Problem Set 3

1. McQuarrie 2-4. The two differential equations are the same, both wave equations.
Thus the general form of the solution has to be the same—sin and cos solutions. Take a
look at problem 2-5 for a little more general perspective on how to proceed. A general
time dependent solution could be of the form x(t )  a1 sin t  a2 cos t , where the
values of a1 and a2 will be determined by the starting conditions. First, put the proposed
solution into the differential equation to see that it works. Then, use the specified
conditions to find the values of a1 and a2 .
2. McQuarrie 2-10. This problem, as will be seen, is actually considering a time
independent Schrodinger equation form for a particle that is free (V = 0) within a 1d
“box” (“particle-in-a-box). Proceed in the problem by writing the equation in the form
d 2 8 2 mE
 k 2
  0, where k 2
 . Note the similarity in form to problem 2-4. Now
dx 2 h2
write down a general formal solution. Finally, look into the precise form that the formal
solution has to take to be consistent with the boundary conditions. Note that in effect
we’re doing the string problem with boundary conditions requiring standing waves. The
simple particle-in-a-box model can be useful. With it, it’s possible to make some general
predictions concerning electronic transitions in simple aromatic molecules. Important:
Be sure you can do this one and understand how you’re proceeding.

3. McQuarrie 2-12. We’ve talked through a form very similar to this one in class. It’s
easy and worth doing explicitly.

2 d 2
4. Use dimensional analysis to show that the operator  has dimensions of
2m dx 2
energy.

5. McQuarrie 3-2. To do this, see if the definition, eqn. 3.9, applies in each case.

6. McQuarrie 3-8. In problem 2 above, you solved the Schrodinger equation and found that
there were quantized (standing wave mode solution) energy eigenvalues. This problem
shows that for the particle-in-the box, momentum is not an eigenvalue (definite value).
We’ll get at the more complete formal meaning when we look at the Heisenberg
uncertainty relation again in Chapter 4.