PPHY-103

Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning

(Deemed to be University)
Vidyagiri, Prasanthi Nilayam
Master of Science in Physics
First Semester Examinations, December 2021
Quantum Mechanics - I
Duration : 3 Hours 24/12/2021 Max. Marks : 100
Note: 1. Answer Sections A & B in the answer book provided.
2. Comply with the instructions given in the Main Answer Book carefully.

SECTION – A
(6x10=60 Marks)

I. Answer ANY SIX of the following questions. Each question carries TEN Marks.

1. a) A free quantum particle is known to be at position x = x0 at time t = t0. Find the probability that it will
be at point x = x1 at a later time t = t1.
b) Is the probability dependent on the position? Give reason. (8+2=10 Marks)

2. Quantum phenomena is negligible in the macroscopic world. Show this by computing:

a) The amplitude of zero-point oscillation for a pendulum of length 1 m and mass 1 kg.
b) The de Broglie wavelength of a tennis ball of 100 g moving at 1 m/s.
(5+5=10 Marks)

3. The Hamiltonian of a three-level system is given by 𝐻 = (𝑎|𝑓 1 > < 𝑓 2 | + 𝑏|𝑓 2 >< 𝑓 3 |) + ℎ. 𝑐.,

where, |𝑓 𝑖 >’s are the orthonormal state vectors, a and b are complex numbers, and h.c. stands for
Hermitian conjugate. Diagonalize this Hamiltonian and find the energy eigenvalues, and eigenvectors.

4. A proton is confined in an infinite square well of width 10 fm. Calculate the energy and wavelength of the
photon emitted when the proton undergoes a transition from the second excited state (n = 3) to the first
excited state (n = 2). In what region of the electromagnetic spectrum does this wavelength belong?
[mp = 938 MeV / c2 ].

5. Find (< 𝑥 2 > − < 𝑥 >2 ) and (< 𝑝2 > − < 𝑝 >2 ) for the nth stationary state of a one-dimensional
quantum harmonic oscillator. You may use any method that you like. How is the product of the two
related to ℏ?

6. Estimate the ground state energy of the hydrogen atom using the Variational method by using a trial wave
function of the form exp(−𝑟𝑎). [<1/r> = 1/n2 a0]. a0 is the Bohr radius.

7. What are the eigenvalues of S+ S– + S–S+ , where S± = Sx ± i Sy, and Sx, Sy are Pauli spin-1/2 matrices.

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PPHY-103

SECTION – B
(2x20=40 Marks)

II. Answer ANY TWO of the following questions. Each question carries TWENTY Marks.

8. a) Using the first order (degenerate) perturbation theory, calculate the energy levels of the n = 2 states of
a H atom placed in an external uniform weak electric field along the positive z-axis.

b) Discuss the energy levels and their degeneracies for a cubic potential and for an isotropic harmonic
oscillator.
(10+10=20 Marks)

9. a) In the |jm> basis formed by the eigenkets of J2 and Jz, show that <jm|J–J+|jm> = (j–m)(j+m+1)ћ2
where J+ = Jx+ iJy and J– = Jx – iJy.
b) Using the values of J+|jm> and J–|jm>, obtain the matrices for Jx, Jy, J+ and J– for j = 1/2 and j = 1.
(8+12=20 Marks)

10. a) For the particle in a box wave function (with L as the width of the box), calculate the expectation
value of 𝑝𝑥2 and show that it is equal to 2mE.

b) Calculate the transmission probability due to the tunnelling effect of a 1 eV electron incident on a
barrier 0.5 nm wide and 5 eV high. [me = 9.1 x 10-31 kg; ħ = 1.054 x 10-34 Js].
(10+10=20 Marks)

S S S 

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