Module 2 - Simple Quantum Mechanical Systems

Module 2 : Simple quantum mechanical systems
CONTENTS
1. Introduction to simple quantum mechanical system

2. Wave Function
 Statement
 Physical Significance (Probability Density-Max Born Interpretation & Normalization)
 Properties of Wave Function
3. Schrodinger’s Time Independent Wave Equation
4. Eigen values and Eigen function
5. Applications of Schrodinger’s Wave Equation
 Free Particle
 Particle in an One Dimensional Potential Well of Infinite Height
 Eigen Values, Eigen Function & Probability Density for Ground State & First Two
Excited States
6. Finite Potential Well
7. Conceptual discussions on the solutions for a hydrogen atom
8. Numerical Problems
9. Question Bank
MODULE – 2 SIMPLE QUANTUM MECHANICAL SYSTEMS
Books Referred:
1. Concepts of Modern Physics By Arthur Beiser
2. Modern Physics By Kenneth S Krane
3. Quantum Mechanics By Robert Eisberg & Robert Resnick
4. Basic Concepts of Quantum Mechanics By Tarasov L
5. Engineering Physics By S P Basavaraju
6. Quantum Mechanics By Saxena
7. Engineering Physics By M N Avadhanulu & P G Kshirsagar
8. Engineering Physics By Gaur & Gupta
9. Quantum Mechanics By Ajay Ghatak S, Lokanathan
10. Quantum Mechanics By Mahesh C Jain
Dr. DIVAKARA S, PROF. & HEAD, DEPT. OF PHYSICS, VVCE, MYSURU (hodphy@vvce.ac.in) Page 2
Quantum Mechanics
1. One Dimensional, Time Independent Schrodinger’s Wave Equation
Consider a wave equation for a de Broglie’s wave travelling along X-axis direction can
be written in complex notation as,
;
(1)
Where ‘ψ’ is the wave function, ‘A’ is constant, ‘ω’ is angular frequency and ‘k’ is wave
number of the wave.
Differentiate the equation (1) twice with respect to ‘t’,
;
(2)
Consider a travelling wave equation travelling in X-axis direction,
Where ‘y’ is the displacement and ‘v’ is the velocity of the wave.
Similarly, for de Broglie’s wave
(3)
Substituting equ. (2) in equ. (3),
(4)
We know from de Broglie’s Hypothesis,
( ) (5)
We know that, the total energy (E) is the sum of Potential energy (V) and Kinetic energy
(1/2 mv2).
(6)
(7)
* + 8
Since equation (8) is independent of time than the above equation can be written as,
𝒅𝟐 𝝍 𝟖𝒎𝝅𝟐
+ 𝑬 𝑽 𝝍 𝟎
𝒅𝒙𝟐 𝒉𝟐
This is the time independent Schrodinger’s wave equation using complex notation for a
particle in one dimension.
2. Application of Schrodinger’s Wave Equation
Particle in an One Dimensional Potential Well of Infinite Height

or
(Particle in an one dimensional box)
Diagram :
To ∞ To ∞
a
V=0
Ψ 0
V=∞ V=∞
Ψ=0 Ψ=0
●
Particle
X=0 X=a
Explanation :
 Consider a particle moving inside a one dimensional box of length 'a’.
 The particle is free to move between the walls of the box X = 0 and X = a.
 Potential energy of the particle (V)
V = 0 for 0 < X < a
V = ∞ for X 0
V = ∞ for X a
 Wave function (Ψ)
Ψ 0 for 0 < X < a
Ψ = 0 for X 0
Ψ = 0 for X a
[Ψ = 0 for X 0&X a as the particle is always present inside the box]
Derivation :
Consider a one dimensional, time independent Schrodinger’s wave equation,
8
+
V = 0 inside the box,

8
+
+ (1)
8
Where (2)
The general solution for equation (1),

Ψ = A Sinkx + B Coskx (3)
Where A and B are constants. The value of these constant can be evaluated by
applying boundary conditions.
(a) Ψ = 0 at X = 0
From equ. (3),
0 = A Sink(0) + B Cosk(0)
B=0 (4)
(b) Ψ = 0 at X = a and B = 0
From equ. (3),
0 = A Sinka + 0 Coska
0 = A Sin(ka)
ka = Sin-10
ka = n
k= (5)
Substituting equ. (4) & equ. (5) in equ. (3),

𝒏𝝅
𝜓𝒏 𝑨 𝑺𝒊𝒏 ( )𝒙
𝒂 (6)
For every value of n = 1, 2, 3, 4, …………., there will be a corresponding value of

Wave functions are called Eigen function.
8
𝒏𝟐 𝒉𝟐
𝐸𝒏 (7)
𝟖𝒎𝒂𝟐
For every value of n = 1, 2, 3, 4, …………., there will be a corresponding value of

Energy values are called Eigen value.
Normalisation of wave function
From normalisation condition,

∫ | |
∫ | ( ) |
∫ ( )
∫ [ ( ) ]
( )
[ ]
( )
[ ]
[ ]
Normalized wave function of the particle,
𝟐 𝒏𝝅
𝜓𝒏 𝑺𝒊𝒏 ( ) 𝒙
𝒂 𝒂
Eigen Functions, Probability Density and Energy Values for a Particle in an Infinite Potential Well
Case 1: n = 1 ground State, least energy state, first quantum state, zero point energy
state
(a) Eigen Function √ ( )

Ψ1 = 0 for x = 0 and x =a
Ψ2 = Maximum for x = a/2
(b) Probability Density
| |2 = 0 at x = 0, a
| |2 = Maximum at x = a/2
(c) Energy of Particle (E1)
Case 2: n = 2 1st Excited State, second quantum state, next to ground state
(a) Eigen Function √ ( )
Ψ2 = 0 for x = 0, a/2, a
Ψ2 = Maximum for x = a/4, 3a/4
| |2 = 0 at x = 0, a/2, a
| |2 = Maximum at x = a/4, 3a/4
Case 3: n = 3 2nd Excited State, third quantum state
(b) Eigen Function √ ( )

Ψ3 = 0 for x = 0, a/3, 2a/3, a
Ψ3 = Maximum for x = a/6, 3a/6, 5a/6
| |2 = 0 at x = 0, a/3, 2a/3, a
| |2 = Maximum at x = a/6, 3a/6, 5a/6
3. Wave Function
a) Statement
 The quantity whose variation makes up matter wave is called wave function (ψ).
 For Example : 1. In water waves, the quantity varies periodically is the height of
the Water.
2. In sound waves, it is pressure.
 The value of wave function associated with a moving body at a particular point X,
Y, Z in space at time ‘t’ is related to the likelihood of finding the body at the time.
 Wave function is denoted by ψ (X, Y, Z, t)
b) Physical Significance of wave function

 Ψ is a complex quantity and has no direct physical significance by itself but if we
consider Ψ Ψ* we will get a real quantity.
 The wave function Ψ has no direct physical significance by itself. There is a
reason, the probability something be in a certain place at a given time must lie
between 0 (the object is not there) and 1 (there).
 An intermediate probability, say 0.2 means that there is 20% chance of finding the
object.
(i) Probability Density | | (Max Born Interpretations)
Wave function (Ψ) is a complex quantity, +
Where a & b are the real function of the variable (X, Y, Z, t) & i=√
The complex conjugate of Ψ is Ψ*,
Then, +
| | | + |
The probability of finding the particle per unit volume is called probability
density (| | ).
| |
| |
(ii) Normalization of Wave Function
The probability per unit length of finding particle at position ‘x’ and time
‘t’ is,
| |
Probability of finding the particle at (x,t)
| |
Along X-axis, -∞ < x < ∞
∫ | |
;
If the particle does not exist in space then P = 0
If the particle exist somewhere at all-time P = 1
∫ | |
;
For three dimensions,
∫ | |
;
The above equation is called condition for normalization and any wave
function satisfies the above condition then such wave function is called
normalized wave function.
c) Properties of wave function
(i) Ψ is single valued everywhere
From graph; At x=P, f(x) has 3 values (f1, f2,

f3). i.e. if f(x) were to be a wave function,
then the probabilities of finding the particle
has different values at same location hence
the wave function is not acceptable.
(ii) Ψ is finite everywhere
From graph; At x=R, f(x) = ∞. Thus f(x) were

to be a wave function, then it signifies a large
probabilities of finding the particle at x = R
which violate the uncertainty principle and
wave function becomes unacceptable.
(iii) Ψ and its first derivatives with respect to its variable are continuous
everywhere
From graph; At x=Q, f(x) is truncated at

A and restarts at B. Between A & B, it is
not defined. If f(x) were to be a wave
function, then the state of the system at
x= Q cannot be discontinued. Hence the
wave function is not acceptable.
(iv) For bound states, ψ must vanish at infinite. If ψ is a complex function then
ψψ* must vanish at infinity.
(v) If the wave function f(x) satisfies the above properties then it is called as
Eigen function.
(vi) Ψ must be normalized, which means that ψ must go to zero as
inorder that ∫| | over all space be a finite constant.
4. Numerical Problems
Formulas at a glance
 √ ( )
 | |
 ∫; | |
 ∫; | |
25 An electron is bound in an one dimensional potential well of width 1Å but of infinite wall
height. Find its energy value in ground state, and also in the first two excited state. July 2019
Sol : 𝒏𝟐 𝒉𝟐
a=1Å 𝑬𝒏
𝟖𝒎𝒂𝟐
𝐸 𝐸 𝐸 ? (6 6 5𝑋 3
)
𝐹𝑜𝑟 𝑛 𝐸 3
𝟔 𝟎𝟑𝟐 𝑿 𝟏𝟎;𝟏𝟖 𝑱 𝟑𝟕 𝟔𝒆𝑽
8𝑚𝑎 8𝑋9 𝑋 𝑋 𝑋
𝐹𝑜𝑟 𝑛 𝐸 𝐸 𝟏𝟓𝟎 𝟓𝒆𝑽
8𝑚𝑎
9
𝐹𝑜𝑟 𝑛 3𝐸 9𝐸 𝟑𝟑𝟖 𝟕𝒆𝑽
8𝑚𝑎
26 A particle is moving in an one dimensional potential box of infinite height of width 2.8nm.
Calculate the probability of finding the particle within an interval of 0.8nm at the center of the
box. When it is in its state of least energy.
Sol :
a=2.8nm 𝑛𝜋 𝑛𝜋
∆X=0.8nm 𝑃 |𝜓| 𝑋 𝑠𝑖𝑛 ( ) 𝑋 𝑋 𝑆𝑖𝑛 ( ) 𝑋 𝑋
𝑎 𝑎 𝑎 𝑎
𝑃 ?
X=a/2 𝑋𝜋 𝑎 𝜋 𝑋 𝑋 8 𝑋 ;9
𝑃 𝑆𝑖𝑛 ( ) 𝑋 𝑆𝑖𝑛 ( ) 𝑋
n=1 𝑎 𝑎 𝑎 𝑎 8 𝑋 ;9
𝑃 𝟎 𝟓𝟕 𝒐𝒓 𝟓𝟕%
27 A quantum particle confined to one dimensional box of width ’a’ is known to be in its first
excited state. What is the probability of finding the particle over an interval of a/2 marked
symmetrically at the center of the box or What is the probability of finding the particle in
central half.
Sol : 𝑎 𝑎 𝑎
Width=a 𝑛𝜋 𝑛𝜋
𝑃 ∫ |𝜓| 𝑋 ∫ 𝑠𝑖𝑛 ( ) 𝑋 𝑋 ∫ 𝑆𝑖𝑛 ( )𝑋 𝑋
𝑃 ? 𝑎 𝑎 𝑎 𝑎 𝑎 𝑎 𝑎
n=2 𝑎 𝑎
𝑛𝜋 𝑛𝜋
𝑃 𝑋 ∫ [ 𝐶𝑜𝑠 ( ) 𝑋] 𝑋 [ 𝐶𝑜𝑠 ( ) 𝑋]𝑎
𝑎 𝑎 𝑎 𝑎 𝑎
3𝑎 𝑎
𝑃 [( ) ] 𝟎 𝟓𝟎 𝒐𝒓 𝟓𝟎%
𝑎
28 Show that probability of locating an electron in an infinite potential well between 0 and a/2 is
independent of its quantum state.
Sol : 𝑎/ 𝑎/ 𝑎/
𝑛𝜋 𝑛𝜋
𝑃 ∫ |𝜓| 𝑋 ∫ 𝑠𝑖𝑛 ( ) 𝑋 𝑋 ∫ 𝑆𝑖𝑛 ( )𝑋 𝑋
𝑎 𝑎 𝑎 𝑎
𝑎/ 𝑎/
𝑛𝜋 𝑛𝜋
𝑃 𝑋 ∫ [ 𝐶𝑜𝑠 ( ) 𝑋] 𝑋 [ 𝐶𝑜𝑠 ( ) 𝑋]
𝑎 𝑎 𝑎 𝑎
𝑎
𝑃 *( ) + 𝟎 𝟓𝟎 𝒐𝒓 𝟓𝟎%
𝑎
29 Calculate the probability of locating an electron in an infinite potential well between 0 and a/n.
where n is quantum state.
Sol :
𝑎/𝑛 𝑎/𝑛 𝑎/𝑛
𝑛𝜋 𝑛𝜋
𝑃 ∫ |𝜓| 𝑋 ∫ 𝑠𝑖𝑛 ( )𝑋 𝑋 ∫ 𝑆𝑖𝑛 ( )𝑋 𝑋
𝑎 𝑎 𝑎 𝑎
𝑎/𝑛 𝑎/𝑛
𝑛𝜋 𝑛𝜋
𝑃 𝑋 ∫ [ 𝐶𝑜𝑠 ( ) 𝑋] 𝑋 [ 𝐶𝑜𝑠 ( ) 𝑋]
𝑎 𝑎 𝑎 𝑎
𝑎 𝟏
𝑃 *( ) +
𝑎 𝑛 𝒏
30 A particle moving in an one dimensional box is described by the wave function Ψ = X√ for
0<x<1 and Ψ = 0 elsewhere. Find the probability of finding the particle within the interval (0,
½).
/ /
Sol : 𝑃 ∫ |𝜓| 𝑑𝑥 ∫ 𝑋√3 𝑑𝑥
𝜓 𝑋√3
P=? /
0<X<1/2 𝑃 ∫ 3𝑋 𝑑𝑥
/
𝑋 𝟏
𝑃 3[ ] [ ] 𝒐𝒓 𝟏𝟐 𝟓%
3 𝟖
31 An excited atom has an average time of 10-8s. During this period, it emits a photon and returns
to the ground state. What is the minimum uncertainty in the frequency of photon.
Sol :
∆t=10-8s 𝐸 𝑡 𝜗 𝑡 𝜗 𝑡
∆ν =? 𝜋 𝜋 𝜋
𝜗 ;8
𝟖 𝑿 𝟏𝟎𝟔 𝑯𝒛
𝜋 𝑡 𝜋𝑋
32 The first excited state energy of an electron in an infinite potential well is 240eV. What will be
its ground state energy when the width of the potential well is doubled.
Sol : 𝒏𝟐 𝒉𝟐 𝐸
𝑬𝒏 6
n=2, E2=240eV 𝟖𝒎𝒂𝟐 𝐸
Width=2a, E1=? 3
66 5𝑋
𝐹𝑜𝑟 𝑛 𝐸 𝑎 3 9
8𝑚𝑎 𝑚𝐸 𝑋9 𝑋 𝑋 𝑋 6 𝑋
𝑎 𝟑 𝟏𝟕 𝑿 𝟏𝟎;𝟐𝟎 𝒎 𝟐𝒂 𝟔 𝟑𝟒 𝑿 𝟏𝟎;𝟐𝟎 𝒎
3
(6 6 5 𝑋 )
𝐹𝑜𝑟 𝑛 𝐸 𝟑𝟗𝟕 𝑿 𝟏𝟎;𝟏𝟖 𝑱 𝟏𝟓𝒆𝑽
8𝑚𝑎 3
8𝑋9 𝑋 𝑋 63 𝑋
33 An electron is confined to move between two rigid walls separated by 20Å. Find the de
Broglie’s wavelength representing the first 3 allowed energy states of the electron and the
corresponding energies
Sol : 𝒏𝟐 𝒉𝟐 𝒉
𝑬𝒏 𝝀
𝑎 Å 𝟖𝒎𝒂𝟐 √𝟐𝒎𝑬
𝐸 𝐸 𝐸 ? 𝐹𝑜𝑟 𝑛 𝐸
(6 6 5𝑋
3
)
𝟏 𝟓𝟏 𝑿 𝟏𝟎;𝟐𝟎 𝑱 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝝀𝟏
𝒉 𝟒𝒏𝒎
8𝑚𝑎
𝜆 𝜆 𝜆 ? 8𝑋9 𝑋 3
𝑋( 𝑋 ) √𝟐𝒎𝑬𝟏
𝒉
𝐹𝑜𝑟 𝑛 𝐸 𝐸 𝟔 𝟎𝟒 𝑿 𝟏𝟎;𝟐𝟎 𝑱 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝝀𝟐 𝟐𝒏𝒎
8𝑚𝑎 𝟐𝒎𝑬𝟐
9 𝒉
𝐹𝑜𝑟 𝑛 3𝐸 9𝐸 𝟏𝟑 𝟔 𝑿 𝟏𝟎;𝟐𝟎 𝑱 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝝀𝟑 𝟏 𝟑𝟑𝒏𝒎
8𝑚𝑎
√𝟐𝒎𝑬𝟑
34 Find the value of B for which the wave function is normalized in the
:
region .
Sol : ∫ |𝜓| 𝑑𝑥 ∫ |𝜓| 𝑑𝑥
;
𝐵
∫ 𝑑𝑥
𝑋 + 𝑎
𝐵 𝑎
∫ 𝑑𝑥
𝑎 𝑋 + 𝑎
𝐵 𝑥
*𝑡𝑎𝑛; +
𝑎 𝑎
𝐵 𝜋
* +
𝑎
𝑎
𝐵 √
𝜋
35 An electron is traped in a 1-D potential well of infinite height and of width of 0.1nm. Calculate
the energy required to excite it from its ground state to fifth excited state.
Sol :
a=0.1nm 𝒏𝟐 𝒉𝟐
E6-E1=? 𝑬 𝒏
𝟖𝒎𝒂𝟐
3
𝑛 𝑋 (6 6 5 𝑋 )
; 7
𝐹𝑜𝑟 𝑛 𝐸 𝑋 𝐽
8𝑚𝑎 3 9
8 𝑋9 𝑋 𝑋( 𝑋 )
𝑛 ; 7𝐽
𝐹𝑜𝑟 𝑛 6 𝐸6 𝑛 𝐸 6 𝑋 86 7 𝑋
8𝑚𝑎
𝑬𝟔 𝑬𝟏 ;𝟏𝟕
84.31 X 𝟏𝟎 J

Module 2 - Simple Quantum Mechanical Systems

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Title

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Module 2 - Simple Quantum Mechanical Systems

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Module 2 : Simple quantum mechanical systems

1. Introduction to simple quantum mechanical system

2. Modern Physics By Kenneth S Krane

3. Quantum Mechanics By Robert Eisberg & Robert Resnick

4. Basic Concepts of Quantum Mechanics By Tarasov L

5. Engineering Physics By S P Basavaraju

6. Quantum Mechanics By Saxena

7. Engineering Physics By M N Avadhanulu & P G Kshirsagar

8. Engineering Physics By Gaur & Gupta

9. Quantum Mechanics By Ajay Ghatak S, Lokanathan

10. Quantum Mechanics By Mahesh C Jain

We know from de Broglie’s Hypothesis,

Substituting equ. (6) in equ. (5),

Substituting equ. (7) in equ. (4),

2. Application of Schrodinger’s Wave Equation

Particle in an One Dimensional Potential Well of Infinite Height

[Ψ = 0 for X 0&X a as the particle is always present inside the box]

V = 0 inside the box,

The general solution for equation (1),

Substituting equ. (4) & equ. (5) in equ. (3),

For every value of n = 1, 2, 3, 4, …………., there will be a corresponding value of

For every value of n = 1, 2, 3, 4, …………., there will be a corresponding value of

Normalisation of wave function

From normalisation condition,

Normalized wave function of the particle,

(a) Eigen Function √ ( )

(a) Eigen Function √ ( )

Case 3: n = 3 2nd Excited State, third quantum state

(b) Eigen Function √ ( )

b) Physical Significance of wave function

(ii) Normalization of Wave Function

Probability of finding the particle at (x,t)

Along X-axis, -∞ < x < ∞

If the particle does not exist in space then P = 0

If the particle exist somewhere at all-time P = 1

For three dimensions,

c) Properties of wave function

(i) Ψ is single valued everywhere

From graph; At x=P, f(x) has 3 values (f1, f2,

(ii) Ψ is finite everywhere

From graph; At x=R, f(x) = ∞. Thus f(x) were

From graph; At x=Q, f(x) is truncated at

You might also like