harmonic oscillator potential, V(x) =
(1/2) kx2.
47. Apply the WKB method to calculate the transmission through a parabolic potential barrier.
48. Find the eigen-values of a particle in a 1D infinite potential well defined as,
49. V(x) = 0, for –a < x < a; V(x) = ¥, for |x| > a, using the WKB method and compare it with the
exact solution.
50. Use the WKB method to calculate the transmission coefficient for a potential barrier
V(x) = V0 – ax, x > 0 and V(x) = 0, x < 0.

UNIT IV
51. Discuss the time-dependent perturbation theory and derive the transition probability per unit
time (Fermi Golden Rule).
52. Consider the scattering of a particle as a transition from an initial plane wave state to another
plane wave state, corresponding to a different direction of propagation. Show that it leads to
the same expression of cross-section as given by Born’s approximation.
53. Explain time-dependent perturbation theory for adiabatic perturbation. Use it to obtain an
expression for the transition probability.
54. For low-energy soft—sphere scattering, considering
V(r) = Vo, if r £ a
= 0, if r > a
determine the total cross-section.
55. Calculate the differential cross-section for the following square well potential :
V(r) = - Vo, for r < a
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= 0 for r > a
56. Calculate the differential cross-section for the following Gaussian potential :
^ eU
U " d
V(r) = - Vo exp[-r2/2a2], Use the relation, ∫; 𝑒 Z[] cos(2𝛽𝑡) 𝑑𝑡 = # c[ 𝑒 Z f
57. A harmonic oscillator in the ground state is subjected to a perturbation
]U
𝐻 g = −𝑥 𝑒𝑥𝑝 <− ] U A from t = 0 to t = ∞. Calculate the probability for transition from the
h
ground state, given that
^
𝜋 𝜔#
i exp(−𝛼𝑡 # + 𝑖𝜔𝑡) 𝑑𝑡 = −𝑖c 𝑒𝑥𝑝 G− H
; 𝛼 4𝛼

UNIT V

58. Discuss the elementary classical theory of scattering.

59. Explain what you understand by scattering cross-section.
60. Discuss quantum theory of scattering and derive the expression for the current density in
terms of the scattering amplitude using Green’s function method.
61. Discuss Born approximation for symmetric potentials.
62. Apply Born approximation to calculate scattering cross-section for shielded Coulomb’s
potential.
63. Explain the method of partial-waves.
64. How is the method of partial waves used for deriving the expression for scattering cross-
section.
65. Using partial-wave analysis, deduce an expression for the scattering cross-section of a hard
sphere given by, V(r) = 0, r > a and V(r) = ∞, r < a.
66. Consider the s-wave scattering by a square well given by V(r) = -V0, 0 < r < a.

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