PHYSICAL SCIENCE

QUANTUM MECHANICS

Previous Year Questions

CSIR-NET/JRF,GATE,JEST,TIFR

DPHYSICS KRISHNA CHOWK, NEW SANGAVI, PUNE-27 CONTACT: 8830156303

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NO TOPIC PAGE NO:
1. 1 D Potential 3
2. Angular Momentum 34
3. Harmonic Oscillator 40
4. Hydrogen Atom 53
5. Operator Algebra 59
6. Perturbation Theory 67
7. Spin Dynamics 78
8. Approximation Method 86
9. Identical Particles 89
10. Scattering Theory 95

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 ➢ 1-D Potential

❖ CSIR NET PYQ 4. A particle in one-dimension is in the potential

1. The wavefunction of a particle is given by ∞, if 𝑥 < 0
1 𝑉(𝑥) = {−𝑉0 , if 0 ≤ 𝑥 ≤ 𝑙
𝜓 = ( 𝜙0 + 𝑖𝜙1 ) 0 , if 𝑥 > 𝑙
√2
where 𝜙0 and 𝜙1 are the normalized If there is at least one bound state, the
eigenfunctions with energies 𝐸0 and 𝐸1 minimum depth of potential is
corresponding to the ground state and first [CSIR JUNE 2012]
2 2
excited state, respectively. The expectation ℏ 𝜋 ℏ2 𝜋 2
(a) (b)
value of the Hamiltonian in the state 𝜓 is 8𝑚𝑙 2 2𝑚𝑙 2
[CSIR JUNE 2011]
𝐸0 𝐸0
(a) + 𝐸1 (b) − 𝐸1 2ℏ2 𝜋 2 ℏ2 𝜋 2
2 2 (c) (d)
𝑚𝑙 2 𝑚𝑙 2
𝐸0 − 2𝐸1 𝐸0 + 2𝐸1
(c) (d) 5. If a particle is represented by the normalized
3 3 wave function
2. Consider a particle in a one-dimensional √15(𝑎2 − 𝑥 2 )
𝜓(𝑥) = { , for − 𝑎 < 𝑥 < 𝑎
potential that satisfies 𝑉(𝑥) = 𝑉(−𝑥). Let |𝜓0 ⟩ 4𝑎5/2
0 , otherwise
and |𝜓1 ⟩ denote the ground and the first excited
the uncertainty Δ𝑝 in its momentum is
states, respectively, and let |𝜓⟩ = 𝛼0 |𝜓0 ⟩ +
[CSIR DEC 2012]
𝛼1 |𝜓1 ⟩ be a normalized state with 𝛼0 and 𝛼1
(a) 2ℏ/5𝑎 (b) 5ℏ/2𝑎
being real constants. The expectation value ⟨𝑥⟩
of the position operator 𝑥 in the state |𝜓⟩ is
(c) √10ℏ/𝑎 (d) √5ℏ/√2𝑎
given by
[CSIR DEC 2011]
2 ⟨𝜓 2 6. The energies in the ground state and first
(a) 𝛼0 0 |𝑥|𝜓0 ⟩ + 𝛼1 ⟨𝜓1 |𝑥|𝜓1 ⟩ 1
excited state of a particle of mass 𝑚 = 2 in a
(b) 𝛼0 𝛼1 [⟨𝜓0 |𝑥|𝜓1 ⟩ + ⟨𝜓1 |𝑥|𝜓0 ⟩] potential 𝑉(𝑥) are -4 and -1 , respectively, (in
units in which ℏ = 1 ). If the corresponding
(c) 𝛼02 + 𝛼12 wavefunctions are related by 𝜓1 (𝑥) =
𝜓0 (𝑥)sin h 𝑥, then the ground state
(d) 2𝛼0 𝛼1 eigenfunction is
[CSIR DEC 2012]
3. The wave function of a particle at time 𝑡 = 0 is (a) 𝜓0 (𝑥) = √se c ℎ 𝑥 (b) 𝜓0 (𝑥) = se c ℎ 𝑥
given by
1 (c) 𝜓0 (𝑥) = se c ℎ2 𝑥 (d) 𝜓0 (𝑥)se c ℎ3 𝑥
|𝜓(0)⟩ = (|𝑢1 ⟩ + |𝑢2 ⟩)
√2
, where |𝑢1 ⟩ and |𝑢2 ⟩ are the normalized 7. If 𝜓(𝑥) = 𝐴 exp(−𝑥 4 ) is the eigenfunction of a
eigenstates with eigenvalues 𝐸1 and 𝐸2 one-dimensional Hamiltonian with eigen value
respectively, (𝐸2 > 𝐸1 ). The shortest time after 𝐸 = 0, the potential 𝑉(𝑥) (in units where ℏ =
which |𝜓(𝑡)⟩ will become orthogonal to |𝜓(0)⟩ 2𝑚 = 1 ) is
is [CSIR DEC 2013]
[CSIR DEC 2011] (a) 12𝑥 2
(b) 16𝑥 6
−ℏ𝜋 ℏ𝜋 (c) 16𝑥 6 + 12𝑥 2 (d) 16𝑥 6 − 12𝑥 2
(a) (b)
2(𝐸2 − 𝐸1 ) 𝐸2 − 𝐸1
8. A particle is in the ground state of an infinite
√2ℏ𝜋 2ℏ𝜋 square well potential given by,
(c) (d)
𝐸2 − 𝐸1 𝐸2 − 𝐸1 0 for − 𝑎 ≤ 𝑥 ≤ 𝑎
𝑉(𝑥) = {
∞ otherwise

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 The probability to find the particle in the [CSIR DEC 2014]
𝑎 𝑎 2ℏ𝜋 ℏ𝜋
interval between − and is
2 2 (a) (b)
[CSIR DEC 2013] (𝐸2 − 𝐸1 ) (𝐸2 − 𝐸1 )
1 1 1
(a) (b) +
2 2 𝜋
ℏ𝜋 ℏ𝜋
(c) (d)
1 1 1 2(𝐸2 − 𝐸1 ) 4(𝐸2 − 𝐸1 )
(c) − (d)
2 𝜋 𝜋
13. A Hermitian operator 𝑂ˆ has two normalized
9. A particle of mass 𝑚 in three dimensions is in eigenstates |1⟩ and |2⟩ with eigenvalues 1 and 2
the potential , respectively. The two states |𝑢⟩ = cos 𝜃|1⟩ +
0, 𝑟 < 𝑎 sin 𝜃|2⟩ and |𝑣⟩ = cos 𝜙|1⟩ + sin 𝜙|2⟩ are such
𝑉(𝑟) = {
∞, 𝑟 > 𝑎 that ⟨𝑣|𝑂ˆ|𝑣⟩ = 7/4 and ⟨𝑢 ∣ 𝑣⟩ = 0. Which of the
Its ground state energy is [CSIR JUNE 2014] following are possible values of 𝜃 and 𝜙?
𝜋 2 ℏ2 𝜋 2 ℏ2 [CSIR DEC 2015]
(a) (b) 𝜋 𝜋
2𝑚𝑎2 𝑚𝑎2 (a)𝜃 = − and 𝜙 =
6 3

3𝜋 2 ℏ2 9𝜋 2 ℏ2 𝜋 𝜋
(c) (d) (b)𝜃 = and 𝜙 =
2𝑚𝑎2 2𝑚𝑎2 6 3

10. An electron is in the ground state of a hydrogen 𝜋 𝜋

(c)𝜃 = − and𝜙 =
atom. The probability that it is within th Bohr 4 4
radius is approximately equal to 𝜋 𝜋
[CSIR JUNE 2014] (d)𝜃 = and 𝜙 = −
3 6
(a) 0.60 (b) 0.90
(c) 0.16 (d) 0.32 14. The ratio of the energy of the first excited state
𝐸1 , to that of the ground state 𝐸0 of a particle in
11. A particle in the infinite square well potential a three-dimensional rectangular box of sides
0, 0 < 𝑥 < 𝑎 𝐿, 𝐿 and 𝐿/2 is
𝑉(𝑥) = {
∞, otherwise [CSIR JUNE 2015]
is prepared in a state with the wavefunction (a) 3: 2 (b) 2: 1
𝜋𝑥
𝐴sin3 ( ) , 0 < 𝑥 < 𝑎 (c) 4: 1 (d) 4: 3
𝜓(𝑥) = { 𝑎
0, otherwise
The expectation value of the energy of the 15. The state of a particle of mass 𝑚 in a one
particle is ` dimensional rigid box in the interval 0 to 𝐿 is
[CSIR JUNE 2014] given by the normalized wavefunction
2 2
5ℏ 𝜋 9ℏ2 𝜋 2 2 3 2𝜋𝑥 4 4𝜋𝑥
(a) (b) 𝜓(𝑥) = √ ( sin ( ) + sin ( ))
2𝑚𝑎2 2𝑚𝑎2 𝐿 5 𝐿 5 𝐿

9ℏ2 𝜋 2 ℏ2 𝜋 2 If its energy is measured the possible outcomes

(c) (d) and the average value of energy are,
10𝑚𝑎2 2𝑚𝑎2
respectively [CSIR JUNE 2016]
2 2 2
12. Let 𝜓1 and 𝜓2 denote the normalized ℎ 2ℎ 73 ℎ
(a) 2
, 2
and
eigenstates of a particle with energy 2𝑚𝐿 𝑚𝐿 50 𝑚𝐿2
eigenvalues 𝐸1 and 𝐸2 respectively, with 𝐸2 >
𝐸1 . At time 𝑡 = 0 the particle is prepared in a ℎ2 ℎ2 19 ℎ2
(b) , and
state 8𝑚𝐿2 2𝑚𝐿2 40 𝑚𝐿2
1
Ψ(𝑡 = 0) = (𝜓1 + 𝜓2 ) ℎ2 2ℎ2 19 ℎ2
√2 (c) , and
The shortest time 𝑇 at which Ψ(𝑡 = 𝑇) will be 2𝑚𝐿2 𝑚𝐿2 10 𝑚𝐿2
orthogonal to Ψ(𝑡 = 0) is

4
 ℎ2 2ℎ2 73 ℎ2 20. Consider a potential barrier 𝐴 of height 𝑉0 and
(d) , and
8𝑚𝐿2 𝑚𝐿2 200 𝑚𝐿2 width 𝑏, and another potential barrier 𝐵 of
height 2𝑉0 and the same width 𝑏. The ratio
16. A particle of mass 𝑚 moves in one dimension 𝑇𝐴 /𝑇𝐵 of tunnelling probabilities 𝑇𝐴 and 𝑇𝐵 ,
under the influence of the potential 𝑉(𝑥) = through barriers 𝐴 and 𝐵 respectively, for a
−𝛼𝛿(𝑥), where 𝛼 is a positive constant. The particle of energy 𝑉0 /100 is best approximated
uncertainty in the product (Δ𝑥)(Δ𝑝) in its by
ground state is [CSIR JUNE 2017]
[CSIR JUNE 2016] (a) exp [(√1.99 − √0.99)√8𝑚𝑉0 𝑏 2 /ℏ2 ]
ℏ ℏ
(a)2ℏ (b) (c) (d) √2ℏ
2 √2
(b) exp [(√1.98 − √0.98)√8𝑚𝑉0 𝑏2 /ℏ2 ]
17. Consider the two lowest normalized energy
eigenfunctions 𝜓0 (𝑥) and 𝜓1 (𝑥) of a one (c) exp [(√2.99 − √0.99)√8𝑚𝑉0 𝑏2 /ℏ2 ]
dimensional system. They satisfy 𝜓0 (𝑥) =
𝜓0∗ (𝑥) and
𝑑𝜓0 (d) exp [(√2.98 − √0.98)√8𝑚𝑉0 𝑏 2 /ℏ2 ]
𝜓1 (𝑥) = 𝛼
𝑑𝑥
where 𝛼 is a real constant. The expectation 𝑎 𝑏
21. The two vectors ( ) and ( ) are orthonormal if
value of the momentum operator in the state 𝜓1 0 𝑐
is [CSIR JUNE 2017]
[CSIR DEC 2016] (a) 𝑎 = ±1, 𝑏 = ±1/√2, 𝑐 = ±1/√2
ℏ ℏ 2ℏ
(a) − 2 (b) 0 (c) 2 (d) 2 (b) 𝑎 = ±1, 𝑏 = ±1, 𝑐 = 0
𝛼 𝛼 𝛼

18. A particle in one dimension is in a potential (c) 𝑎 = ±1, 𝑏 = 0, 𝑐 = ±1

𝑉(𝑥) = 𝐴𝛿(𝑥 − 𝑎). Its wavefunction 𝜓(𝑥) is
𝑑𝜓 (d) 𝑎 = ±1, 𝑏 = ±1/2, 𝑐 = 1/2
continuous everywhere. The discontinuity in
𝑑𝑥
at 𝑥 = 𝑎 is [CSIR DEC 2016]
22. The normalized wavefunction in the
2𝑚 momentum space of a particle in one dimension
(a) 𝐴𝜓(𝑎) (b) 𝐴(𝜓(𝑎) − 𝜓(−𝑎)) is
ℏ2
𝛼
𝜙(𝑝) = 2
ℏ2 𝑝 + 𝛽2
(c) 𝐴 (d) 0 where 𝛼 and 𝛽 are real constants. The
2𝑚
uncertainty Δ𝑥 in measuring its position is
19. The eigenstates corresponding to eigenvalues [CSIR DEC 2017]
𝐸1 and 𝐸2 of a time-independent Hamiltonian ℏ𝛼 ℏ𝛼
(a)√𝜋 2 (b) √𝜋 3
are |1⟩ and |2⟩ respectively. If at 𝑡 = 0, the 𝛽 𝛽
system is in a state |𝜓(𝑡 = 0)⟩ = sin 𝜃|1⟩ +
cos 𝜃|2⟩ the value of ⟨𝜓(𝑡) ∣ 𝜓(𝑡)⟩ at time 𝑡 will ℏ 𝜋 ℏ𝛼
be (c) (d) √
√2𝛽 𝛽 𝛽
[CSIR JUNE 2016]
(a) 1
23. At 𝑡 = 0, the wavefunction of an otherwise free
(𝐸1 sin2 𝜃 + 𝐸2 cos 2 𝜃)
(b) particle confined between two infinite walls at
√𝐸12 + 𝐸22 𝑥=0 and 𝑥=𝐿 is
(c) 𝑒 𝑖𝐸1 𝑡/ℏ sin 𝜃 + 𝑒 𝑖𝐸2 /ℏ cos 𝜃
2 𝜋𝑥 3𝜋𝑥
𝜓(𝑥, 𝑡 = 0) = √ (sin − sin )
(d) 𝑒 −𝑖𝐸1 //ℏ sin2 𝜃 + 𝑒 −𝑖𝐸2 𝑡/ℏ cos2 𝜃 𝐿 𝐿 𝐿

5
 𝑚𝐿2 eventually separating the original box into two
Its wave function at a later time 𝑡 = 4𝜋ℎ
is
compartments, i
[CSIR JUNE 2019 ]
[CSIR JUNE 2018]
2 𝜋𝑥 3𝜋𝑥 𝑖𝜋/6
(a)√ (sin − sin )𝑒
𝐿 𝐿 𝐿

2 𝜋𝑥 3𝜋𝑥 −𝑖𝜋/6
(b)√ (sin + sin )𝑒
𝐿 𝐿 𝐿 3𝜋 2 ℏ2 𝜋 2 ℏ2
(a) (b)
8𝑚𝐿2 8𝑚𝐿2
2 𝜋𝑥 3𝜋𝑥 −𝑖𝜋/8
(c)√ (sin + sin )𝑒 𝜋 2 ℏ2
𝐿 𝐿 𝐿 (c) (d) 0
2𝑚𝐿2

27. A particle of mass in and energy 𝐸 > 0. in one

2 𝜋𝑥 3𝜋𝑥 −𝑖𝜋/6
(d)√ (sin + sin )𝑒 dimension is scattered by the potential
𝐿 𝐿 𝐿

24. A particle of mass 𝑚 is confined in a three-

dimensional box by the potential
0, 0 ≤ 𝑥, 𝑦, 𝑧 ≤ 𝑎
𝑉(𝑥, 𝑦, 𝑧) = {
∞, otherwise

The number of eigenstates of Hamiltonian with If the particle was moving from 𝑥 = −∞ to 𝑥 =
9ℏ2 𝜋2 ∞, which of the following graphs gives the best
energy 2𝑚𝑎2 is
qualitative representation of the wavefunction
[CSIR JUNE 2018]
of this particle?
(a) 1 (b) 6
[CSIR JUNE 2019 ]
(c) 3 (d) 4

25. The energy eigenvalues of a particle of mass 𝑚,

confined to a rigid one-dimensional box of
width 𝐿, are 𝐸𝑛 (𝑛 = 1,2, … ). If the walls of the
box are moved very slowly toward each other,
𝑑𝐸2
the rate of change of time-dependent energy 𝑑𝑡
of the first excited state is
[CSIR DEC 2019]
𝐸2 𝑑𝐿 2𝐸2 𝑑𝐿
(a) (b)
𝐿 𝑑𝑡 𝐿 𝑑𝑡

2𝐸2 𝑑𝐿 𝐸1 𝑑𝐿 28. Let the normalized eigenstates of the

(c) − (d) − Hamiltonian,
𝐿 𝑑𝑡 𝐿 𝑑𝑡
2 1 0
𝐻 = (1 2 0)
26. A quantum particle of mass 𝑚 in one dimension,
0 0 2
confined to a rigid box as shown in the figure, is be |𝜓1 ⟩, |𝜓2 ⟩ and |𝜓3 ⟩. The expectation value
in its ground state. An infinitesimally thin wall ⟨𝐻⟩ and the variance of 𝐻 in the state
is very slowly raised to infinity at the centre of 1
the box, in such a way that the system remains |𝜓⟩ = (|𝜓1 ⟩ + |𝜓2 ⟩ − 𝑖|𝜓3 ⟩)
√3
in its ground state at all times. Assuming that no are
energy is lost in raising the wall, the work done
on the system when the wall is fully raised,

6
 [CSIR DEC 2019] |𝜓3 ⟩. The expectation value ⟨𝐻⟩ and the
4 1 4 2 variance of 𝐻 in the state
(a) 3 and 3 (b) 3 and 3
1
|𝜓⟩ = (|𝜓1 ⟩ + |𝜓2 ⟩ − 𝑖|𝜓3 ⟩)
2 √3
(c) 2 and 3 (d) 2 and 1
are
[CSIR DEC2021]
29. The wavefunction of a free particle of mass 𝑚, 4 1 4 2
constrained to move in the interval −𝐿 ≤ 𝑥 ≤ 𝐿, (a) and (b) and
3 3 3 3
is 𝜓(𝑥) = 𝐴(𝐿 + 𝑥)(𝐿 − 𝑥), where 𝐴 is the
2
normalization constant. The probability that the (c) 2 and 3 (d) 2 and 1
𝜋2 ℏ2
particle will be found to have the energy 2𝑚𝐿2 is
[CSIR JUNE 2019] 33. The momentum space representation of the
1 1 1 Schrodinger equation of a particle in a potential
(a) 0 (b) (c) (d)
√2 2√3 𝜋 𝑉(𝑟⃗) is
2 ∂
(|𝑝⃗|2 + 𝛽(∇2𝑝 ) ) 𝜓(𝑝⃗, 𝑡) = 𝑖ℏ 𝜓(𝑝⃗, 𝑡)
30. For the one dimensional potential wells 𝐴, 𝐵 ∂𝑡
and 𝐶, as shown in the figure, let 𝐸𝐴 , 𝐸𝐵 and 𝐸𝐶 where
denote the ground sate energies of a particle, ∂
(∇𝑝 )𝑖 =
respectively. ∂𝑝𝑖
, and 𝛽 is a constant. The potential is (in the
following 𝑉0 and 𝑎 are constants)
[CSIR SEP 2022 ]
2 /𝑎 2 4 /𝑎4
(a) 𝑉0 𝑒 −𝑟 (b) 𝑉0 𝑒 −𝑟

𝑟 2 𝑟 4
(c)𝑉0 ( ) (d) 𝑉0 ( )
𝑎 𝑎

The correct ordering of the energies is 34. If the expectation value of the momentum of a
[CSIR NOV 2020] particle in one dimension is zero, then its (box-
(a) 𝐸𝐶 > 𝐸𝐵 > 𝐸𝐴 (b) 𝐸𝐴 > 𝐸𝐵 > 𝐸𝐶 formalizable) wave function may be of the form
[CSIR SEPT 2022 ]
(c) 𝐸𝐵 > 𝐸𝐶 > 𝐸𝐴 (d) 𝐸𝐵 > 𝐸𝐴 > 𝐸𝐶 (a) sin 𝑘𝑥

31. The state of an electron in a hydrogen atom is (b) 𝑒 𝑖𝑘𝑥 sin 𝑘𝑥

1 1 1
|𝜓⟩ = |1,0,0⟩ + |2,1,0⟩ + |3,1, −1⟩
√6 √3 √2 (c) 𝑒 𝑖𝑘𝑥 cos 𝑘𝑥
where |𝑛, 𝑙, 𝑚⟩ denotes common eigenstates of
𝐻ˆ , 𝐿ˆ2 and 𝐿ˆ𝑧 operators in the standard (d) sin 𝑘𝑥 + 𝑒 𝑖𝑘𝑥 cos 𝑘𝑥
notation.In a measurement of 𝐿ˆ𝑧 for the
electron in this state, the result is recorded to 35. The energy/energies 𝐸 of the bound state(s) of
be 0 . Subsequently a measurement of energy is a particle of mass 𝑚 in one dimension in the
performed. The probability that the result is 𝐸2 ∞, 𝑥 ≤ 0
(the energy of the 𝑛 = 2 state) is potential 𝑉(𝑥) = {−𝑉0 , 0 < 𝑥 < 𝑎 (where
[CSIR NOV 2020] 0, 𝑥≥𝑎
(a) 1 (b) 1/2 𝑉0 > 0 ) is/are determined by
(c) 2/3 (d) 1/3 [CSIR SEPT 2022 ]
2𝑚(𝐸 + 𝑉0 ) 𝐸 − 𝑉0
32. Let thenormalized eigenstates of the (a)cot 2 (𝑎√ ) =
ℏ2 𝐸
2 1 0
Hamiltonian 𝐻 = (1 2 0) be |𝜓1 ⟩, |𝜓2 ⟩ and
0 0 2

7
 2𝑚(𝐸 + 𝑉0 ) 𝐸
(b)tan2 (𝑎√ 2
)=− 39. A quantum particle of mass 𝑚 is moving in a
ℏ 𝐸 + 𝑉0
one dimensional potential
𝑉(𝑥) = 𝑉0 𝜃(𝑥) − 𝜆𝛿(𝑥),
where 𝑉0 and 𝜆 are positive constants, 𝜃(𝑥) is
2𝑚(𝐸 + 𝑉0 ) 𝐸
(c)cot 2 (𝑎√ 2
)=− the Heaviside step function and 𝛿(𝑥) is the
ℏ 𝐸 + 𝑉0
Dirac delta function. The leading contribution to
the reflection coefficient for the particle
incident from the left with energy 𝐸 ≫ 𝑉0 > 𝜆
2𝑚(𝐸 + 𝑉0 ) 𝐸 − 𝑉0 𝑉0 ℎ
(d)tan2 (𝑎√ 2
)= and √2𝑚𝐸 ≫ is
ℏ 𝐸 𝜆
[CSIR EC 2023]
V02 𝑉02 𝑚𝜆2 𝑚𝜆2
36. A particle of mass 𝑚 is in a one dimensional (a) 2 (b) 2 (c) (d)
4E 8𝐸 2𝐸ℏ2 4𝐸ℎ2
infinite potential well of length 𝐿, extending
from 𝑥 = 0 to 𝑥 = 𝐿. When it is in the energy
Eigen-state labelled by 𝑛, (𝑛 = 1,2,3,..)𝑡ℎ𝑒 Answer Key
1. d 2. b 3. a 4. a 5. d
probability of finding in the interval 0 ≤ 𝑥 ≤
6. c 7. d 8. b 9. a 10. d
𝐿/8 is 1/8. The minimum value of 𝑛 for which
11. c 12. b 13. a 14. a 15. a
this is possible is
16. c 17. b 18. b 19. a 20. a
[CSIR FEB 2022 ]
21. c 22. c 23. c 24. c 25. c
(a) 4 (b) 2 (c) 6 (d) 8
26. a 27. c 28. c 29. a 30. a
31. c 32. c 33. d 34. a 35. c
37. The figures below depict three different wave 36. a 37. a 38. b 39. c
functions of a particle confined to a one
dimensional box −1 ≤ 𝑥 ≤ 1
❖ GATE PYQ
1. Which of the following functions represents an
acceptable wavefunction of the particle in the
range −∞ ≤ 𝑥 ≤ ∞ ?
The wave functions that correspond to the [GATE 2001]
maximum expectation values |⟨𝑥⟩| (absolute (a) 𝜓(𝑥) = 𝐴tan 𝑥, 𝐴 > 0
value of the mean position) and ⟨𝑥 2 ⟩,
respectively, are (b) 𝜓(𝑥) = 𝐵cos 𝑥; 𝐵 is real
[CSIR FEB 2022 ]
(a) 𝐵 and 𝐶 (b) 𝐵 and 𝐴 𝐷
(c)𝜓(𝑥) = 𝐶exp (− ) , 𝐶 > 0, 𝐷 < 0
𝑥2
(c) 𝐶 and 𝐵 (d) 𝐴 and 𝐵
(d) 𝜓(𝑥) = 𝐸𝑥exp (−𝐹𝑥 2 ); 𝐸, 𝐹 > 0
38. The unnormalized wave function of a particle in
one dimension in an infinite square well with 2. A quantum particle of mass 𝑚 is confined to a
walls at 𝑥 = 0 and 𝑥 = 𝑎, is 𝜓(𝑥) = 𝑥(𝑎 − 𝑥). If square region in 𝑥𝑜𝑦-plane whose vertices are
𝜓(𝑥) is expanded as a linear combination of the given by (0,0), (L, 0), (L, L) and (0, L). Which of
𝑎 the following represents an admissible wave
energy eigenfunctions, ∫0 |𝜓(𝑥)|2 𝑑𝑥 is
function of the particle (for 𝑙, 𝑚, 𝑛 positive
proportional to the infinite series (You may use
𝑎 integers)?
∫0 𝑡sin 𝑡𝑑𝑡 = −𝑎cos 𝑎 + sin 𝑎 and [GATE 2001]
𝑎
∫0 𝑡 2 sin 𝑡𝑑𝑡 = −2 − (𝑎2 − 2)cos 𝑎 + 2𝑎sin 𝑎 2 𝑛𝜋𝑥 𝑚𝜋𝑦
(a) sin ( ) cos ( )
[CSIR FEB 2022] 𝐿 𝐿 𝐿
(a) ∑∞
𝑛=1 (2𝑛 − 1)
−6
(b) ∑∞
𝑛=1 (2𝑛 − 1)
−4
2 𝑙𝜋𝑥 𝑛𝜋𝑦
(b) cos ( ) cos ( )
(c) ∑∞ −2
(d) ∑∞ −8 𝐿 𝐿 𝐿
𝑛=1 (2𝑛 − 1) 𝑛=1 (2𝑛 − 1)

8
 The sum of the energies of the third and the
2 𝑚𝜋𝑥 𝑛𝜋𝑦 fourth levels is
(c) sin ( ) sin ( )
𝐿 𝐿 𝐿 [GATE 2003]
2 2 2
(a) 10𝜋 ℏ /𝑚𝐿 (b) 10𝜋 2 ℏ2 /3𝑚𝐿2
2 𝑛𝜋𝑥 𝑙𝜋𝑦
(d) cos ( ) sin ( )
𝐿 𝐿 𝐿 (c) 11𝜋 2 ℏ2 /2𝑚𝐿2 (d) 15𝜋 2 ℏ2 /2𝑚𝐿2

3. If the wave function of a particle trapped in

7. A particle is located in a three dimensional
space between 𝑥 = 0 and 𝑥 = 𝐿 is given by
cubic well of width L with impenetrable
2𝜋𝑥
𝜓(𝑥) = 𝐴sin ( ) walls.The degeneracy of the fourth level is given
𝐿
by
, where A is a constant, for which value(s) of 𝑥
[GATE 2003]
will the probability of finding the particle be the
(a) 1 (b) 2
maximum?
(c) 3 (d) 4
[GATE 2002]
𝐿 𝐿
(a) (b) 8. The wave function of a spin-less particle of
4 2
mass 𝑚 in a one-dimensional potential 𝑉(𝑥) is
𝐿 𝐿 𝐿 3𝐿 𝜓(𝑥) = 𝐴exp (−𝛼 2 𝑥 2 ) corresponding to an
(c) and (d) and
6 3 4 4 eigenvalue 𝐸0 = ℏ2 𝛼 2 /𝑚. The potential 𝑉(𝑥) is
[GATE 2004]
2 2
4. The normalized wave functions 𝜓1 and 𝜓2 (a) 2𝐸0 (1 − 𝛼 𝑥 ) (b) 2𝐸0 (1 + 𝛼 2 𝑥 2 )
correspond to the ground state and the first
excited state of a particle in a potential. You are (c) 2𝐸0 𝛼 2 𝑥 2 (d) 2𝐸0 (1 + 2𝛼 2 𝑥 2
given the information that the operator 𝐴ˆ acts
on the wave functions as 𝐴ˆ𝜓1 = 𝜓2 and 𝐴ˆ𝜓2 = 9. A particle is confined to the region 0 < 𝑥 < 𝐿 in
𝜓1 .The expectation value of A for the state 𝜓 = one dimension
(3𝜓1 + 4𝜓2 )/5 is If the particle is in the first excited state, then
[GATE 2003] the probability of finding the particle is
(a) -0.32 (b) 0.0 maximum at
[GATE 2004]
(c) 0.75 (d) 0.96 𝐿 𝐿
(a)𝑥 = (b) 𝑥 =
6 2
5. The normalized wave functions 𝜓1 and 𝜓2
correspond to the ground state and the first 𝐿 𝐿 3𝐿
(c)𝑥 = (d) 𝑥 = and
excited state of a particle in a potential. You are 3 4 4
given the information that the operator 𝐴ˆ acts
10. A particle is confined to the region 0 < 𝑥 < 𝐿 in
on the wave functions as 𝐴ˆ𝜓1 = 𝜓2 and 𝐴ˆ𝜓2 =
one dimension
𝜓1 .Which of the following are eigenfunctions of
If the particle is in the lowest energy state, then
𝐴ˆ2 ? the probability of finding the particle in the
[GATE 2003] 𝐿
region 0 < 𝑥 < is
(a) 𝜓1 and 𝜓2 4
[GATE 2004]
(b) 𝜓2 and not 𝜓1 1 1 1
(a) − (b)
4 (2𝜋) 4
(c) 𝜓1 and not 𝜓2
1 1 1
(c) + (d)
(d) neither 𝜓1 nor 𝜓2 4 (2𝜋) 2

6. A particle is located in a three dimensional 11. A free particle is moving in +𝑥-direction with a
cubic well of width L with impenetrable walls. linear momentum 𝑝. The wavefunction of the
particle normalized in a length 𝐿 is

9
 [GATE 2006] well will be time-dependent
1 𝑝 1 𝑝 (c) The particle will be confined to any one of
(a) sin 𝑥 (b) cos 𝑥
√𝐿 ℏ √𝐿 ℏ the wells
(d) The particle can tunnel from one well to the
1 𝑝
−𝑖 𝑥 1 𝑝
𝑖 𝑥 other, and back
(c) 𝑒 ℏ (d) 𝑒 ℏ
√𝐿 √𝐿
15. There are only three bound states for a particle
12. The wavefunction of a particle in a one- of mass 𝑚 in a one-dimensional potential well
dimensional potential at time 𝑡 = 0 is of the form shown in the figure. The depth 𝑉0 of
1 the potential satisfies
𝜓(𝑥, 𝑡 = 0) = [2𝜓0 (𝑥) − 𝜓1 (𝑥)],
√5 [GATE 2007]
where 𝜓0 (𝑥) and 𝜓1 (𝑥) are the ground and the
first excited states of the particle with
corresponding energies E0 and E1 . The
wavefunction of the particle at a time 𝑡 is
[GATE 2006]
1 −𝑖(E0 E1 )𝑡 2𝜋 2 ℏ2 9𝜋 2 ℏ2
(a) 𝑒 2ℏ [2𝜓0 (𝑥) − 𝜓1 (𝑥)] (a) < 𝑉 <
√5 0
𝑚𝑎2 2𝑚𝑎2

1 −𝑖E0 𝑡
𝜋 2 ℏ2 2𝜋 2 ℏ2
(b) 𝑒 ℏ [2𝜓0 (𝑥) − 𝜓1 (𝑥)] (b) < 𝑉0 <
√5 𝑚𝑎2 𝑚𝑎2

1 −𝑖E1 𝑡
2𝜋 2 ℏ2 8𝜋 2 ℏ2
(c) 𝑒 ℏ [2𝜓0 (𝑥) − 𝜓1 (𝑥)] (c) < 𝑉 <
0
√5 𝑚𝑎2 𝑚𝑎2

1 −E0 𝑡 −E1 𝑡 2𝜋 2 ℏ2 50𝜋 2 ℏ2

(d) [2𝜓0 (𝑥)𝑒 ℏ − 𝜓1 (𝑥)𝑒 ℏ ] (d) < 𝑉0 <
√5 𝑚𝑎2 𝑚𝑎2

13. The wavefunction of a particle, moving in a one- 16. A particle is placed in a one dimensional box
dimensional time-independent potential 𝑉(𝑥), size L along the 𝑥-axis (0 < 𝑥 < L). Which of the
is given by 𝜓(𝑥) = 𝑒 −𝑖𝑎𝑥+𝑏 , where 𝑎 and 𝑏 are following is true?
constants. This means that the potential 𝑉(𝑥) is [GATE 2008]
of the form. (a) In the ground state, the probability of
[GATE 2007] finding the particle in the interval (L/4, L/4) is
(a) 𝑉(𝑥) ∝ 𝑥 (b) 𝑉(𝑥) ∝ 𝑥 2 half.
(c) 𝑉(𝑥) = 0 (d) 𝑉(𝑥) ∝ 𝑒 −𝑎𝑥 (b) In the first excited state, the probability of
finding the particle in the interval (L/4,3 L/4) is
14. A particle with energy E is in a time- half. This also holds for states with n =
independent double well potential as shown in 4,6,8, … … …
the figure. (c) For an arbitrary state |Ψ⟩, the probability of
finding the particle in the left half of the well is
half.
(d) None

17. A particle is placed in a one dimensional box

size L along the 𝑥-axis (0 < 𝑥 < L). Which of the
Which of the following statements about the following is true?Throughout 0 < 𝑥 < 𝐿, the
particle is NOT correct? wave function
[GATE 2007] [GATE 2008]
(a) The particle will always be in a bound state (b) is exponential decaying
(b) The probability of finding the particle in one (a) can be chosen to be real

10
 (c) is generally complex
(d) is zero
𝐴𝑦 2 𝐸
(d)√(1 − | | )
𝐴0 𝑉0 − 𝐸
Common Data Questions
Common Data for Questions 18, 19 and 20:
A beam of identical particles of mass 𝑚 and 21. For a physical system, two observables O1 and
energy 𝐸 is incident from left on a potential O2 are known to be compatible. Choose the
barrier of width 𝐿 (between 0 < 𝑥 < 𝐿) and correct implication from amongst those given
height 𝑉0 as shown in the figure (𝐸 < 𝑉0 ). below:
(a) every eigen state of O1 must necessarily be
an eigen state of O2
(b) every non-degenerate eigen state of O1
must necessarily be an eigen state of O2
(c) when an observation of O1 is carried out on
an arbitrary state |Ψ⟩ of the physical system a
subsequent observation of O2 leads to an
For 𝑥 > 𝐿, there is tunneling with a unambiguous result
transmission coefficient 𝑇 > 0. Let 𝐴0 , 𝐴𝑅 and [GATE 2008 ]
𝐴 𝑇 denote the amplitudes for the incident, (d) observation of O1 and O2 carried out on an
reflected and the transmitted waves, arbitrary state |Ψ⟩ of the physical system, lead
respectively. to the identical results irrespective of the order
in which the observation are made
18. Throughout 0 < 𝑥 < 𝐿, the wave function
[GATE 2008 ] 22. The De-Broglie wavelength of particles of mass
(a) can be chosen to be real 𝑚 with average momentum 𝑝 at a temperature
(b) is exponential decaying 𝑇 in three dimensions is given by q
(c) is generally complex [GATE 2009]
(d) is zero ℎ ℎ
(a)𝜆 = (b) 𝜆 =
√2𝑚𝑘𝐵 𝑇 √3𝑚𝑘𝐵 𝑇
19. Let the probability current associated with the
ℎ ℎ
incident wave be 𝑆0 . Let R be the reflection (c)𝜆 = (d) 𝜆 =
coefficient then √2𝑘𝐵 𝑇 √3𝑚
[GATE 2008 ]
(a) the probability current vanishes in the 23. A particle is in normalized state |𝜓⟩ which is a
classically forbidden region superposition of the energy eigenstates
(b) the probability current is TS0 for 𝑥 > 𝐿 |𝐸0 = 10eV⟩ and |𝐸1 = 30eV⟩. The average
(c) for, 𝑥 < 0 the probability current is 𝑆0 (1 + value of energy of the particle in the state |𝜓⟩ is
𝑅) 20eV. The state |𝜓⟩ is given by
(d) for 𝑥 > 𝐿, the probability current is complex [GATE 2009]
1 √3
(a) |𝐸0 = 10eV⟩ + |𝐸 = 30eV⟩
20. The ratio of the reflected to the incident 2 4 1
amplitude AR /A0 is
[GATE 2008 ] 1 2
(a) 𝐼 − 𝐴 𝑇 /𝐴0 (b) |𝐸0 = 10eV⟩ + √ |𝐸1 = 30eV⟩
√3 3

(b) √(1 − 𝑇) in magnitude

1 √3
(c) |𝐸0 = 10eV⟩ − |𝐸 = 30eV⟩
2 4 1
(c) a real negative number
1 1
(d) |𝐸0 = 10eV⟩ − |𝐸1 = 30eV⟩
√2 √2

11
24. The monochromatic waves having frequencies
𝜔 and 𝜔 + Δ𝜔(Δ𝜔 ≪ 𝜔) and corresponding
wave lengths 𝜆 and 𝜆 − Δ𝜆(Δ𝜆 << 𝜆) of same
polarization traveling along 𝑥 axis are
superimposed on each other. The phase velocity
and group velocity of the resultant of the
resultant wave are respectively given by
[GATE 2009] For 𝐸 < 𝑉0 , the space part of the wave function
2
𝜔𝜆 Δ𝜔𝜆 Δ𝜔𝜆2 for 𝑥 > 0 is of the form
(a) , (b) 𝜔𝜆, [GATE 2011]
2𝜋 2𝜋Δ𝜆 Δ𝜆
𝛼𝑥 −𝑎𝑥
(a) 𝑒 (b) 𝑒
𝜔Δ𝜆 Δ𝜔Δ𝜆
(c) , (d) 𝜔Δ𝜆, 𝜔Δ𝜆
2𝜋 2𝜋
(c) 𝑒 𝑖𝑎𝑥 (d) 𝑒 −𝑖𝛼𝑥
25. Which one of the function given below
represents the bound state eigen function of the 29. In a one-dimensional harmonic oscillator,
𝑑2 𝜑0 , 𝜑1 and 𝜑2 are respectively the ground, first
operator − 𝑑𝑥 2 in the region, 0 ≤ 𝑥 ≤ ∞, with
and the second excited states. These three
the eigen value −4 ? states are normalized and are orthogonal to one
[GATE 2009 ] another. 𝜓1 and 𝜓2 are two states defined by
2𝑥
(a) 𝐴0 𝑒 (b) 𝐴0 cosh 2𝑥 𝜓1 = 𝜑0 − 2𝜑1 + 3𝜑2
𝜓2 = 𝜑0 − 𝜑1 + 𝛼𝜑2
(c) 𝐴0 𝑒 −2𝑥 (d) 𝐴0 sinh 2𝑥 where 𝛼 is a constant? [GATE 2011]
The value of 𝛼 for which 𝜓2 is orthogonal to 𝜓1
26. Which of the following is an allowed wave is
function for a particle in a bound state? N is a (a) 2 (b) 1 (c) −1 (d) −2
constant and 𝛼, 𝛽 > 0
[GATE 2010] 30. A particle of mass 𝑚 is confined in a two
𝑒 −𝑎𝑟 dimensional square well potential of dimension
(a)Ψ = 𝑁 3
𝑟 𝑎. This potential 𝑉(𝑥, 𝑦) is given by𝑉(𝑥, 𝑦) = 0
for −𝑎 < 𝑥 < 𝑎 and −𝑎 < 𝑦 < 𝑎 = ∞ elsewhere
(b) Ψ = 𝑁(1 − 𝑒 −𝛼𝑟 )
The energy of the first excited state for this
2 +𝑦 2 +𝑧 2 )
particle is given by
(c) Ψ = 𝑁𝑒 −𝛼𝑥 𝑒 −𝛽(𝑥 [GATE 2012]
2 2 2 2
𝜋 ħ 2𝜋 ħ
non-zero constant, if 𝑟 < 𝑅 (a) 2
(b)
(d) Ψ = { 𝑚𝑎 𝑚𝑎2
0 if 𝑟 > 𝑅
5𝜋 2 ħ2 4𝜋 2 ħ2
27. The quantum mechanical operator for the (c) (d)
8𝑚𝑎2 𝑚𝑎2
momentum of a particle moving in one
dimension is given by [GATE 2011]
31. A proton is confined to a cubic box, whose sides
𝑑 𝑑
(a)𝑖ħ (b) − 𝑖ħ have length 10−12 m. What is the minimum
𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥
kinetic energy of the proton? The mass of
∂ ħ2 𝑑 2 proton is 1.67 × 10−27 kg and Planck's constant
(c)𝑖ħ (d) − is 6.63 × 10−34 Js
∂𝑡 2𝑚 𝑑𝑥 2
[GATE 2012]
−17
28. An electron with energy 𝐸 is incident from left (a) 1.1 × 10 J (b) 3.3 × 10−17 J
on a potential barrier given by
0, for 𝑥 < 0 (c) 9.9 × 10−17 J (d) 6.6 × 10−17 J
𝑉(𝑥) = {
𝑉0 , for 𝑥 > 0
as shown in the figure

12
 𝑟
32. Consider the wavefunction 𝐴 ( 𝑟0 ) 𝑒 𝑖𝑘𝑟 where 𝐴 2𝑚(𝑉0 − 𝐸)
𝛼=√
is normalization canst. for 𝑟 = 2𝑟0 . The ħ2
magnitude of probability current density up to , the value of 𝑥0 is
ℏ𝑘
two decimal places in unit of 𝐴2 𝑚 is, ...... [GATE 2016]
[GATE 2013 ] 2 1 1 1
(a) (b) (c) (d)
𝛼 𝛼 2𝛼 4𝛼
33. The recoil momentum of an atom is 𝑝𝐴 when it
emits an infrared photon of wavelength 38. A free electron of energy 1eV is incident upon a
1500 nm, and it is 𝑝𝐵 when it emits a photon of one dimensional finite potential step of height
𝑝
visible wavelength 500 nm. The ratio 𝐴 is 0.75eV. The probability of its reflection from the
𝑝𝐵
[GATE 2014] barrier is (up to two decimal places).
(a) 1: 1 (b) 1: √3 [GATE 2017]
(c) 1: 3 (d) 3: 2
39. Consider a one-dimensional potential well of
34. The dispersion relation for phonons in a one width 3 nm. Using the uncertainty principle
dimensional monatomic Bravias lattice with (Δ𝑥 ⋅ Δ𝑝 ≥ ħ/2) an estimate of the minimum
lattice spacing 𝑎 and consisting of ions of depth of the well such that it has at least one
masses M is given by, bound state for an electron is ( 𝑚𝑒 =
9.31 × 10−31 kg, ℎ = 6.626 × 10−34 𝐽𝑠, 𝑒 =
2𝐶 1.602 × 10−19 C ) [GATE 2017]
𝜔(𝑘) = √ [1 − cos (𝑘𝑎)]
𝑀 (a) 1𝜇eV (b)1 MeV
, where 𝜔 is the frequency of oscillation, k is the (c) leV (d) 2 MeV
wave vector and C is the spring constant. For
the long wavelength modes (𝜆 >> 𝑎), the ratio 40. A two-state quantum system has energy
of the phase velocity to the group velocity is eigenvalues ±∈ corresponding to the
[GATE 2015] normalized states |𝜓± ⟩. At time 𝑡 = 0, the
(a)1: 1 (b) 2;2 (c) 3:5 (d) 7:6 system is in quantum state
1
[|𝜓+ ⟩ + |𝜓− ⟩]
35. A two-dimensional square rigid box of side L √2
contains six non-interacting electrons at 𝑇 = The probability that the system will be in the
0𝐾. The mass of the electron is 𝑚. The ground same state at 𝑡 = ℎ/(6 ∈) is (up to two decimal
state energy of the system of electrons, in units places). [GATE 2018 ]
𝜋 2 ħ2
of 2𝑚𝐿2 is____________.
41. Consider a potential barrier 𝑣(𝑥) as in fig.
[GATE 2016] where 𝑣0 is a const for particles of energy 𝐸 <
𝑉0 incident on this barrier from the left. Which
36. The state of a system is given by of the following schematic diagrams best
|Ψ⟩ = |𝜙1 ⟩ + 2|𝜙2 ⟩ + 3|𝜙3 ⟩ represents the probability density |𝜓(𝑥)|2 as a
Where 1 ⟩, |𝜙2 ⟩ and |𝜙3 ⟩ form an orthonormal
|𝜙
function of x ?
set. The probability of finding the system in the [GATE 2019 ]
state |𝜙2 ⟩ is_____ (Give your answer upto two
decimal places) [
[GATE 2016]

37. A particle of mass 𝑚 and energy 𝐸, moving in

the positive 𝑥 direction, is incident on a step ,
where 𝑥0 > 0, the probability of finding the
1
electron is 𝑒
times the probability of finding it
at. 𝑥 = 0. If

13
 time is
1 𝜋𝑥 𝜋𝑥
𝜓(𝑥) = [√2sin ( ) + √3cos ( )
√6𝑎 𝑎 2𝑎
3𝜋𝑥
+ cos ( )]
2𝑎
. Probability of finding the particle in 𝑛 = 2
state at that time is % (Round off to the nearest
integer)
[GATE 2022]

42. The wave function 𝜓(𝑥) of a particle is as 46. A particle of mass 𝑚 is moving inside a hollow
shown below spherical shell of radius 𝑎 so that the potential
is
0 for 𝑟 < 𝑎
𝑉(𝑟) = {
∞ for 𝑟 ≥ 𝑎
The ground state energy and wave function of
the particle are 𝐸0 and 𝑅(𝑟), respectively. Then
which of the following options are correct?
[GATE 2022]
2
ℏ 𝜋
(a)𝐸0 =
2𝑚𝑎2
Here 𝐾 is a constant, and 𝑎 > 𝑑. The position
uncertainty (Δ𝑥) of the particle is ℏ2 1 𝑑 2 𝑑𝑅
(b) − (𝑟 ) = 𝐸0 𝑅(𝑟 < 𝑎)
[GATE 2019 ] 2𝑚 𝑟 2 𝑑𝑟 𝑑𝑟

𝑎2 + 3𝑑2 3𝑎2 + 𝑑2 ℏ2 1 𝑑 2 𝑅
(a)√ (b)√ (c) − = 𝐸0 𝑅 (𝑟 < 𝑎)
12 12 2𝑚 𝑟 2 𝑑𝑟 2
1 𝜋𝑟
𝑑2 𝑑2 (d)𝑅(𝑟) = sin ( ) (𝑟 < 𝑎)
(c)√ (d) √ 𝑟 𝑎
6 24
47. The wavefunction of a particle in one dimension
43. A quantum particle is subjected to the potential is given by
𝑎 𝑀, −𝑎 < 𝑥 < 𝑎
∞, 𝑥≤− 𝜓(𝑥) = {
2 0, otherwise
𝑎 𝑎 Here 𝑀 and 𝑎 are positive constants. If 𝜑(𝑝) is
𝑉(𝑥) = 0, − < 𝑥 <
2 2 the corresponding momentum space
𝑎
{∞, 𝑥≥
2
wavefunction, which one of the following plots
The ground state wave function of the particle best represents |𝜑(𝑝)|2 ? [GATE 2023]
is proportional to [GATE 2020]
𝜋𝑥 𝜋𝑥
(a)sin ( ) (b) sin ( )
2𝑎 𝑎
𝜋𝑥 𝜋𝑥
(c)cos ( ) (d) cos ( )
2𝑎 𝑎

44. A free particle of mass 𝑀 is located in a three-

dimensional cubic potential well with
impenetrable walls. The degeneracy of the fifth
excited state of the particle is
[GATE 2020]

45. The wave function of a particle in a one-

dimensional infinite well of size 2𝑎 at a certain

14
 2
Ψ(𝑥, 𝑡) = √ 𝑒 −𝑖𝐸1 𝑡/ℏ 𝜓1 (𝑥)
3
1
+ 𝑒 𝑖𝜋/6 𝑒 −𝑖𝐸2 𝑡/ℏ 𝜓2 (𝑥)
√6
1
+ 𝑒 𝑖𝜋/4 𝑒 −𝑖𝐸3 𝑡/ℏ 𝜓3 (𝑥)
√6
where 𝜓1 , 𝜓2 and 𝜓3 are the normalized ground
state, the normalized first excited state and the
normalized second excited state, respectively.
𝐸1 , 𝐸2 and 𝐸3 are the eigen-energies
corresponding to 𝜓1 , 𝜓2 and 𝜓3 , respectively.
The expectation value of energy of the particle
in state Ψ(𝑥, 𝑡) is
[GATE 2024]
17 2 3
(a) 𝐸1 (b) 𝐸1 (c) 𝐸1 (d) 14𝐸1
6 3 2

50. A particle is subjected to a potential

∞, 𝑥≤0
𝑉(𝑥) = {𝑉0 , 𝑎 ≤ 𝑥 ≤ 𝑏
0, elsewhere

Here, 𝑎 > 0 and 𝑏 > 𝑎. If the energy of the

particle 𝐸 < 𝑉0, which one of the following
schematics is a valid quantum mechanical
wavefunction (Ψ) for the system?
[GATE 2024]

48. Consider a particle in a two-dimensional

infinite square well potential of side 𝐿, with 0 ≤
𝑥 ≤ 𝐿 and 0 ≤ 𝑦 ≤ 𝐿. The wavefunction of the
𝐿
particle is zero only along the line 𝑦 = 2, apart
from the boundaries of the well. If the energy of
the particle in this state is 𝐸, what is the energy
of the ground state?
[GATE 2023]
1 2 3 1
(a) 𝐸 (b) 𝐸 (c) 𝐸 (d) 𝐸
4 5 8 2

49. The wavefunction of a particle in an infinite

one-dimensional potential well at time 𝑡 is

15
 and 𝐴 is constant. The magnitude of probability
of current density of a particles
[GATE ]
ℏ𝑘 ℏ𝑘
(a)|𝐴|2 (b) |𝐴|2
𝑚 2𝑚

(ℏ𝑘)2 (ℏ𝑘)2
(c)|𝐴|2 (d) |𝐴|2
𝑚 2𝑚

55. The wavefunction of a particle in free space is

given by, 𝜓 = 𝑒 𝑖𝑘𝑥 + 2𝑒 −𝑖𝑘𝑥 . The energy of the
particle is,
[GATE ]
2 2 2 2
5ℏ 𝑘 3ℎ 𝑘
(a) (b)
2𝑚 4𝑚
51. The wavefunction for a particle is given by the
ℏ2 𝑘 2 ℏ2 𝑘 2
form 𝑒 −(𝑖𝛼𝑥+𝛽) , where 𝛼 and 𝛽 are real (c) (d)
2𝑚 𝑚
constants. In which one of the following
potentials 𝑉(𝑥), the particle is moving?
56. The prob. current density for the real part of the
[GATE 2024]
2 2
wavefunction is,
(a) 𝑉(𝑥) ∝ 𝛼 𝑥 (b) 𝑉(𝑥) ∝ 𝑒 −𝛼𝑥
[GATE ]
(c) 𝑉(𝑥) = 0 (d) 𝑉(𝑥) ∝ sin (𝛼𝑥) ℏ𝑘
(a) 1 (b)
𝑚
52. An electron in the Coulomb field of a proton is
in the following state of coherent superposition ℏ𝑘
of orthonormal states 𝜓𝑛𝑙𝑚 (c) (d) 𝑧𝑒𝑟𝑜
2𝑚
1 1 √5
Ψ = 𝜓100 + 𝜓210 − 𝜓
3 √3 3 320 57. Q. A beam of monoenergetic particle having
Let 𝐸1 , 𝐸2 , and 𝐸3 represent the first three speed 𝑣 is described by the wavefunction
energy levels of the system. A sequence of 𝜓(𝑥) = 𝑢(𝑥)𝑒 𝑖𝑘𝑥 where 𝑢(𝑥) is a real function.
measurements is done on the same system at This corresponds to a current density,
different times. Energy is measured first at time [GATE ]
2
𝑡1 and the outcome is 𝐸2 . Then total angular (a) 𝑢 (𝑥) ⋅ 𝑣 (b) 𝑣
momentum is measured at time 𝑡2 > 𝑡1 and
finally energy is measured again at 𝑡3 > 𝑡2 . The (c) zero (d) 𝑢2 (𝑥)
probability of finding the system in a state with
energy 𝐸2 after the final measurement is 𝑃/9. 58. A particle of mass 𝑚 in one 𝐷 is in a state
The value of 𝑃 is (in integer). described by
[GATE 2024] [GATE ]
𝑖𝑝𝑥−𝑖𝐸𝑡 𝑖𝑝𝑥−𝑖𝐸𝑡
𝜓(𝑥, 𝑡) = 𝐴𝑒 ℏ + 𝐵𝑒 − ℏ
53. The wavefunction of the particle is given by.
𝜓 = 𝐴𝑒 𝑖𝑘𝑥 + 𝐵𝑒 −𝑖𝑘𝑥 . Find current density. 𝑝 𝑝
[GATE ] (a) (b) (|𝐴| − |𝐵|)
𝑚 𝑚
ℎ𝑘
(a) zero (b) (|𝐴|2 + |𝐵|2 ) 𝑝 𝑝
𝑚 (c)(|𝐴|2 − |𝐵|2 ) (d) (|𝐴|2 + |𝐵|2 )
𝑚 𝑚
ℏ𝑘 ℏ𝑘
(c) |𝐴||𝐵| (d) (|𝐴|2 − |𝐵|2 )
𝑚 𝑚
59. the
54. A particle of mass 𝑚 is represented by the ℏ2 𝑑2
𝐻=−
wavefunction 𝜓 = 𝐴𝑒 𝑖𝑘𝑥 where 𝑘 is wave vector 2𝑚 𝑑𝑥 2

16
 and corresponding eigen states is 𝜙𝑛 (𝑥) for a
particle trapped in ID infinite potential box of (d) 𝜋 2 /2 − √2𝑥coth (√2𝑥)
width ' 𝑎 ' centered at 𝑥 = 0, the state 𝜓(𝑡 = 0)
is defined 𝜓 = 3𝜙1 + 4𝜙3 (𝑥). Find ⟨𝐸⟩ on 𝜓. 2. The wave function of a free particle in one
[GATE ] dimension is given by 𝜓(𝑥) = 𝐴sin 𝑥 +
2 2
75 ℏ ℏ 151 ℏ2 ℏ2 𝐵sin 3𝑥. Then 𝜓(𝑥) is an eigenstate of
(a) (b)
25 𝑚𝑎2 50 𝑚𝑎2 [JEST 2012]
(a) the position operator
149 ℏ2 ℏ2 153 𝜋 2 ℏ2 (b) the Hamiltonian
(c) (d)
50 𝑚𝑎2 50 𝑚𝑎2 (c) the momentum operator
(d) the parity operator
60. Consider a system whose wave function at time
𝑡=0 is given by 3. Consider a particle of mass 𝑚 moving inside a
5 4 3 two dimensional square box whose sides are
(𝑥, 0) = Φ0 (𝑥) + Φ1 (𝑥) + Φ2 (𝑥)
√50 √50 √50 described by the equations 𝑥 = 0, 𝑥 = 𝐿, 𝑦 =
where Φ𝑛 (𝑥) is the wavefunction of the 𝑛th 0, 𝑦 = 𝐿. What is the lowest eigen value which
excited state for a harmonic oscillator of energy changes sign under the exchange of 𝑥 and 𝑦 ?
𝐸𝑛 = (𝑛 + 𝑦2 )ℏ𝜔. find average energy of the [JEST 2012]
system. 2
(a) ℏ /(𝑚𝐿 2)
(b) 3ℏ /(2𝑚𝐿2 )
2
[GATE ]
(a)3.5 ℏ𝜔 (b) 1.18ℏ𝜔 (c) 5ℏ2 /(2𝑚𝐿2 ) (d) 7ℏ2 /(2𝑚𝐿2 )

(c) 5.23ℏ𝜔 (d) 6.33ℏ𝜔 4. The quantum state sin 𝑥| ↑⟩ + exp (𝑖𝜙)cos 𝑥| ↓
⟩, where ⟨↑∣↓⟩ = 0 and 𝑥, 𝜙 are real is
Answer Key orthogonal to:
1. d 2. c 3. d 4. d 5. a [JEST 2012]
6. a 7. c 8. c 9. d 10. a (a) sin 𝑥| ↑⟩
11. d 12. - 13. c 14. b 15. a
16. c 17. b 18. a 19. b 20. a (b) cos 𝑥| ↑⟩ + exp (𝑖𝜙)sin 𝑥| ↓⟩
21. d 22. c 23. d 24. a 25. c
26. c 27. b 28. b 29. c 30. c (c) −cos 𝑥| ↑⟩ − exp (𝑖𝜙)sin 𝑥| ↓⟩
31. c 32. 0.25 33. c 34. a 35. 24
36. 0.28 37. c 38. 0.11 39. b 40. 0.25 (d) −exp (−𝑖𝜙cos 𝑥)| ↑⟩ + sin 𝑥| ↓⟩
41. a 42. b 43. d 44. 6 45. 33.3
46. abc 47. b 48. b 49. a 50. b 5. If the distribution function of x is 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥𝑒 −𝑥/𝜆
51. c 52. 9 53. d 54. a 55. c over the interval 0 < 𝑥 < ∞, the mean of 𝑥 is
56. d 57. a 58. c 59. a 60. b [JEST 2013]
(a) 𝜆 (b) 2𝜆

❖ JEST
(c) 𝜆/2 (d) 0
1. The ground state (apart from normalization) of
a particle of unit mass moving in a one-
6. A particle of mass 𝑚 is contained in a one-
dimensional potential V(x) is exp (−𝑥 2 /
dimensional infinite well extending from 𝑥 =
2)cosh (√2𝑥). The potential V(x), in suitable 𝐿 𝐿
− 2 to 𝑥 = 2. The particle is in its ground state
units so that h = 1, is (up to an addiative
constant.) [JEST 2012] given by 𝜑0 (𝑥) = √2/𝐿cos (𝜋𝑥/𝐿). The walls of
2 the box are moved suddenly to form a box
(a) 𝜋 /2
extending from 𝑥 = −𝐿 to 𝑥 = 𝐿. what is the
(b) 𝜋 2 /2 − √2𝑥tanh (√2𝑥) probability that the particle will be in the
ground state after this sudden expansion?
(c) 𝜋 2 /2 − √2𝑥tan (√2𝑥) [JEST 2013]

17
 (a) (8/3𝜋)2 (b) 0 linear potential elsewhere (i.e. 𝑉(𝑥) = −𝑚𝑔𝑥
for 𝑥 > 0 ). Which of the following wave
(c) (16/3𝜋)2 (d) (4/3𝜋)2 functions is physically admissible for this
problem (with 𝑘 > 0 ):
7. A quantum mechanical particle in a harmonic [JEST 2014]
2
oscillator potential has the initial wave function (a) 𝜓 = 𝑒 −𝑘𝑥 /𝑥 (b) 𝜓 = 𝑥𝑒 −𝑘𝑥
𝜓0 (𝑥) + 𝜓1 (𝑥), where 𝜓0 and 𝜓1 are the real
wavefunctions in the ground and first excited (c) 𝜓 = −𝐴𝑥𝑒 𝑘𝑥 (d) 𝜓 = 𝐴𝑒 −𝑘𝑥
2

state of the harmonic oscillator Hamiltonian.

For convenience we take 𝑚 = ℏ = 𝜔 = 1 for the 11. Consider a square well of depth −𝑉0 and width
oscillator. What is the probability density of 𝑎 with 𝑉0 as fixed. Let 𝑉0 → ∞ and 𝑎 → 0. This
finding the particle at 𝑥 at time 𝑡 = 𝜋 ? potential well has [JEST 2014]
[JEST 2013] (a) No bound states
2
(a)(𝜓1 (𝑥) − 𝜓0 (𝑥)) (b) 1 bound state
(c) 2 bound states
(b) (𝜓1 (𝑥))2 − (𝜓0 (𝑥))2 (d) Infinitely many bound states

(c) (𝜓1 (𝑥) + 𝜓0 (𝑥))2 12. A particle of mass 𝑚 moves in 1 -dimensional

potential 𝑉(𝑥), which vanishes at infinity. The
(d) (𝜓1 (𝑥))2 + (𝜓0 (𝑥))2 exact ground state eigenfunction is 𝜓(𝑥) =
𝐴sec ℎ(𝜆𝑥), where 𝐴 and 𝜆 are constants. The
8. If the expectation value of the momentum is ⟨𝑝⟩ ground state energy eigenvalue of this system
for the wavefunction 𝜓(𝑥), then the expectation is,
value of momentum for the wavefunction [JEST 2015]
𝑒 𝑖𝑘𝑥/ℎ 𝜓(𝑥) is ℏ2 𝜆2 ℏ2 𝜆2
[JEST 2013] (a)𝐸 = (b) 𝐸 = −
𝑚 𝑚
(a) 𝑘 (b) ⟨𝑝⟩ − 𝑘

(c) ⟨𝑝⟩ + 𝑘 (d) ⟨𝑝⟩ ℏ2 𝜆2 ℏ2 𝜆2

(c)𝐸 = − (d) 𝐸 =
2𝑚 2𝑚
9. The Hamiltonian operator for a two-state
13. Given that 𝜓1 and 𝜓2 are eigenstates of a
system is given by
Hamiltonian with eigenvalues 𝐸1 and 𝐸2
𝐻 = 𝛼(|1⟩⟨1| − |2⟩⟨2| + |1⟩⟨2| + |2⟩⟨1|),
respectively, what is the energy uncertainty in
where 𝛼 is a positive number with the
the state (𝜓1 + 𝜓2 ) ? [JEST 2015]
dimension of energy. The energy eigenstates
1
corresponding to the larger and smaller (a) − √𝐸1 𝐸2 (b) |𝐸1 − 𝐸2 |
2
eigenvalues respectively are:
[JEST 2014] 1 1
(a) |1⟩ − (√2 + 1)|2⟩, |1⟩ + (√2 − 1)|2⟩ (c) (𝐸1 + 𝐸2 ) (d) |𝐸2 − 𝐸1 |
2 √2

(b) |1⟩ + (√2 − 1)|2⟩, |1⟩ − (√2 + 1)|2⟩ 14. The wavefunction of a hydrogen atom is given
by the following superposition of energy eigen
(c) |1⟩ + (√2 − 1)|2⟩, (√2 + 1)|1⟩ − |2⟩ functions 𝜓𝑚𝑙𝑚 (𝑟⃗)(𝑛, 𝑙, 𝑚 are the usual
quantum numbers):
(d) |1⟩ − (√2 + 1)|2⟩, (√2 − 1)|1⟩ + |2⟩ √2 3 1
𝜓(𝑟⃗) = 𝜓100 (𝑟⃗) − 𝜓210 (𝑟⃗) + 𝜓322 (𝑟⃗)
√7 √14 √14
10. A ball bounces off earth. You are asked to solve The ratio of expectation value of the energy to
this quantum mechanically assuming the earth the ground state energy and the expectation
is an infinitely hard sphere. Consider surface of value of 𝐿2 are, respectively:
earth as the origin implying 𝑉(0) =∝ and a [JEST 2016]

18
 229 12ℏ2 101 12ℏ2 the potential in suitable units such that ℏ = 1, is
(a) and (b) and
504 7 504 7 proportional to
[JEST 2017]
101 229 (𝑎) 𝑥 2
(c) and ℏ2 (d) and ℏ2
504 504
(b) 𝑥 2 − 2√2𝑥tanh (√2𝑥)
15. An e- confined within a thin layer of
semiconductor may be treated as a free particle
(c) 𝑥 2 − 2√2𝑥tan (√2𝑥)
inside an infinitely deep 1D potential well. the
difference in energies between first and second
(d) 𝑥 2 − 2√2𝑥coth (√2𝑥)
energy is
2 2
3𝜋 ℏ
𝛿𝑡 = 19. The normalized eigenfunctions and eigenvalues
2𝑚𝑎2
find the width of the well of the Hamiltonian of a Particle confined to
[JEST 2016] move between 0 ≤ 𝑥 ≤ 𝑎 in one dimension are

3ℏ2 𝜋 2 2ℏ2 𝜋 2 2 𝑛𝜋𝑥 𝑛2 𝜋 2 ℏ2

(a)√ (b) √ 𝜓𝑛 (𝑥) = √ sin and 𝐸𝑛 =
2𝑚𝛿𝐸 3𝑚𝛿𝐸 𝑎 𝑎 2𝑚𝑎2
respectively. Here 1,2,3 ... Suppose the state of
the particle is
𝜋 2 ℏ2 𝜋ℏ2 𝜋𝑥 𝜋𝑥
(c)√ (d) √ 𝜓(𝑥) = 𝐴sin ( ) [1 + cos ( )]
2𝑚𝛿𝐸 𝑚𝛿𝐸 𝑎 𝑎
where 𝐴 is the normalization constant. If the
1 energy of the particle is measured, the
16. A spin- particle in a uniform external magnetic
2 probability to get the result as
field has energy eigenstates |1⟩ and |2⟩. 𝜋 2 ℏ2
(|1⟩+|2⟩)
The system is prepared in ket-state at 2𝑚𝑎2
√2 𝑥
time 𝑡 = 0. It evolves to the state described by is 100. What is the value of 𝑥 ?
(|1⟩−|2⟩) [JEST 2018]
the ket in time 𝑇. The minimum energy
√2
difference between two levels is:
20. Consider a wave packet defined by
[JEST 2016] ∞
ℎ ℎ ℎ ℎ 𝜓(𝑥) = ∫ 𝑑𝑘𝑓(𝑘)exp [𝑖(𝑘𝑥)]
(a) (b) (c) (d) −∞
6𝑇 4𝑇 2𝑇 𝑇 𝐾
Further, 𝑓(𝑘) = 0 for |𝑘| > 2
and 𝑓(𝑘) = 𝑎 for
17. The energy of a particle is given by 𝐸 = |𝑝| + |𝑘| ≤
𝐾
. Then, the form of normalized 𝜓(𝑥) is
2
|𝑞| where 𝑝 and 𝑞 are the generalized
[JEST 2018]
momentum and coordinate, respectively. All the
states with 𝐸 ≤ 𝐸0 are equally probable and 𝐾𝑥
√8𝜋𝐾 𝐾𝑥 √ 2 sin 2
states with 𝐸 > 𝐸0 are inaccessible. The (a) sin (b)
𝑥 2 𝜋𝐾 𝑥
probability density of finding the particle at
coordinate 𝑞, with 𝑞 > 0 is: 𝐾𝑥
[JEST 2016] √8𝜋𝐾 𝐾𝑥 2 sin 2
(c) cos (d) √
(𝐸0 + 𝑞) 𝑞 𝑥 2 𝜋𝐾 𝑥
(a) (b) 2
𝐸02 𝐸0
21. What is the binding energy of an electron in the
(𝐸0 − 𝑞) 1 ground state of a He+ ion? [JEST 2019]
(c) (d)
𝐸02 𝐸0 (a) 6.8eV (b) 13.6Ev

18. If the ground state wavefunction of a particle (c) 27.2eV (d) 54.4eV
moving in a one dimensional potential is
proportional to exp (−𝑥 2 /2)cosh (√2𝑥), then

19
 𝑏2 𝑥 2 time 𝑡 = 0 the system is in the quantum state
22. The wave function 𝜓(𝑥) = 𝐴exp (− ) (for
2 [𝜓+ + 𝜓− ]
real constants 𝐴 and 𝑏 ) is a normalized eigen-
function of the Schrodinger equation for a √2
Find the 10000 × probability that the system
particle of mass 𝑚 and energy 𝐸 in a one ℎ
dimensional potential 𝑉(𝑥) such that 𝑉(𝑥) = 0 will be in the same state at time 𝑡 = , where
(6∈)
at 𝑥 = 0. Which of the following is correct? ℎ is the Planck's constant.
[JEST 2019] [JEST 2020]
ℏ2 𝑏4 𝑥 2 ℏ2 𝑏 4 𝑥 2
(a)𝑉 = (b) 𝑉 =
𝑚 2𝑚 27. A particle with energy 𝐸 is in a bound state of
the one-dimensional Hamiltonian
ℏ2 𝑏2 ℏ2 𝑏 2 2
ℎ 𝑑 2
(c)𝐸 = (d) 𝐸 = 𝐻= + 𝑉(𝑥)
4𝑚 𝑚 2𝑚 𝑑𝑥 2
The expectation value of the momentum ⟨𝑝⟩
23. Consider a quantum particle in a one- (a) is always zero
dimensional box of length 𝐿. The coordinates of (b) depends on the degeneracy of the eigenstate
the leftmost wall of the box is at 𝑥 = 0 and that (c) is zero if and only if the potential symmetric
of the rightmost wall is at 𝑥 = 𝐿. The particle is 𝑉(−𝑥) = 𝑉(𝑥)
in the ground state at 𝑡 = 0. At 𝑡 = 0, we (d) depends on the energy 𝐸 of the eigenstate
suddenly change the length of the box to 3𝐿 by
moving the right wall. What is the probability 28. A quantum particle is moving in one dimension
that the particle is in the ground state of the between rigid walls at 𝑥 = −𝐿 and 𝑥 = 𝐿, under
new system immediately after the change? the
[JEST 2019] influence of a potential (see figure). The
9 81 0.5 potential has the uniform value 𝑉0 between
(a) 0.36 (b) (c) 2
(d) 𝐿
8𝜋 64𝜋 𝜋 −𝑎 < 𝑥 < 𝑎, and is 0 otherwise. Which one of
the following graphs qualitatively represent the
24. The wave function of an electron in one ground state wavefunction of this system? (You
dimension is given by can assume that 𝑎 ≪ 𝐿𝑉0 ≫ 𝜋 2 /8𝑚𝐿2 ).
0, for 𝑥 < 0
𝜓(𝑥) = { [JEST 2021]
2√3𝑒 −𝑥 (1 − 𝑒 −𝑥 ), for 𝑥 ≥ 0
The ratio between the expected position ⟨𝑥⟩ and
the most probable position 𝑥𝑚 is
[JEST 2020]
(a) 0.856 (b) 1.563

(c) 2.784 (d) 3.567

25. A free particle of energy 𝐸, characterized by a

plane wave of wavelength 𝜆 enters a region of
constant potential −𝑉 (where 𝐸 > 𝑉 > 0 ).
Within the region of the potential, the
𝜆 𝑉
wavelength of the particle is 2. The ratio 𝐸 is:
[JEST 2020]
−1 1
(a) (b) − 3 (c) 3 (d)
3 3

26. A two state quantum system has energy

eigenvalues ±∈ corresponding to normalised
states 𝜓+ . At

20
29. Consider a 4-dimensional vector space 𝑉 that is 33. A-A particle is confined in an infinite potential
a direct product of two 2-dimensional vector well of the form given below.
spaces 4𝑉 𝑥(1 − 𝑥), ∀0 ≤ 𝑥 ≤ 1
𝑉(𝑥) = { 0
𝑉1 and 𝑉2 . A linear transformation 𝐻 acting on 𝑉 ∞, otherwise
is specified by the direct product of linear If the particle has energy 𝐸 ≥ 𝑉0 , which of the
transformations 𝐻1 and 𝐻2 acting on 𝑉1 and 𝑉2 , following could be the form of its wavefunction?
respectively. In a particular basis, [JEST 2022]
3 0 2 1
𝐻1 = ( ) , 𝐻2 = ( )
0 2 1 1
what is the lowest eigenvalue of 𝐻 ?
[JEST 2021]
3
(a) 1 (b)
2
34. A particle of mass 𝑚 moves in one dimension.
1 The exact eigenfunction for the ground state of
(c) 3 − √5 (d) (3 − √5)
2 the
system is
30. A particle is in the 𝑛th energy eigenstate of an 𝐴
infinite one-dimensional potential well between 𝜓(𝑥) =
cosh (𝜆𝑥)′
𝑥 = 0 and 𝑥 = 𝐿. Let 𝑃 be the probability of
where, 𝜆 is a constant and 𝐴 is the
finding the particle between 𝑥 = 0 and 𝑥 = 1/3.
normalization constant. If the potential 𝑉(𝑥)
In the limit 𝑛 → ∞, the value of 𝑃 is
vanishes at infinity, the ground state energy of
[JEST 2021]
the system is [JEST 2022]
(a) 1/9 (b) 2/3 2 2 2 2 2
ℏ 𝜆 ℏ 𝜆 ℏ 𝜆 ℏ2 𝜆
(a) − (b) (c) (d) −
2𝑚 2𝑚 2𝑚 2𝑚
(c) 1/3 (d) 1/√3
35. The frequency dispersion relation of the surface
31. A beam of high energy neutrons is scattered waves of a fluid of density 𝜌 and temperature 𝑇,
from a metal lattice, where the spacing between is
nuclei given by 𝜔2 = 𝑔𝑘 + 𝑇𝑘 3 /𝜌, where 𝜔 and 𝑘 are
is around 0.4 nm. In order to see quantum the angular frequency and wavenumber,
diffraction effects, the kinetic energy of the respectively, 𝑔 is the acceleration due to
neutrons must be of the order [Mass of neutron gravity. The first term in r.h.s. describes the
= 1.67 × 10−27 kg, Planck's constant = gravity waves and the second term describes
−34 2 −1
6.62 × 10 m kg s ] the surface tension wave. What is the ratio of
[JEST 2022] the first term to the second term, when the
(a) meV (b) MeV (c) eV (d) keV phase velocity is equal to the group velocity?
[JEST 2023]
32. If 𝜃 and 𝜙 are respectively the polar and 36. Consider a spin- 1/2 particle in the quantum
azimuthal angles on the unit sphere, what is state
⟨cos2 (𝜃)⟩ and ⟨sin2 (𝜃)⟩, where ⟨𝒪⟩ denotes the 𝛽 𝛽
average of 𝒪 ? |𝜓(𝛽, 𝛼)⟩ = cos ( ) | ↑⟩ + sin ( ) 𝑒 𝑖𝛼 | ↓⟩
2 2
[JEST 2022] where
(a) ⟨cos2 (𝜃)⟩ = 3/4 and ⟨sin2 (𝜃)⟩ = 1/4 0 ≤ 𝛽 ≤ 𝜋 and 0 ≤ 𝛼 ≤ 2𝜋. For which values of
(𝛿, 𝛾) is the state |𝜓(𝛿, 𝛾)⟩ orthogonal to
(b) ⟨cos 2 (𝜃)⟩ = 1/2 and ⟨sin2 (𝜃)⟩ = 1/2 |𝜓(𝛽, 𝛼)⟩ ? [JEST 2023]

(c) ⟨cos2 (𝜃)⟩ = 1/3 and ⟨sin2 (𝜃)⟩ = 2/3 (a) (𝜋 + 𝛽, 𝜋 − 𝛼) (b) (𝜋 − 𝛽, 𝜋 − 𝛼)
(c) (𝜋 + 𝛽, 𝜋 + 𝛼) (d) (𝜋 − 𝛽, 𝜋 + 𝛼)
(d) ⟨cos2 (𝜃)⟩ = 2/3 and ⟨sin2 (𝜃)⟩ = 1/3
37. Consider a free particle in one dimension
described by the wavefunction:

21
 𝑖𝑝𝑥 −𝑖𝑝𝑥 𝐿
𝜓(𝑥, 𝑡 = 0) = 𝐴exp + 𝐵exp 0, |𝑥| ≤
ℏ ℏ 𝑉(𝑥) = { 2
The probability current density corresponding 𝐿
∞, |𝑥| > .
to 𝜓(𝑥, 𝑡) at a later time 𝑡 is: 2
[JEST 2023] Find the time evolution of the wavefunction
2
𝑝(|𝐴| − |𝐵| 2)
𝑝 2 𝜓(𝑥, 𝑡), if at time 𝑡 = 0 the particle is prepared
(a) co s ( 𝑡) in an equal superposition of the ground and the
𝑚 2𝑚ℏ
first excited states:
1
𝑝(|𝐴|2 + |𝐵|2 ) 𝜓(𝑥, 0) = (𝜙1 (𝑥) + 𝜙2 (𝑥))
(b) √2
𝑚
where 𝜙1 (𝑥) and 𝜙2 (𝑥) are normalized
𝑝(|𝐴|2 − |𝐵|2 ) eigenfunctions of the ground state and the first
(c) excited state respectively. If 𝜏 is the smallest
𝑚
time at which the particle is equally likely to be
𝑝(|𝐴|2 + |𝐵|2 ) 𝑝2 in either half of the well, select the correct value
(d) co s ( 𝑡) 𝜏ℎ
𝑚 2𝑚ℏ of 𝑚𝐿2
where ℎ is the Planck's constant, 𝑚 is the mass
38. A quantum particle moving in one dimension is of the particle and 𝐿 is the width of the well as
in a state having the wave function defined above.
−𝑎𝑥 4 + 𝑏𝑥 + 𝑖𝑝𝑥 [JEST 2023]
𝜓(𝑥) = sinh (𝜆𝑥)exp ( )
ℏ 2 1 1 4
(a) (b) (c) (d)
where 𝑎, 𝑏, 𝜆 and 𝑝 are all positive real 3 3 6 3
numbers. What is the expectation value of
momentum? 41. 𝐴 and 𝐵 are 2 × 2 Hermitian matrices. |𝑎1 ⟩ and
[JEST 2023] |𝑎2 ⟩ are two linearly independent eigenvectors
(a) ℏ𝜆 (b) 𝑝 (c) 𝑏 (d) −𝑝 of 𝐴. Consider the following statements:
1.If |𝑎1 ⟩ and |𝑎2 ⟩ are eigenvectors of 𝐵, then
39. Consider a quantum particle incident from the [𝐴, 𝐵] = 0.
left on a step potential given by 𝑉0 𝜃(𝑥), with
2.If [𝐴, 𝐵] = 0, then |𝑎1 ⟩ and |𝑎2 ⟩ are
energy
eigenvectors of 𝐵.
𝐸(> 𝑉0 ); here 𝜃(𝑥) is the unit step function. The
Mark the correct option.
scattering state of the particle is given by
[JEST 2024]
[JEST]
𝑖𝑝𝑥 −𝑖𝑝𝑥 (a) Both statements 1 and 2 are true.
exp + rexp , 𝑥<0 (b) Statement 2 is true but statement 1 is false.
𝜓(𝑥) = { ℏ ℏ
′
𝑖𝑝 𝑥 (c) Statement 1 is true but statement 2 is false.
texp 𝑥>0 (d) Both statements 1 and 2 are false.
ℏ
where 𝑝 and 𝑝′ are the momenta of the particle
corresponding to the energy 𝐸. Which of the 42. A particle moving in one dimension has the
following is true? wave function
[JEST 2023] 𝑖𝑘0 2
′ 𝜓(𝑥) = exp [−𝛼 (𝑥 − ) ] sin2 (𝑘1 𝑥),
𝑝 𝛼
(a)|𝑟|2 + |𝑡|2 = 1 (b) |𝑟|2 + |𝑡|2 = 1
𝑝 where 𝛼 is real positive and 𝑘0 , 𝑘1 are real. The
expectation value of momentum is
𝑝 2 [JEST 2024]
(c)|𝑟|2 + |𝑡| = 1 (d) 𝑟 + 𝑡 = 1
𝑝′ (a) ℏ𝑘0 (b) 0

40. Consider a particle subjected to the symmetric

(c) 2ℏ𝑘0 (d) ℏ𝑘1
one-dimensional infinite square well potential:
43. A quantum particle is subjected to the potential
𝑉(𝑥) = 𝑎𝑥 + 𝑏𝑥 2 , where 𝑎 and 𝑏 are constants.

22
 What is the mean position of the particle in the Answer Key
first excited state? 1. b 2. d 3. c 4. d 5. b
[JEST 2024] 6. a 7. a 8. c 9. b 10. b
𝑎 𝑎 11. b 12. d 13. b 14. a 15. a
(a) (b)
𝑏 2𝑏 16. c 17. c 18. b 19. 80 20. b
21. d 22. b 23. c 24. b 25. c
𝑎 𝑎 26. 2500 27. c 28. d 29. c 30. c
(c) − (d) −
𝑏 2𝑏 31. a 32. c 33. a 34. a 35. 1
36. d 37. b 38. b 39. a 40. d
44. A particle with energy 𝐸 > 0 is incident from 41. c 42. c 43. d 44. b 45.
the right (𝑥 > 0) on a one-dimensional
potential composed of a delta-function barrier
at 𝑥 = 0 and a hard wall at 𝑥 = −𝑎 : ❖ TIFR
𝛼𝛿(𝑥), 𝑥 > −𝑎 1. The wave function Ψ of a quantum mechanical
𝑉(𝑥) = {
∞, 𝑥 ≤ −𝑎 system described by a Hamiltonian 𝐻ˆ can be
where 𝛼 > 0 and 𝑎 > 0. Let us define written as a linear combination of Φ1 and Φ2
2𝑚𝐸 which are the eigenfunctions of 𝐻ˆ with
𝜅2 = 2
ℏ eigenvalues 𝐸1 and 𝐸2 respectively. At 𝑡 = 0, the
and the dimensionless quantities: 𝜉 = 𝜅𝑎 and system is prepared in the state
ℏ2 4 3
𝛽= Ψ0 = Φ1 + Φ2
2𝑚𝛼𝑎 5 5
For some energy 𝐸 the particle reflects from the and then allowed to evolve with time. The
barrier without any phase shift. Which of the wavefunction at time
following transcendental equations determines 1
this energy? [Note that in the presence of the 𝑇 = ℎ/(𝐸1 − 𝐸2 )
2
delta function barrier, the derivative of the will be (accurate to within a phase)
wave function has a discontinuity at [TIFR 2010]
𝜓(0) 4 3
𝑥 = 0: 𝜓 ′ (0+ ) − 𝜓 ′ (0− ) = .] (a) Φ1 + Φ2 (b) Φ1
𝛽𝑎 5 5
[JEST 2024]
(a) tan 𝜉 = 𝛽𝜉 (b) tan 𝜉 = −𝛽𝜉 4 3
(c) Φ1 − Φ2 (d) Φ2
5 5
(c) tanh 𝜉 = 𝛽𝜉 (d) tanh 𝜉 = −𝛽𝜉
3 4 3 4
(e) Φ1 + Φ2 (f) Φ1 − Φ2
5 5 5 5
45. A quantum mechanical particle of mass 𝑚 is
confined in a one dimensional infinite potential
2. A particle 𝑃1 is confined in a one-dimensional
well whose walls are located at 𝑥 = 0 and 𝑥 =
infinite potential well with walls at 𝑥 = ±1.
1. The wave function of the particle inside the
Another particle 𝑃2 is confined in a one-
well is 𝜓(𝑥) = 𝒩[𝑥ln 𝑥 + (1 − 𝑥)ln (1 − 𝑥)] for
dimensional infinite potential well with walls at
some normalization constant 𝒩. An
𝑥 = 0,1. Comparing the two particles, one can
experimentalist measures the position of the
conclude that
particle on an ensemble of a large number of
(a) the no. of nodes in the 𝑛th excited state of 𝑃1
identical systems in the same state. The mean of
1 is twice that of 𝑃2
the outcomes is found to be 𝑛, where 𝑛 is an th
(b) the no. of nodes in the 𝑛 excited state of 𝑃1
integer. What is 𝑛 ? is half that of 𝑃2
[JEST 2024] th
(c) the energy of the 𝑛 level of 𝑃1 is the same
as that of 𝑃2
th
(d) the energy of the 𝑛 level of 𝑃1 is one
quarter of that of 𝑃2 [TIFR 2010]

23
3. A particle in a one-dimensional potential has [TIFR 2013]
the wavefunction (a) 1/√2 (b) 1
1 −|𝑥|
𝜓(𝑥) = exp ( )
√𝑎 𝑎 (c) ½ (d) 1/4
where 𝑎 is a constant. It follows that for a 7. A particle of energy 𝐸 moves in one dimension
positive constant 𝑉0 , the potential 𝑉(𝑥) = under the influence of a potential 𝑉(𝑥). If 𝐸 >
[TIFR 2012] 𝑉(𝑥) for some range of 𝑥, which of the following
(a) 𝑉0 𝑥 2 (b) 𝑉0 |𝑥| graphs can represent a bound state wave
function of the particle?
(c) −𝑉0 𝛿(𝑥) ▹ (d) −𝑉0 /|𝑥| [TIFR 2013]

4. The strongest three lines in the emission

spectrum of an interstellar gas cloud are found
to have wavelengths 𝜆0 , 2𝜆0 and 6𝜆0
respectively, where 𝜆0 is a known wavelength.
From this we can deduce that the radiating
particles in the cloud behave like
[TIFR 2012]
(a) free particles
(b) particles in a box
(c) harmonic oscillators
8. The probability function for a variable 𝑥 which
(d) rigid rotators
assumes only positive values is
(e) hydrogenic atoms 𝑥
𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥exp (− )
𝜆
5. In a quantum mechanical system, an observable where 𝜆 > 0. The ratio ⟨𝑥⟩/𝑥ˆ, where 𝑥ˆ is the
𝐴 is represented by an operator 𝐴ˆ. If |𝜓⟩ is a most probable value and ⟨𝑥⟩ is the mean value
state of the system, but not an eigenstate of 𝐴ˆ, of the variable 𝑥, is
then the quantity [TIFR 2014]
1+λ 1
𝑟 = ⟨𝜓|𝐴ˆ|𝜓⟩2 − ⟨𝜓|𝐴ˆ2 |𝜓⟩ (a)2 (b) (c) (d) 1
1−λ 𝜆
satisfies the relation
[TIFR 2013] 9. A particle moving in one dimension has the un-
(a) 𝑟 < 0 (b) 𝑟 = 0 normalized wave function
𝑥2
𝜓(𝑥) = 𝑥exp (− 2 )
𝜆
(c) 𝑟 > 0 (d) 𝑟 ≥ 0
where 𝜆 is a real constant. The expectation
6. The state |𝜓⟩ of a quantum mechanical system, value of its momentum is ⟨𝑝⟩,
in a certain basis, is represented by the column [TIFR 2014]
2 2
vector ℏ 𝑥 ℏ ℏ
(a) exp (− 2 ) (b) 2 − 2
1/√2 𝜆 𝜆 𝜆 𝜆
|𝜓⟩ = ( 0 )
1/√2 ℏ
(c) exp (−1) (d) zero
The operator 𝐴ˆ corresponding to a dynamical 𝜆
variable A, is given, in the same basis, by the
matrix 10. A particle is confined to a one-dimensional box
1 1 1 of length 𝐿. If a vanishingly thin but strongly
𝐴ˆ = (1 2 1) repulsive partition is introduced in the exact
1 1 2 centre of the box, and the particle is allowed to
If, now, a measurement of the variable 𝐴 is
come to its ground state, then the probability
made on the system in the state |𝜓⟩, the
probability that the result will be +1 is

24
 density for finding the particle will appear as disappears, then, according to quantum
[TIFR 2014] mechanics,
[TIFR 2015]
(a) the particle will shoot out of the well and
move out towards infinity in one of the two
possible directionas
(b) the particle will stop oscillating and as time
increases it may be found farther and farther
away from the centre of the well

(c) the particle will keep oscillating about the

same mean position but with increasing
amplitude as time increases
(d) the particle will undergo a transition to one
11. In a quantum mechanical system, an observable of the higher excited states of the harmonic
𝐴 is represented by an operator 𝐴ˆ. If |𝜓⟩ is a oscillator
state of the system, but not an eigenstate of 𝐴ˆ,
then the quantity 14. It is required to construct the quantum theory
of a particle of mass 𝑚 moving in one
𝑟 = ⟨𝜓|𝐴ˆ|𝜓⟩2 − ⟨𝜓|𝐴ˆ2 |𝜓⟩
dimension 𝑥 under the influence of a constant
satisfies the relation [TIFR 2014] force 𝐹. The characteristic length-scale in this
(a) 𝑟 < 0 ▹ (b) 𝑟 = 0 problem is
[TIFR 2015]
(c) 𝑟 > 0 (d) 𝑟 ≥ 0 1/3
ℏ ℏ2
(a) (b) ( )
𝑚𝐹 𝑚𝐹
12. A one-dimensional box contains a particle
whose ground state energy is 𝜖. It is observed
ℏ 1/3 𝑚𝐹
that a small disturbance causes the particle to (c) ( ) (d)
emit a photon of energy ℎ𝑣 = 8𝜖, after which it 𝑚2 𝐹 ℏ2
is stable. Just before emission, a possible state
15. 1000 neutral spinless particles are confined in a
of the particle in terms of the energy
one-dimensional box of length 100 nm. At a
eigenstates {𝜓1 , 𝜓2 , … } would be
given instant of time, if 100 of these particle
[TIFR 2015]
have energy 4𝜖0 and the remaining 900 have
𝜓1 − 𝜓2 energy 225𝜖0, then the number of particles in
(a)
√2 the left half of the box will be approximately
𝜓2 + 2𝜓3 [TIFR 2015]
(b) (a) 625 (b) 500
√5

(c) 441 (d) 100

−4𝜓4 + 5𝜓5
(c)
√41 16. If 𝑥 is a continuous variable which is uniformly
distributed over the real line from 𝑥 = 0 to 𝑥 →
∞ according to the distribution 𝑓(𝑥) =
√2𝜓1 − 3𝜓2 + 5𝜓5 exp (−4𝑥)
(d)
6 then the expectation value ofcos 4𝑥 is
[TIFR 2016]
13. A charged particle is in the ground state of a (a) zero (b) ½
one-dimensional harmonic oscillator potential,
generated by electrical means. If the power is (c) ¼ (d) 1/16
suddenly switched off, so that the potential

25
17. A particle is confined inside a one-dimensional
potential well 𝑉(𝑥), as shown on the right.One (a) √1/7 (b) √6/7
of the possible probability distributions |𝜓(𝑥)|2
for an energy eigenstate for this particle is
[TIFR 2016] (c) √3/7 (d) √(6 − 2√7)/7

20. A quantum mechanical system consists of a

one-dimensional infinite box, as indicated in the
figures below.

3 (three) identical non-interacting spin-1/2

particles, are first placed in the box, and the
ground state energy of the system is found to be
𝐸0 = 18eV. If 7 (seven) such identical particles
are placed in the box, what will be the ground
state energy, in units of eV?
[TIFR 2017]
(a)132 (b)134
18. A particle moving in one dimension is confined
(c)136 (d)122
inside a rigid box located between 𝑥 = −𝑎/2
and 𝑥 = 𝑎/2. If the particle is in its ground state
21. A particle of mass 𝑚, confined to one dimension
𝜋𝑥 𝑥, is in the ground state of a harmonic oscillator
𝜓0 (𝑥) = √2/𝑎cos
𝑎 potential with a normalized wave function
the quantum mechanical probability of its 1
having a momentum 𝑝 is given by 2𝑎 4 2
Ψ0 (𝑥) = ( ) 𝑒 −𝑎𝑥
[TIFR 2016] 𝜋
8ℏ4
𝑝𝑎 where 𝑎 = 𝑚𝜔/2ℏ. Find the expectation value
(a) 2 2 2 2 2
cos 2 of 𝑥 8 in terms of the parameter 𝑎.
(𝜋 ℏ − 𝑝 𝑎 ) 2ℏ
[TIFR 2017]
𝜋 2 ℏ4 𝑝𝑎
(b) 2 2 2 2 2
sin2 22. A particle is in the ground state of a cubical box
(𝜋 ℏ − 𝑝 𝑎 ) 2ℏ
of side ℓ. Suddenly one side of the box changes
from ℓ to 4ℓ. If 𝑝 is the probability of finding the
2ℏ4 𝑝𝑎
(c) 2 2 2 2 2
cos2 particle in the ground state of the new box,
(𝜋 ℏ + 𝑝 𝑎 ) 2ℏ
what is 1000𝑝 ? [TIFR 2018]

16ℏ4
(d) 23. A particle in a one-dimensional harmonic
(𝜋 2 ℏ2 − 𝑝2 𝑎2 )2
oscillator potential is described by a wave-
function 𝜓(𝑥, 𝑡). If the wavefunction changes to
19. The normalized wave function of a particle can
𝜓(𝜆𝑥, 𝑡) then the expectation value of kinetic
be written as
energy 𝑇 and the potential energy 𝑉 will
∞
1 𝑛 change, respectively, to
Ψ(𝑥) = 𝑁 ∑ ( ) 𝜑𝑛 (𝑥) [TIFR 2018]
𝑛=0
√7
where 𝜑𝑛 (𝑥) are the normalized energy (a) 𝜆2 𝑇 and 𝑉/𝜆2 (c) 𝑇/𝜆2 and 𝜆2 𝑉
eigenfunctions of a given Hamiltonian. The (b) 𝑇/𝜆2 and 𝑉/𝜆2 (d) 𝜆2 𝑇 and 𝜆2 𝑉
value of 𝑁 is [TIFR 2017]

26
24. Given a particle confined in a one-dimensional ℏ𝑘 ℏ𝑘
(a) −𝑢 (c) −𝑢
box between 𝑥 = −𝑎 and 𝑥 = +𝑎, a student 2𝑚 𝑚
attempts to find the ground state by assuming a
wave-function ℏ𝑘 ℏ𝑘
(b) +𝑢 (d) − +𝑢
𝐴(𝑎2 − 𝑥 2 )3/2 for |𝑥| ≤ 𝑎 𝑚 2𝑚
𝜓(𝑥) = {
0 for |𝑥| > 𝑎
The ground state energy 𝐸𝑚 is estimated by 28. A particle moving in one dimension, is placed in
calculating the expectation value of energy with an asymmetric square well potential 𝑉(𝑥) as
this trial wave-function. If 𝐸0 is the true ground sketched below.
state energy, what is the ratio 𝐸𝑚 /𝐸0 ?
[TIFR 2018]

25. Consider the 1-D asymmetric double-well

potential 𝑉(𝑥) as sketched below.
The probability density 𝑝(𝑥) in the ground state
will most closely resemble
[TIFR 2019]

The probability distribution 𝑝(𝑥) of a particle in

the ground state of this potential is best
represented by [TIFR 2018]

29. An electron in a hydrogen atom is in a state

described by the wavefunction:
1 2
Ψ(𝑟⃗) = 𝜓100 (𝑥⃗) + √ 𝜓210 (𝑥⃗)
√10 5

2 1
26. The wave-function Ψ of a particle in a one- + √ 𝜓211 (𝑥⃗) − 𝜓21,−1 (𝑥⃗)
5 √10
dimensional harmonic oscillator potential is
given by
where 𝜓𝑛ℓ𝑚 (𝑥⃗) denotes a normalized
1 1/4 √2𝑥 𝑥2
Ψ = ( 2 ) (1 + ) exp (− 2 ) wavefunction of the hydrogen atom with the
𝜋ℓ ℓ 2ℓ
principal quantum number 𝑛, angular quantum
where ℓ = 100𝜇m. Find the expectation value of number ℓ and magnetic quantum number 𝑚.
the position 𝑥 of this particle, in 𝜇m. 071 Neglecting the spin-orbit interaction, the
[TIFR 2018]
expectation values of 𝐿̂𝑧 and 𝐿̂2 for this state are
[TIFR 2019]
27. A particle of mass 𝑚, moving in one dimension, 2
(a) 3ℏ/10,9ℏ /5 (c) 3ℏ/4,9ℏ2 /25
satisfies the modified Schrödinger Equation
ℏ2 𝑑2 𝜓 𝑑𝜓 𝑑𝜓
− 2
+ 𝑖ℏ𝑢 = 𝑖ℏ (b) 3ℏ/5,9ℏ2 /10 (d) 8ℏ/10,3ℏ2 /5
2𝑚 𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑡
where 𝑢 is the velocity of the substrate. If, now,
30. An electron is confined to a two-dimensional
this particle is treated as a Gaussian wave
square box with the following potential
packet peaked at wavenumber 𝑘, its group
velocity will be 𝑣𝑔 = [TIFR 2019] 0 for 0 < 𝑥 < 𝐿 and < 0 < 𝑦 < 𝐿,
𝑉={
∞ otherwise
27
 The probability distribution of the electron in
one of its eigenstates is shown below

3ℏ2
(a) (b) 0
2𝑚𝑏(3𝑎 + 𝑏)
How many total different eigenstates of the
electron have the same energy as this state?
ℏ2 ℏ2
[TIFR 2021] (c) (d)
2𝑚𝑏 2 2𝑚𝑏(𝑎 + 𝑏)
(a) 4 (b) 2 (c) 6 (d) 1

31. A particle of mass 𝑚, confined in a one- 33. In a one-dimensional system, the boundary
dimensional box between 𝑥 = −𝐿 and 𝑥 = 𝐿, is condition that the derivative of the
in its first excited quantum state. Now, a wavefunction 𝜓 ′ (𝑥) should be continuous at
rectangular potential barrier of height 𝑉(𝑥) = 1 every point is applicable whenever
and extending from 𝑥 = −𝑎 to 𝑥 = 𝑎 is [TIFR 2021]
suddenly switched on, as shown in the figure (a) the wavefunction 𝜓(𝑥) is itself continuous
below. everywhere.
(b) there is a bound state and the potential is
piecewise continuous.
(c) there is a bound state and the potential has
no singularity anywhere.
(d) there are bound or scattering states with
definite momentum.

34. A particle moves in one dimension 𝑥 under the

Which of the following curves most closely influence of a potential 𝑉(𝑥) as sketched in the
represents the resulting change in average figure below. The shaded region corresponds to
energy 𝛿⟨𝐸⟩ of the system when plotted as a infinite 𝑉, i.e., the particle is not allowed to
function of 𝑎/𝐿, immediately after the barrier is penetrate there.
created? [TIFR 2021]

If there is an energy eigenvalue 𝐸 = 0, then 𝑎

and 𝑉0 are related by [TIFR 2022]
2
1
(𝑛 + 2) 𝜋 2 𝑛2 𝜋 2
2 2
(a) 𝑎 𝑉0 = (b)𝑎 𝑉0 =
2𝑚 2𝑚

1
32. The wave function of a one-dimensional (𝑛 + 2) 𝜋 2 𝑛𝜋 2
2
particle of mass 𝑚 is shown below. The average (c)𝑎 𝑉0 = (d) 𝑎2 𝑉0 =
2𝑚 2𝑚
kinetic energy of the particle can be written as
[TIFR 2021]

28
35. A particle is in ground state of a one-
𝐿 𝐿
3 𝑘 1 𝑘
dimensional box − 2 ≤ 𝑥 ≤ + 2. The uncertainty (a) ℏ√ (b) ℏ√
2 𝑚 2 𝑚
product Δ𝑥Δ𝑝
for this state satisfies [TIFR 2023]
3ℏ 3ℏ 𝑘 5 𝑘
(a) < Δ𝑥Δ𝑝 ≤ 2ℏ (b)ℏ < Δ𝑥Δ𝑝 ≤ (c)ℏ√ (d) ℏ√
2 2 𝑚 2 𝑚

ℏ ℏ
(c) < Δ𝑥Δ𝑝 ≤ ℏ (d) Δ𝑥Δ𝑝 = 39. An electron confined in a two-dimensional
2 2 square box, is in the ground state. The length of
the side
36. A random positive variable 𝑥 follows an
of this square is unknown, but it is seen that the
exponential distribution
electron jumps to the first excited energy state
𝑝(𝑥) ∝ 𝑒 −𝜆𝑥
by absorbing electromagnetic radiation of
with 𝜆 > 0. The probability of observing an
wavelength 4,040 nm. What is the length of one
event 𝑥 > 3⟨𝑥⟩, where ⟨𝑥⟩ represents the
side of the square well?
average value of 𝑥, is [TIFR 2023]
3
[TIFR 2024]
(a) 1/𝑒 (b) 1/𝑒
(a) 1.91 nm (b) 1.68 nm
(c) 2.55 nm (d) 3.82 nm
(c) 1/𝑒 4 (d) 1/𝑒 2
40. Consider 𝑥ˆ and 𝑝ˆ𝑥 as the quantum mechanical
37. Consider a particle of mass 𝑚 in a quartic
position and linear momentum operators with
potential
eigenstates |𝑥⟩ and |𝑝𝑥 ⟩ and eigenvalues 𝑥 and
𝑝2
𝐻= + 𝑎𝑥 4 𝑝𝑥 , respectively
2𝑚 The eigenvalue of 𝑥ˆ acting on the state|𝜓⟩ =
If we take a variational wavefunction
2 𝑒 𝑖𝑝ˆ𝑥 𝑎/2ℏ |𝑥⟩. is [TIFR 2024]
𝜓(𝑥, 𝜆) = 𝑒 −𝜆𝑥 𝑎 𝑎
with 𝜆 > 0 and try to estimate the ground state (a)𝑥 + (b) 𝑥 −
2 2
energy, the value of 𝜆 should be chosen as (c)𝑥 + 𝑎 (d)𝑥 − 𝑎
[You may use the integral
+∞
2 41. A particle of mass 𝑚 moving in 1 dimension has
∫ 𝑑𝑥(𝐴 + 𝐵𝑥 2 + 𝐶𝑥 4 )𝑒 −𝜆𝑥
−∞ the wavefunction
𝜋 𝐵 𝜋 3𝐶 𝜋 1 2 2
= 𝐴√ + √ 3 + √ 𝜓(𝑥) = 1/4 𝑒 𝑖𝑝𝑥/ℎ 𝑒 −𝑥 /2𝑎
𝜆 2 𝜆 4 𝜆5 𝜋 √𝑎
where 𝐴, 𝐵, 𝐶 and 𝜆 > 0 are all constants. Its average kinetic energy is given by
[TIFR 2023] (You might find the following integral useful:
3𝑚𝑎 1/3
5𝑚𝑎 1/3 +∞ 2 𝜋
(a) ( 2 ) (b) ( 2 2 ) ∫−∞ 𝑑𝑥𝑒 −𝛼𝑥 = √
4ℏ 3𝜋 ℏ 𝛼
for 𝛼 > 0 )
15𝑚𝑎 1/3 𝑚𝑎 1/3 [TIFR 2024]
(c) ( ) (d) ( ) 𝑝 2
ℏ 2
8ℏ2 2𝜋ℏ2 (a) + 2
2𝑚 4𝑎 𝑚
38. Consider a particle of mass 𝑚 moving in a one-
2
dimensional potential of the form √𝜋ℏ
(𝑝 + 𝑎 )
1 2
𝑉(𝑥) = {2 𝑘𝑥 for 𝑥 > 0 (b)
2𝑚
∞ for 𝑥 ≤ 0
In a quantum mechanical treatment, what is the 2
ground state energy of the particle? √𝜋ℏ
(−𝑝 + 𝑎 )
[TIFR 2024] (c)
2𝑚

29
 𝑝2 ℏ2 𝑝ℏ (a) 𝑒 𝑘𝑥 and 𝑒 −𝑘𝑥 (b) 𝑒 𝑖𝑘𝑥 and 𝑒 −𝑘𝑥
(d) + 2 +
2𝑚 4𝑎 𝑚 2𝑚𝑎
(c) 𝑒 𝑖𝑘𝑥 and 𝑒 −𝑖𝑘𝑥 (d) 𝑒 𝑖𝑘𝑥 and 𝑒 𝑘𝑥
42. The un-normalized energy eigenfunction of a
one-dimensional simple quantum harmonic 2. The wave function of a quantum mechanical
oscillator in dimensionless units (𝑚 = ℏ = 𝜔 = particle is given by
1 ) is 3 4
2 /2 𝜓(𝑥) = 𝜑1 (𝑥) + 𝜑2 (𝑥)
𝜓𝑎 (𝑥) = (2𝑥 3 − 3𝑥)𝑒 −𝑥 5 5
where 𝜙1 (𝑥) and 𝜙2 (𝑥) are eigenfunctions with
Which of the following are two other (un- corresponding energy eigenvalues -1 eV and -2
normalized) eigenfunctions which are closest in eV , respectively. The energy of the particle in
energy to 𝜓𝑎 ? [TIFR 2024] the state 𝜓 is
2 /2 2 /2
(a) (2𝑥 2 − 1)𝑒 −𝑥 ; (4𝑥 4 − 12𝑥 2 + 3)𝑒 −𝑥 [JAM 2011]
(b) 𝑒 −𝑥
2 /2
; (2𝑥 2 − 1)𝑒 −𝑥
2 /2 −41 −11
(a) eV (b) eV
25 5
2 /2 2 /2
(c) 𝑥𝑒 −𝑥 ; (4𝑥 5 − 20𝑥 3 + 15𝑥)𝑒 −𝑥 36 −7
(c) eV (d) eV
2 /2
25 5
(d) (2𝑥 2 − 1)𝑒 −𝑥 ; (4𝑥 5 + 20𝑥 3 +
−𝑥 2 /2 3. Four particles of mass 𝑚 each are inside a two
15𝑥)𝑒
dimensional square box of side 𝐿. If each state
Answer Key obtained from the solution of the Schrodinger
1. 2. 3. 4. d 5. a equation is occupied by only one particle, the
6. d 7. a 8. a 9. d 10. a ℎ2
minimum energy of the system in units of 𝑚𝐿2 is
11. c 12. - 13. - 14. b 15. b
[JAM 2011]
16. c 17. a 18. - 19. b 20. a 5 11 25
21. 22. - 23. a 24. 1.5 25. c (a) 2 (b) (c) (d)
2 2 4
26. 0.71 27. a 28. a 29. d 30. a
31. a 32. a 33. a 34. a 35. c 4. A particle with energy 𝐸 is incident on a
36. a 37. a 38. a 39. a 40. b potential given by
41. a 42. a 0, 𝑥 < 0
Q.21. Ans = 105/(256⋆ 𝑎∧ 4) 𝑉(𝑥) = { .
𝑉0 , 𝑥 ≥ 0
The wave function of the particle for 𝐸 < 𝑉0 in
the region 𝑥 > 0 (in terms of positive constants
❖ JAM 𝐴, 𝐵 and 𝑘 ) is
1. Electrons of energy 𝐸 coming from 𝑥 = −∞ [JAM 2015]
impinge upon a potential barrier of width 2𝑎 𝑘𝑥 −𝑘𝑥 −𝑘𝑥
(a) 𝐴𝑒 + 𝐵𝑒 (b) 𝐴𝑒
and height 𝑉0 centered at the origin with 𝑉0 >
𝐸, as shown in the figure below. Let (c) 𝐴𝑒 𝑖𝑘𝑥 + 𝐵𝑒 −𝑖𝑘𝑥 (d) Zero
√2𝑚(𝑉0 − 𝐸)
𝑘=
ℏ 5. A particle is moving in a two dimensional
In the region −𝑎 ≤ 𝑥 ≤ 𝑎, the electrons is a potential well
linear combination of 0, 0 ≤ 𝑥 ≤ 𝐿, 0 ≤ 𝑦 ≤ 2𝐿
𝑉(𝑥, 𝑦) = {
[JAM 2006] ∞, elsewhere
which of the following statements about the
ground state energy 𝐸1 and ground state
eigenfunction 𝜑0 are true?
[JAM 2015]
2 2
ℏ 𝜋
(a)𝐸1 =
𝑚𝐿2

30
 5ℏ2 𝜋 2
(b)𝐸1 = 1 2
8𝑚𝐿2 𝜓(𝑥) = 𝜓1 (𝑥) + 𝑖 √ 𝜓2 (𝑥)
√3 3

√2 𝜋𝑥 𝜋𝑦 , where 𝜓1 (𝑥) and 𝜓2 (𝑥) are the ground and the

(c)𝜑0 = sin sin first excited states, respectively. Identify the
𝐿 𝐿 2𝐿
correct statement. [JAM]
2 2
√2 𝜋𝑥 𝜋𝑦 𝐿 ℏ 3𝜋
(d)𝜑0 = cos cos (a)⟨𝑥⟩ = ; ⟨𝐸⟩ =
𝐿 𝐿 2𝐿 2 2𝑚 𝐿2

6. A particle is confined in a one dimensional box 2𝐿 ℏ2 𝜋 2

(b)⟨𝑥⟩ = ; ⟨𝐸⟩ =
with impenetrable walls at 𝑥 = ±𝑎. Its energy 3 2𝑚 𝐿2
eigenvalue is 2 eV and the corresponding 𝐿 ℏ2 8𝜋 2
(c)⟨𝑥⟩ = ; ⟨𝐸⟩ =
eigenfunction is as shown below. 2 2𝑚 𝐿2
The lowest possible energy of the particle is
2𝐿 ℏ2 4𝜋 2
[JAM] (d)⟨𝑥⟩ = ; ⟨𝐸⟩ =
3 2𝑚 3𝐿2

10. Given the wave function of a particle

2 𝜋
𝜓(𝑥) = √ sin ( 𝑥) 0 < 𝑥 < 𝐿
𝐿 𝐿
(a) 4 eV (b) 2 eV
and 0 elsewhere the probability of finding the
𝐿
(c) 1 eV (d) 0.5 eV particle between 𝑥 = 0 and 𝑥 = 2 is .
(Round off to 1 decimal places) [JAM]
7. A free particle of energy 𝐸 collides with a one-
dimensional square potential barrier of height 11. If the ground state energy of a particle in an
𝑉 and width 𝑊. Which one of the following infinite potential well of width 𝐿1 is equal to the
statement(s) is/are correct? energy of the second excited state in another
[JAM] infinite potential well of width 𝐿2 , then the ratio
(a) For 𝐸 > 𝑉, the transmission coefficient for 𝐿1
𝐿2
is equal to [JAM]
the particle across the barrier will always be
(a) 1 (b) 1/3
unity
(b) For 𝐸 < 𝑉, the transmission coefficient
changes more rapidly with 𝑊 than with 𝑉 (c) 1/√3 (d) 1/9
(c) For 𝐸 < 𝑉, if 𝑉 is doubled, the transmission
coefficient will also be doubled. 12. Consider a particle trapped in a three-
(d) Sum of the reflection and the transmission dimensional potential well such that
coefficients is always one 𝑈(𝑥, 𝑦, 𝑧) = 0 for 0 ≤ 𝑥 ≤ 𝑎, 0 ≤ 𝑦 ≤ 𝑎, 0 ≤ 𝑧 ≤
𝑎 and 𝑈(𝑥, 𝑦, 𝑧) = ∞ everywhere else. The
8. A particle of mass 𝑚 is placed in a three- degeneracy of the 5th excited state is
dimensional cubic box of side 𝑎. What is the [JAM]
degeneracy of its energy level with energy (a) 1 (b) 3
ℏ2 𝜋 2
14 ( )? (c) 6 (d) 9
2𝑚𝑎2
(Express your answer as an integer)
13. Consider a quantum particle trapped in a one-
[JAM]
dimensional potential well in the region
[−𝐿/2 < 𝑥 < 𝐿/2], with infinitely high barriers
9. A particle of mass 𝑚 is in a one dimensional
0, 0 < 𝑥 < 𝐿 at 𝑥 = −𝐿/2 and 𝑥 = 𝐿/2. The stationary wave
potential 𝑉(𝑥) = { . function for the ground state is
∞, otherwise
At some instant its wave function is given by

31
 1 𝑖
2 𝜋𝑥 𝜓= 𝜓1 +
𝜓2
𝜓(𝑥) = √ cos ( ) √2 √2
𝐿 𝐿
The expectation value of 𝑂ˆ in the state 𝜓 is
. The uncertainties in momentum and position 1
satisfy (a) (1 + 𝑖(√2 + 1))
2√2
[JAM]
𝜋ℏ 1
(a)Δ𝑝 = and Δ𝑥 = 0 (b) (1 − 𝑖(√2 + 1))
𝐿 2√2
2𝜋ℏ 𝐿
(b)Δ𝑝 = and 0 < Δ𝑥 < 1
𝐿 2√3 (c) (1 + 𝑖(√2 − 1))
2√2
𝜋ℏ 𝐿
(𝑐) Δ𝑝 = andΔ𝑥 >
𝐿 2√3 1
(d) (1 − 𝑖(√2 − 1))
2√2
𝐿
(d)Δ𝑝 = 0and Δ𝑥 =
2
17. For a quantum particle confined inside a cubic
box of side 𝐿, the ground state energy is given
14. A particle of mass 𝑚 is in an infinite square well
by 𝐸0 . The energy of the first excited state is
potential of length 𝐿. It is in a superposed state
of the first two energy eigenstates, as given by (a) 2𝐸0 (b) √2𝐸0

1 2 (c) 3𝐸0 (d) 6𝐸0

𝜓(𝑥) = | 𝜓𝑛=1 (𝑥) + √ 𝜓𝑛=2 (𝑥)
√3 3
. Identify the correct statement(s). ℎ is Planck's 18. A particle moving along the 𝑥-axis approaches
constant. [JAM] 𝑥 = 0 from 𝑥 = −∞ with a total energy 𝐸. It is
subjected to a potential 𝑉(𝑥). For time 𝑡 → ∞,
√3ℎ
(a)⟨𝑝⟩ = 0 (b)Δ𝑝 = the probability density 𝑃(𝑥) of the particle is
2𝐿
schematically shown in the figure.
3ℎ2
(c)⟨𝐸⟩ = (d) Δ𝑥 = 0
8𝑚𝐿2

15. Consider the motion of a quantum particle of

mass 𝑚 and energy 𝐸 under the influence of a
step potential of height 𝑉0 . If 𝑅 denotes the
reflection coefficient, which one of the following
statements is true? [JAM]
The correct option for the potential 𝑉(𝑥) is:

4 4
(a)If𝐸 = 𝑉0 , 𝑅 = 1 (b)𝐸 = 𝑉0 , 𝑅 = 0
3 3

1 1
(c)𝐸 = 𝑉0 , 𝑅 = 1 (d) 𝐸 = 𝑉0 , 𝑅 = 0.5
2 2

16. A linear operator 𝑂ˆ acts on two orthonormal

states of a system 𝜓1 and 𝜓2 as per following:
1
𝑂ˆ𝜓1 = 𝜓2 , 𝑂ˆ𝜓2 = (𝜓1 + 𝜓2 )
√2
The system is in a superposed state defined by

32
19. A one-dimensional infinite square-well
potential is given by:
𝑎 𝑎
𝑉(𝑥) = 0 for − <𝑥<+
2 2
= ∞ elsewhere
Let 𝐸𝑒 (𝑥) and 𝜓𝑒 (𝑥) be the ground state energy
and the corresponding wave function,
respectively, if an electron (𝑒) is trapped in that
well. Similarly, let 𝐸𝜇 (𝑥) and 𝜓𝜇 (𝑥) be the
corresponding quantities, if a muon (𝜇) is
trapped in the well. Choose the correct option:

Answer Key
1. a 2. a 3. b 4. b 5. bc
6. d 7. bd 8. 6 9. a 10. 0.5
11. b 12. c 13. b 14. abc 15. c
16. d 17. a 18. c 19. c

33
 ➢ Angular Momentum
❖ CSIR-NET PYQ’s 5. A particle moves in a potential
1. Let Ψ𝑛ℓ𝑚 denote the eigenfunctions of a 2
𝑧
𝑉 = 𝑥2 + 𝑦2 +
Hamiltonian for a spherically symmetric 2
potential 𝑉(𝑟). The wavefunction Which component (s) of the angular
1 ′ momentum is / are constant (s) of motion?
Ψ = [Ψ210 + √5Ψ21−1 + √10Ψ213 ]
4 [CSIR DEC 2013]
is an eigenfunction only of (a) none (b) Lx , Ly and Lz
[CSIR JUNE 2012] (c) only Lx and Ly (d) only L𝑧
2
(a) 𝐻, 𝐿 and L𝑧 (b) 𝐻 and 𝐿2
2
(c) 𝐻 and 𝐿 (d) 𝐿2 and 𝐿𝑧 6. The expectation value of the x-component of
the orbital angular momentum 𝐿𝑥 in the state
2. The un-normalized wavefunction of a particle in 1
a spherically symmetric potential is given by 𝜓 = [3𝜓2,1,−1 + √5𝜓2,1,0 − √11𝜓2,1,+1 ]
5
𝜓(r̅ ) = zf(r) where f(r) is a function of the (where 𝜓𝑛𝑡𝑚 are the eigenfunctions in usual
radial variable r. The eigenvalue of the operator notation), is
L̂2 (namely the square of the orbital angular [CSIR DEC 2013]
momentum) is ℏ√10
[CSIR JUNE 2013] (a) − (√11 − 3) (b) 0
25
(a) ℏ2 /4 (b) ℏ2 /2
(c) ℏ2 (d) 2ℏ2 ℏ√10
(c) (√11 + 3) (d) ℏ√2
25
3. If 𝜓mim denotes the eigenfunction of the
Hamiltonian with a potential V = V(r) then the 7. A particle is prepared in a simultaneous
expectation value of the operator L2x + L2𝑦 in the eigenstate of 𝐿2 and 𝐿𝑧2 . If ℓ(ℓ + 1)ℏ2 and 𝑚ℏ
state are respectively the eigenvalues of 𝐿2 and 𝐿𝑧 ,
1 then the expectation value ⟨𝐿2𝑥 ⟩ of the particle in
𝜓 = [3𝜓211 + 𝜓210 − √15𝜓21−1 ]
5 this state satisfies
is [CSIR DEC 2013]
[CSIR JUNE 2013] 2
(a) ⟨𝐿𝑥 ⟩ = 0
2
(a) 39ℏ /25 (b) 13ℎ2 /25
(c) 2ℏ2 (d) 26ℎ2 /25 (b) 0 ≤ ⟨𝐿2𝑥 ⟩ ≤ ℓ2 ℏ2

4. Let 𝜓mim denote the eigenfunctions of a ℓ(ℓ + 1)ℏ2

Hamiltonian for a spherically symmetric (c)0 ≤ ⟨𝐿2𝑥 ⟩ ≤
3

ℓℎ2 ℓ(ℓ + 1)ℏ2

potential 𝑉(𝑟). The expectation value of 𝐿𝑧 in (d) ≤ ⟨𝐿2𝑥 ⟩ ≤
2 2
the state
1 8. Consider the normalized wavefunction 𝜙 =
𝜓 = [𝜓200 + √5𝜓210 + √10𝜓21−1 + √20𝜓211 ]
6 𝑎1 𝜓11 + 𝑎2 𝜓10 + 𝑎3 𝜓1−1 where 𝜓𝑖 ms is a
is simultaneous normalized eigenfunction of the
[CSIR DEC 2013] angular momentum operators 𝐿2 and 𝐿𝑧 , with
5 5 eigenvalues 𝑙(𝑙 + 1)ℏ2 and 𝑚ℎ̂ respectively. If 𝜙
(a) − ℏ (b) ℏ
18 6 is an eigenfunction of the operator 𝐿𝑥 with
eigenvalue ℏ, then
5
(c)ℏ (d) ℏ [CSIR DEC 2014]
18
1 1
(a)𝑎1 = −𝑎3 = , 𝑎2 =
2 √2

34
 1 1 total angular momentum of the particle, the
(b)𝑎1 = 𝑎3 = , 𝑎2 =
2 √2 value of 𝐿2 must be
[CSIR JUNE 2019]
1 1 (a) 2ℏ2
(b) ℏ2
(c)𝑎1 = 𝑎3 = , 𝑎2 = −
2 √2
3
1 (c)4ℏ2 (d) 𝑛2
4
(d)𝑎1 = 𝑎2 = 𝑎3 =
√3
14. The normalized wavefunction of a particle in
9. If 𝐿𝑖 are the components of the angular three-dimensions is given by
momentum operator 𝐿⃗⃗, then the operator ∑𝑖 = 𝜓(𝑥, 𝑦, 𝑧) = 𝑁𝑧exp [−𝑎(𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 + 𝑧 2 )]
where 𝑎 is a positive constant and 𝑁 is a
1,2,3 [[𝐿⃗⃗, 𝐿𝑖 ], 𝐿𝑖 ] equals
normalization constant. If 𝐿 is the angular
[CSIR JUNE 2015] momentum operator, the eigenvalues, of 𝐿2 and
(a) 𝐿⃗⃗ (b) 2𝐿⃗⃗ 𝐿𝑧 , respectively, are
(c) 3𝐿⃗⃗ (d) −𝐿⃗⃗ [CSIR DEC 2019]
2
(a) 2ℏ and ℏ (b) ℏ2 and 0
10. Let 𝜓slm denote the eigenstates of a hydrogen (c) 2ℏ2 and 0
3 1
(d) 4 ℏ2 and 2 ℏ
atom in the usual notation. The state
1
[2𝜓200 − 3𝜓211 + √7𝜓210 − √5𝜓21−1 ] 15. The wavefunction of a particle of mass 𝑚,
5
is an eigenstate of constrained to move on a circle of unit radius
[CSIR DEC 2015] centered at the origin in the 𝑥𝑦-plane, is
2
(a) 𝐿 , but not of the Hamiltonian or 𝐿𝑧 described by 𝜓(𝜙) = 𝐴cos2 𝜙, where 𝜙 is the
(c) the Hamiltonian, 𝐿2 and 𝐿𝑧 azimuthal angle. All the possible outcomes of
(b) the Hamiltonian, but not of 𝐿2 or 𝐿𝑧 measurements of the 𝑧-component of the
(d) 𝐿2 and 𝐿𝑧 , but not of the Hamiltonian angular momentum 𝐿𝑧 in this state, in units of ℎ,
are
[CSIR DEC 2019]
11. The product of the uncertainties (Δ𝐿𝑥 )(Δ𝐿𝑦 ) for
(a) ±1 and 0 (b) ±1
a particle in the state 𝑎|1,1⟩ + 𝑏|1, −1⟩ (where
(c) ±2 (d) ±2 and 0
|𝑙, 𝑚⟩ denotes an eigenstate of 𝐿2 and 𝐿𝑧 ) will be
a minimum for
16. An angular momentum eigenstate |𝑗, 0⟩ is
[CSIR DEC 2015]
rotated by an infinitesimally small angle 𝜀 about
(a) 𝑎 = ±𝑖𝑏 (b) 𝑎 = 0 and 𝑏 = 1
the positive 𝑦-axis in the counter clockwise
direction. The rotated state, to order 𝜀 (upto a
√3 1
(c)𝑎 = and 𝑏 = (d) 𝑎 = ±𝑏 normalization constant), is
2 2 [CSIR JUNE 2020]
𝜀
12. If 𝐿ˆ𝑥 , 𝐿ˆ𝑦 and 𝐿ˆ𝑥 are the components of the (a)|𝑗, 0⟩ − √𝑗(𝑗 + 1)(|𝑗, 1⟩ + |𝑗, −1⟩)
2
angular momentum operator in three 𝜀
(b)|𝑗, 0⟩ − √𝑗(𝑗 + 1)(|𝑗, 1⟩ − |𝑗, −1⟩)
dimensions, the commutator [𝐿ˆ𝑥 , 𝐿ˆ𝑥 𝐿ˆ𝑦 𝐿ˆ𝑧 ] may 2
𝜀
be simplified to (c)|𝑗, 0⟩ − √𝑗(𝑗 − 1)(|𝑗, 1⟩ − |𝑗, −1⟩)
2
[CSIR JUNE 2016] 𝜀 𝜀
(d) |𝑗, 0⟩ − √𝑗(𝑗 + 1)|𝑗, 1⟩ − √𝑗(𝑗 − 1)|𝑗, −1⟩
(a) 𝑖ℏ𝐿𝑥 (𝐿ˆ𝑧 − 𝐿ˆ𝑦 )
2 2
(b) 𝑖ℏ𝐿ˆ𝑧 𝐿ˆ𝑦 𝐿ˆ𝑥 2 2
(c) 𝑖ℏ𝐿𝑖 (2𝐿ˆ2𝑖 − 𝐿ˆ2𝑦 ) (d) 0
17. If we take the nuclear spin 𝐼 into account, the
total angular momentum is 𝐹⃗ = 𝐿⃗⃗ + 𝑆⃗ + 𝐼⃗,
13. A particle moving in a central potential is
described by a wavefunction 𝜓(𝑟) ≅ 𝑧𝑓(𝑟), where 𝐿⃗⃗ and 𝑆⃗ are the orbital and spin angular
where 𝒓 = (𝑥, 𝑦, 𝑧) is the position vector of the momenta of the electron. The Hamiltonian of
particle and 𝑓(𝑟) is a function of 𝒓, 𝒓 ∣. If 𝑳 is the the hydrogen atom is corrected by the

35
 additional interaction 𝜆𝐼⃗ ⋅ (𝐿⃗⃗ + 𝑆⃗), where 𝜆 > 0 (c)3𝜖, 2𝜖, 𝜖 (d)−3𝜖, −2𝜖, 𝜖
is a constant. The total angular momentum
quantum number 𝐹 of the 𝑝 - orbital state with 22. If 𝐿⃗⃗ is the orbital angular momentum operator
the lowest energy is and 𝜎⃗ are the Pauli matrices, which of the
[CSIR JUNE 2020] following operators commutes with 𝜎⃗ ⋅ 𝐿⃗⃗ ?
(a) 0 (b) 1 [CSIR JUNE 2024]
(c) 1/2 (d) 3/2 ℏ ℏ
(a)𝐿⃗⃗ − 𝜎⃗ (b)𝐿⃗⃗ + 𝜎⃗
2 2
18. The value of ⟨𝐿𝑥 2 ⟩ in the state |𝜑⟩ for which
𝐿𝑥 2 |𝜑⟩ = 6ℏ2 |𝜑⟩ and 𝐿𝑧 |𝜑⟩ = 2ℏ|𝜑⟩ is (c)𝐿⃗⃗ + ℏ𝜎⃗ (d) 𝐿⃗⃗ − ℏ𝜎⃗
[CSIR JUNE 2023]
(a) 0 (b) 4ℏ2 23. A quantum mechanical system is in the angular
(c) 2ℏ2 (d) ℏ2 momentum state |𝑙 = 4, 𝑙𝑧 = 4⟩. The
uncertainty in 𝐿𝑥 is [CSIR JUNE 2024]
19. The Schrödinger wave function for a stationary (a)ℏ√2 (b)2ℏ
state of an atom in spherical polar coordinates (c)0 (d)ℏ
(𝑟, 𝜃, 𝜙) is
𝜓 = 𝐴𝑓(𝑟)sin 𝜃cos 𝜃𝑒 𝑖𝜙 ❖ GATE PYQ’s
where 𝐴 is the normalization constant. The 1. Let 𝐿⃗⃗ = (𝐿𝑥 , 𝐿𝑦 , 𝐿𝑧 ) denote the orbital angular
eigenvalue of 𝐿̂𝑧 for this state is momentum operators of a particle and let 𝐿+ =
[CSIR DEC 2023] 𝐿𝑥 + 𝑖𝐿𝑦 and 𝐿− = 𝐿𝑥 − 𝑖𝐿𝑦 . The particle is in an
(a)2ℏ (b)ℎ eigenstate of L2 and L𝑧 eigenvalues ℏ2 ℓ(ℓ + 1)
(c)−2ℏ (d)−ℏ and ℏℓ respectively. The expectation value of
L+ L− in this state is
20. The normalized wave function of an electron is [GATE 2001]
3 5 (a) ℓℏ2 (b) 2ℓℏ2
𝜓(𝑟⃗) = 𝑅(𝑟) [√ 𝑌10 (𝜃, 𝜑)𝜒− + √ 𝑌11 (𝜃, 𝜑)𝜒+ ]. (c) 0 (d) ℓℏ
8 8
where 𝑌𝑙𝑚 are the normalized spherical 2. The Hamiltonian of a particle is given by
harmonics and 𝜒± denote the wavefunction for 𝑝2
1
the two spin states with eigenvalues ± 2 ℎ. The 𝐻= + 𝑉(|𝑟⃗|) + 𝜙(+|𝑟⃗|)𝐿⃗⃗ ⋅ 𝑆⃗
2𝑚
expectation value of the 𝑧 component of the where 𝑆⃗ is angular momentum. The
total angular momentum in the above state is Hamiltonian does NOT commute with
[GATE 2004]
[CSIR DEC 2023] (a) 𝐿⃗⃗ + 𝑆⃗ (b) 𝑆⃗ 2

3 3 (c) 𝐿𝑧 (d) 𝐿⃗⃗2

(a) − ℏ (b) ℏ
4 4
3. The commutator, [𝐿𝑧 , 𝑌𝑙𝑚 (𝜃, 𝜙)], where 𝐿𝑧 is the
9 9
(c) − ℏ (d) ℏ 𝑧-component of the orbital angular momentum
8 8
and 𝑌𝑙𝑚 (𝜃, 𝜙) is a spherical harmonic, is
[GATE 2005]
21. The Hamiltonian for two particles with angular
(a) 𝑙(𝑙 + 1)ℏ𝑌𝑙𝑚 (𝜃, 𝜙) (b) −𝑚ℏ𝑌𝑙𝑚 (𝜃, 𝜙)
momentum quantum numbers 𝑙1 = 𝑙2 = 1, is
𝜖 2 (c) 𝑚ℏ𝑌𝑙𝑚 (𝜃, 𝜙) (d) +𝑙ℏ𝑌𝑙𝑚 (𝜃, 𝜙)
𝐻ˆ = 2 [(𝐿ˆ1 + 𝐿ˆ2 ) ⋅ 𝐿ˆ2 − (𝐿ˆ1𝑧 + 𝐿ˆ2𝑧 ) ].
ℏ
If the operator for the total angular momentum 4. Consider the combined system of proton and
is given by 𝐿ˆ = 𝐿ˆ1 + 𝐿ˆ2 , then the possible electron in the hydrogen atom in its (electronic)
energy eigenvalues for states with 𝑙 = 2, ground state. Let I denote the quantum number
(where the eigenvalues of 𝐿ˆ2 are 𝑙(𝑙 + 1)ℏ2 ) are associated with the total angular momentum
[CSIR DEC 2023] and let ⟨𝔐⟩ denote the magnitude of the
(a)3𝜖, 2𝜖, −𝜖 (b)6𝜖, 5𝜖, 2𝜖 expectation value of the net magnetic moment

36
 in the state. Which of the following pairs 10. If 𝐿+ and 𝐿− are angular momentum ladder
represents a possible state of the system ( 𝜇B in operators, then the expectation value of
Bohr magneton)? (𝐿+ 𝐿− + 𝐿− 𝐿+ )in the state |𝑙 = 1, 𝑚 = 1⟩ of an
[GATE 2008] atom is………. ħ2 .
(a) I = 0, ⟨𝑚⟩ = 0 [GATE 2014]
(b) I = 1/2, ⟨𝑚⟩ = 1𝜇B
(c) I = 1, ⟨𝑚⟩ = 1𝜇B 11. Let |𝑙, 𝑚⟩ be the simultaneous eigenstates of L2
(d) I = 0, ⟨𝑚⟩ = 2𝜇B and L𝑧 . Here 𝐿⃗⃗ is the angular momentum
operator with Cartesian components ( 𝐿𝑥 , 𝐿𝑦 , 𝐿𝑧
5. If 𝐿𝑥 , 𝐿𝑦 and 𝐿𝑧 are respectively the 𝑥, 𝑦 and 𝑧 ), 𝑙 is the angular momentum quantum number
components of angular momentum operator L, and 𝑚 is the azimuthal quantum number. The
the commutator [𝐿𝑥 𝐿𝑦 , 𝐿𝑧 ] is value of ⟨1,0|(𝐿𝑥 + 𝑖𝐿𝑦 )|1, −1⟩ is
[GATE 2011] [GATE 2016]
2 2
(a) 𝑖ħ(𝐿𝑥 + 𝐿𝑦 ) (b) 2𝑖ħ𝐿𝑧 (a) 0 (b) ℏ
(c) 𝑖ħ(𝐿2𝑥 − 𝐿2𝑦 ) (d) zero (c) √2ℏ (d) √3ℏ

3
6. An atom with one outer electron having orbital 12. Particle 𝐴 with angular momentum 𝑗 = 2 decays
angular momentum 𝑙 is placed in a weak into two particles 𝐵 and 𝐶 with angular
magnetic field. The number of energy levels into momenta 𝑗1 and 𝑗2 , respectively. If
which the higher total angular momentum state 3 3 1 1
splits, is | , ⟩ = 𝛼|1,1⟩𝐵 ⊗ | , ⟩
2 2𝐴 2 2𝐶
[GATE 2011] the value of 𝛼 is
(a) 2𝑙 + 2 (b) 2𝑙 + 1 [GATE 2020]
(c) 2𝑙 (d) 2𝑙 − 1
13. An electron in a hydrogen atom is in the state
7. Which one of the following commutation 𝑛 = 3, 𝑙 = 2, 𝑚 = −2. Let 𝐿ˆ𝑦 denote the 𝑦-
relations is not correct? Here symbols have
component of the orbital angular momentum
their usual meanings. 2
[GATE 2013] operator. If (Δ𝐿ˆ𝑦 ) = 𝛼ℏ2 , the value of 𝛼 is
2
(a) [𝐿 , 𝐿𝑧 ] = 0 (b) [𝐿𝑥 , 𝐿𝑦 ] = 𝑖ħ𝐿𝑧 [GATE 2020]
(c) [𝐿𝑧 , 𝐿+ ] = ħ𝐿+ (d) [𝐿𝑧 , 𝐿− ] = ħ𝐿−
14. From the pairs of operators given below,
identify the ones which commute. Here 𝑙 and 𝑗
8. If 𝐿⃗⃗ is the orbital angular momentum and 𝑆⃗ is
correspond to the orbital angular momentum
the spin angular momentum then 𝐿⃗⃗ ⋅ 𝑆⃗ does not and the total angular momentum, respectively.
commute with [GATE 2022]
[GATE 2014] 2 2 2
2
(a) 𝑙 , 𝑗 (b) 𝑗 , 𝑗𝑧
(a) 𝑆𝑧 (b) 𝐿 2
(c) 𝑗 , 𝑙𝑧 (d) 𝑙𝑧 , 𝑗𝑧
(c) 𝑆 2
(d) (𝐿⃗⃗ + 𝑆⃗)2
15. 𝐻 is the Hamiltonian, 𝐿⃗⃗ the orbital angular
9. A hydrogen atom is in the state
momentum and 𝐿𝑧 is the z-component of 𝐿⃗⃗. The
8 3 4 1𝑠 state of the hydrogen atom in the non-
Ψ = √ Ψ200 − √ Ψ310 + √ Ψ321 ,
21 7 21 relativistic formalism is an eigen function of
Where 𝑛, 𝑙, 𝑚 in Ψ𝑛𝑙𝑚 denote the principal, which one of the following sets of operators?
orbital and magnetic quantum numbers, [GATE 2023]
2
(a) 𝐻, 𝐿 and 𝐿𝑧 ⃗
⃗
(b) 𝐻, 𝐿, 𝐿2 and 𝐿𝑧
respectively. If 𝐿⃗⃗ is the angular momentum
operator, the average value of 𝐿2 is_______________ (c) 𝐿2 and 𝐿𝑧 only (d) 𝐻 and 𝐿𝑧 only
ħ2 .
[GATE 2014] ❖ JEST PYQ’s

37
1. If 𝐽𝑥, 𝐽𝑦, are angular momentum operators, the 5. A particle in a spherically symmetric potential
eigenvalues of the operator (𝐽𝑥 + 𝐽𝑦 )/ℏ are is known to be in an eigenstate of 𝐿⃗⃗2 and 𝐿2
[JEST 2013] with eigenvalues 1(1 + 1)ℏ2 and 𝑚ℏ,
(a) real and discrete with rational spacing respectively. What is the value of (1, 𝑚|𝐿2𝑥 |1, 𝑚)
(b) real and discrete with irrational spacing ?
(c) real and continuous [JEST 2020]
(d) not all real 2
ℏ
(a) (12 + 1 + 𝑚2 ) (b) ℏ2 (12 + 1 − 𝑚2 )
2
2. Suppose a spin 1/2 particle is in the state,
1 1+𝑖 ℏ2 2 ℏ2 2
|𝜓⟩ = [ ] . If 𝑆𝑥 (𝑥 (c) (1 + 1 − 𝑚2 ) (d) (1 + 1 − 𝑚2 )
√6 2 2 2
component of the spin angular momentum
operator) is measured what is the probability of 6. The wave function of a particle subjected to a
ℏ
getting + 2 ? spherically symmetric potential 𝑉(𝑟) is given by
𝜓(𝑟⃗) = (𝑥 − 𝑦 + 2𝑧)𝑓(𝑟). Which one of the
[JEST 2014]
following statements is true about 𝜓(𝑟⃗) ?
1 2
(a) (b) [JEST 2020]
3 3 ⃗
⃗ 2
(a) It is an eigenfunction of 𝐿 with 1 = 0
5 1
(c) (d) (b) It is an eigenfunction of 𝐿⃗⃗2 with 𝑙 = 1
6 6
(c) It is an eigenfunction of 𝐿⃗⃗2 with 1 = 2
3. A spin 1/2 particles is in a state
(|↑⟩+|↓⟩)
where (d) It is not an eigenfunction of 𝐿⃗⃗2
√2
| ↑⟩ and | ↓⟩ are the eigenstate of 𝑆𝑧 operator.
7. If 𝐿⃗⃗ is the angular momentum operator in
The expectation value of the spin angular
momentum measured along 𝑥 direction is: quantum mechanics, the value of 𝐿⃗⃗ × 𝐿⃗⃗ will be
[JEST 2016] [JEST 2021]
(a) ℏ (b) −ℏ (a) 0 (b) 𝑖ℏ𝐿⃗⃗
ℏ (c) |𝐿⃗⃗| (d) ℏ𝐿⃗⃗
(c) 0 (d)
2
8. Two classical particles moving in three
4. A quantum particle of mass m is moving in a dimensions interact via the potential
horizontal circular path of radius a. The particle 𝑉 = 𝐾[(𝑥12 + 𝑦12 ) + (𝑥22 + 𝑦22 ) + (𝑧1 − 𝑧2 )2 ],
is prepared in a quantum state described by the where 𝐾 is a constant, and (𝑥1 , 𝑦1 , 𝑧1 ) and
wave function [JEST 2018] (𝑥2 , 𝑦2 , 𝑧2 ) are the Cartesian coordinates of the
𝑦 𝑦
two particles. Let (𝑝1𝑥 , 𝑝1 , 𝑝1𝑧 ) and (𝑝2𝑥 , 𝑝2 , 𝑝2𝑧 )
4
𝜓 = √ cos 2 𝜙, be the components of the linear momenta of the
3𝜋 𝑦 𝑦
two particles, and (𝐿𝑥1 , 𝐿1 , 𝐿𝑧1 ) and (𝐿𝑥2 , 𝐿2 , 𝐿𝑧2 )
𝜙 being the azimuthal angle. If a measurement
the components of the corresponding angular
of the z-component of orbital angular
moment(a) Which of the following statements
momentum of the particle is carried out, the
is true?
possible outcomes and the corresponding
[JEST 2024]
probabilities are 𝑧 𝑧 𝑧 𝑧)
(𝑝
(a) 𝐿1 , 𝐿2 , and 1 + 𝑝2 are conserve(d)
[JEST 2018]
(b) 𝐿𝑧1 and 𝐿𝑧2 are not separately conserved but
(a) 𝐿𝑧 = 0, ±ℏ ± 2ℏ with 𝑃(0) = 1/5, 𝑃(±ℏ) =
𝐿𝑧1 + 𝐿𝑧2 is conserve(d)
1/5 and 𝑃(±2ℎ) = 1/5 𝑦 𝑦
(c) (𝐿𝑥1 + 𝐿𝑥2 ), (𝐿1 + 𝐿2 ), (𝐿𝑧1 + 𝐿𝑧2 ) are
(b) L2 = 0, with P(0) = 1
conserve(d)
(c) 𝐿𝑧 = 0, ±ℏ with P(0) = 1/3 and 𝑃(±ℏ) = 𝑦 𝑦
(d) (𝐿𝑥1 + 𝐿𝑥2 ) and (𝐿1 + 𝐿2 ) are conserve(d)
1/3
(d) 𝐿𝑧 = 0, ±2ℏ with P(0) = 2/3 and
𝑃(±2ℏ) = 1/6 ❖ TIFR PYQ’s

38
1. A rigid rotator is in a quantum state described (b) provided the wavefunction 𝜓(𝑥) and
by the wavefunction derivate 𝜓 ′ (𝑥) are continuous everywhere
(c) provided the wavefunction 𝜓(𝑥) vanishes as
3
𝜓(𝜃, 𝜑) = √ sin 𝜃sin 𝜑 𝑥 → ±∞
4𝜋
(d) by its very definition
where 𝜃 and 𝜑 are the usual polar angles. If two
successive measurements of 𝐿𝑧 are made on 6. A quantum-mechanical state of a particle, with
this rotator, the probability that the second Cartesian coordinates 𝑥, 𝑦 and 𝑧, is described by
measurement will yield the value +ℏ is the normalized wave function
[TIFR 2014] 𝛼 5/2 −𝛼√𝑥 2 +𝑦2 +𝑧2
(a) 0.25 (b) 0.33 𝜓(𝑥, 𝑦, 𝑧) = 𝑧𝑒
√𝜋
(c) 0.5 (d) negligible For this state what are the angular quantum
number ℓ, 𝐿2 and 𝐿𝑍 respectively?
2. An rigid rotator has the wave function [TIFR 2024]
𝜓(𝜃, 𝜑) = 𝑁[2𝑖𝑌1,0 (𝜃, 𝜑) + (2 + 𝑖)𝑌2,−1 (𝜃, 𝜑) 2
(a) 2; 6ℏ ; 0 (b) 0; 0; 0
+ 3𝑖𝑌1,1 (𝜃, 𝜑)] 2
(c) 1; 2ℏ ; ℏ (d) 1; 2ℏ2 ; 0
where 𝑌𝑙,𝑚 (𝜃, 𝜑) are the spherical harmonics,
and 𝑁 is a normalization constant. If 𝐿⃗⃗ is the
❖ Answers key
orbital angular momentum operator, and 𝐿± =
CSIR-NET
𝐿𝑥 ± 𝑖𝐿𝑦 the expectation value of 𝐿+ 𝐿−is
[TIFR 2015] 1. c 2. d 3. d 4. d 5. d
2
(a) 21ℏ /9 (b) 23ℏ2 /9 6. a 7. d 8. b 9. b 10. b
2
(c) 25ℏ /9 (d) 0 11. d 12. a 13. a 14. c 15. d
16. b 17. d 18. d 19. b 20. b
3. A quantum mechanical plane rotator consists of 21. a 22. b 23. a
two rigidly connected particles of mass 𝑚 and GATE
connected by a massless rod of length 𝑑 is
rotating in the 𝑥 − 𝑦 plane about their centre of 1. b 2. a 3. c 4. b 5. c
mass. Suppose that the initial state of the rotor 6. a 7. d 8. d 9. 2 10. 2
is given by𝜓(𝜑, 𝑡 = 0) = 𝐴 cos2 𝜑 , 11. c 12. 1 13. 1 14. abd 15. a
where 𝜑 is the angle between one mass and the JEST
𝑥 axis, while 𝐴 is a normalization constant. Find 1. a 2. c 3. d 4. d 5. d
the expectation value of 3𝐿ˆ2𝑧 in this state, in 6. b 7. b 8. a
units of ℏ2 .
TIFR
[TIFR 2016]
1. c 2. b 3. 004 4. b 5. c
4. The wave function of a particle subjected to a 6. d
three-dimensional spherically symmetric
potential 𝑉(𝑟) is given by
𝜓(𝑥⃗) = (𝑥 + 𝑦 + 3𝑧)𝑓(𝑟)
The expectation value for the operator ⃗𝑳⃗2 for
this state is [TIFR 2020]
(a) ℏ2 (b) 2ℏ2
(c) 5ℏ2 (d) 11ℏ2

𝑑
5. The momentum operator 𝑖ℏ 𝑑𝑥
acts on a wavefunction 𝜓(𝑥). This operator is
Hermitian [TIFR 2020]
(a) provided the wavefunction 𝜓(𝑥) is
normalized

39
 ➢ Harmonic Oscillator
❖ CSIR-NET PYQ’s 𝑉0 Ω
(b)ℏ𝜔 +
1. The energy of the first excited quantum state of 𝜔
a particle in the two-dimensional potential
1 Ω −1/2
𝑉(𝑥, 𝑦) = 𝑚𝜔2 (𝑥 2 + 4𝑦 2 ) (c)ℏ𝜔 + V0 (1 + )
2 2𝜔
is:
[CSIR DEC 2011] 𝜔
(d)ℏ𝜔 + 𝑉0 (1 + )
(a) 2ℏ𝜔 (b)3ℏ𝜔 Ω

3 5 5. Consider the normalized state |𝜓⟩ of a particle

(c) ℏ𝜔 (d) ℏ𝜔 in a one-dimensional harmonic oscillator: |𝜓⟩ =
2 2
𝑏1 |0⟩ + 𝑏2 |1⟩ where |0⟩ and |1⟩ denote the
2. Let |0⟩ and |1⟩ denote the normalized ground and first excited states respectively, and
eigenstates corresponding to the ground and 𝑏1 and 𝑏2 are real constants. The expectation
first excited state of a one-dimensional value of the displacement x in the state |𝜓⟩ will
harmonic oscillator. The uncertainty Δp in the be a minimum when
state
1
(|0⟩ + |1⟩), is: [CSIR JUNE 2013]
√2 1
[CSIR DEC 2011] (a)b2 = 0, ( b1 = 1) (b)𝑏2 = 𝑏1
√2
(a) Δp = √ℏm𝜔/2 (b) Δp = √ℏm𝜔/2
(c) Δp = √ℏm𝜔 (d) Δp = √2ℏm𝜔 1
(c)b2 = b (d)𝑏2 = 𝑏1
2 1
3. Let |0⟩ and |1⟩ denote the normalized
eigenstates corresponding to the ground and 6. A particle of mass m in the potential
the first excited states of a one-dimensional 1
𝑉(𝑥, 𝑦) = 𝑚𝜔2 (4𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 ),
harmonic oscillator. The uncertainty Δ𝑥 in the 2
5
state
1
(|0⟩ + |1⟩) is: is in an eigenstate of energy 𝐸 = 2 ℏ𝜔. The
√2
[CSIR DEC 2012] corresponding un-normalized eigenfunction is
[CSIR JUNE 2014]
(a) Δx = √ℏ/2 m𝜔 (b) Δx = √ℏ/m𝜔 𝑚𝜔
(a)𝑦exp [− (2𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 )]
(c) Δx = √2ℏ/m𝜔 (d) Δx = √ℏ/4 m𝜔 2ℏ

𝑚𝜔
4. Two identical bosons of mass 𝑚 are placed in a (b)𝑥exp [− (2𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 )]
one-dimensional potential 2ℎ
1
𝑉(𝑥) = 𝑚𝜔2 𝑥 2 𝑚𝜔 2
2 (c)𝑦exp [− (𝑥 + 𝑦 2 )]
2ℏ
The bosons interact via a weak potential,
V12 = V0 exp [−mΩ(x1 − x2 )2 /4ℏ] 𝑚𝜔 2
where x1 and x2 denote coordinates of the (d)𝑥𝑦exp [− (𝑥 + 𝑦 2 )]
2ℏ
particles. Given that the
ground state wavefunction of the harmonic 7. A particle of mass 𝑚 is in a potential
1
𝑉 = 𝑚𝜔2 𝑥 2 ,
Oscillator is 2
1 where 𝜔 is a constant. Let
m𝜔 4 −m𝜔x2
𝜓0 (x) = ( ) e 2ℏ 𝑚𝜔 𝑝ˆ𝑝ˆ
𝜋ℏ 𝑎ˆ = √ (𝑥ˆ + )
The ground state energy of the two-boson 2ℏ 𝑚𝜔
𝑑𝑎ˆ
system, to the first order in V0 , is: In the Heisenberg picture 𝑑𝑡
is given by
[CSIR JUNE 2013] [CSIR JUNE 2015]
(a) ℏ𝜔 + 2 V0 (a) 𝜔𝑎ˆ (b) −𝑖𝜔𝑎ˆ
(c) 𝜔𝑎ˆ𝑡 (d) 𝑖𝜔𝑎ˆ†

40
 [CSIR JUNE 2020]
8. If the root-mean-squared momentum of a (a) 3𝜋/(2𝜔) (b) 𝜋/𝜔
particle in the ground state of a one- (c) 𝜋/(2𝜔) (d) 2𝜋/𝜔
dimensional simple harmonic potential is 𝑝0 ,
then its root-mean-squared momentum in the 12. A pendulum executes small oscillations
first excited state is between angles +𝜃0 and −𝜃0. If 𝜏(𝜃)𝑑𝜃 is the
[CSIR JUNE 2017] time spent between 𝜃 and 𝜃 + 𝑑𝜃, then 𝜏(𝜃) is
(a) 𝑝0 √2 (b) 𝑝0 √3 best represented by
(c) 𝑝0 √2/3 (d) 𝑝0 √3/2 [CSIR JUNE 2020]

9. The state vector of a one-dimensional simple

harmonic oscillator of angular frequency 𝜔, at
time 𝑡 = 0, is given by
1
|𝜓(0)⟩ = [|0⟩ + |2⟩]
√2
where |0⟩ and |2⟩ are the normalized ground
state and the second excited state, respectively.
The minimum time 𝑡 after which the state
vector |𝜓(𝑡)⟩ is orthogonal to |𝜓(0)⟩, is
[CSIR DEC 2017]
𝜋 2𝜋
(a) (b)
2𝜔 𝜔
13. A particle of mass 𝑚 in one dimension is in the
𝜋 4𝜋 ground state of a simple harmonic oscillator
(c) (d)
𝜔 𝜔 described by a Hamiltonian
2
𝑝 1
10. The differential scattering cross section 𝑑𝜎/𝑑Ω 𝐻= + 𝑚𝜔2 𝑥 2
2𝑚 2
for the central potential in the standard notation. An impulsive force at
𝛽 −𝜇𝑟 time 𝑡 = 0 suddenly imparts a momentum 𝑝0 =
𝑉(𝑟) = 𝑒
𝑟 √ℏ𝑚𝜔 to it. The probability that the particle
where 𝛽 and 𝜇 are positive constants, is remains in the original ground state is
calculated in the first Born approximation. Its [CSIR JUNE 2021]
dependence on the scattering angle 𝜃 is (a) 𝑒 −2
(b) 𝑒 −3/2
proportional to ( 𝐴 is a constant below).
(c) 𝑒 −1 (d) 𝑒 −1/2
[CSIR JUNE 2018]
𝜃 𝜃 −1 14. The Hamiltonian of a two-dimensional quantum
(a) (𝐴2 + sin2 ) (b) (𝐴2 + sin2 )
2 2 harmonic oscillator is
2 2
𝑝𝑥 𝑝𝑦 1
𝜃 −2 𝜃 2 𝐻= + + 𝑚𝜔2 𝑥 2 + 2𝑚𝜔2 𝑦 2
2
(c) (𝐴 + sin )2 2
(d) (𝐴 + sin )2 2𝑚 2𝑚 2
2 2 where 𝑚 and 𝜔 are positive constants. The
27
degeneracy of the energy level ℏ𝜔 is
11. Let |𝑛⟩ denote the energy eigenstates of a 2

particle in a one-dimensional simple harmonic [CSIR JUNE 2023]

potential (a) 14 (b) 13
1 (c) 8 (d) 7
𝑉(𝑥) = 𝑚𝜔2 𝑥 2
2
If the particle is initially prepared in the state 15. In a quantum harmonic oscillator problem, 𝑎ˆ
1 and 𝑁ˆ are the annihilation operator and the
|𝜓(𝑡 = 0)⟩ = √2 (|0⟩ + |1⟩), the minimum time
number operator, respectively. The operator
after which the oscillator will be found in the 𝑒 𝑁ˆ 𝑎ˆ𝑒 −𝑁ˆ is
same state is [CSIR DEC 2023]

41
 (a)𝑎ˆ (b)𝑒 −1 𝑎ˆ
(c)𝑒 −(𝐼ˆ+𝑎ˆ) (d)𝑒 𝑎ˆ 2. Consider the harmonic oscillator in the form
(where 𝐼ˆ is the identity operator) 𝐻 = (𝑝2 + 𝑥 2 )/2 (we have set 𝑚 = 1, 𝜔 = 1
and ℏ = 1 ). The harmonic oscillator is in its 𝑛th
16. The Hamiltonian for a one-dimensional simple energy eigenstate and subjected to a time-
harmonic oscillator is given by independent perturbation 𝜆(𝑥𝑝 + 𝑝𝑥), for 𝜆
𝑝2 1 real. Calculate the first-order energy shift and
𝐻= + 𝑚𝜔2 𝑥 2 first-order correction to the wave function.
2𝑚 2
The harmonic oscillator is in the state [GATE 2001]
1
|𝜓⟩ = (|1⟩ + 𝜆𝑒 𝑖𝜗 |2⟩)
√1 + 𝜆2 3. The wave function of a one-dimensional
where |1⟩ and |2⟩ are the normalised first and harmonic oscillator is
2 2
second excited states of the oscillator and 𝜆, 𝜗 −𝛼 𝑥
𝜓0 = 𝐴exp ( )
are positive real constants. If the expectation 2
value ℏ𝜔 𝑚𝑤
for the ground state 𝐸0 = 2
, where 𝛼 2 = ℏ
. In
ℏ the presence of a perturbing potential of
⟨𝜓|𝑥|𝜓⟩ = 𝛽√
𝑚𝜔 𝛼𝑥 4
𝐸0 ( 10 ) , the first order change in the ground
the value of 𝛽 is state energy is
[CSIR JUNE 2024] [GATE 2004]
1 √2𝜆cos 𝜗 ∞
(a) (a) [ Given : Γ(𝑥 + 1) = ∫0 𝑡 𝑥 exp (−𝑡)𝑑𝑡]
√2(1 + 𝜆2 ) 1 + 𝜆2 1
(a) ( 𝐸0 ) 10−4 (b) (3𝐸0 )10−4
2
2𝜆cos 𝜗 𝜆2 cos 𝜗
(c) (d)
1 + 𝜆2 1 + 𝜆2 3
(c) ( 𝐸0 ) 10−4 (d) (𝐸0 )10−4
4
17. Quantum particles of unit mass, in a potential
1 2 2 4. A system in a normalized state |𝜓⟩ = 𝑐1 |𝛼1 ⟩ +
𝑉(𝑥) = {2 𝜔 𝑥 𝑥>0
𝑐2 |𝛼2 ⟩, with |𝛼1 ⟩ and |𝛼2 ⟩ representing two
∞ 𝑥≤0
different eigenstates of the system, requires
are in equilibrium at a temperature 𝑇. Let 𝑛2
that the constants 𝑐1 and 𝑐2 must satisfy the
and 𝑛3 denote the numbers of the particles in
condition
the second and third excited states respectively.
[GATE 2005]
The ratio 𝑛2 /𝑛3 is given by
(a) |𝑐1 | ⋅ |𝑐2 | = 1 (b) |𝑐1 | + |𝑐2 | = 1
[CSIR JUNE 2024] 2
(c) (|𝑐1 | + |𝑐2 |) = 1 (d) |𝑐1 |2 + |𝑐2 |2 = 1
2ℏ𝜔 ℏ𝜔
(a)exp ( ) (b)exp ( )
𝑘𝐵 𝑇 𝑘𝐵 𝑇
5. A one-dimensional harmonic oscillator carrying
3ℏ𝜔 4ℏ𝜔 a charge −𝑞‾ is placed in a uniform electric field
(c)exp ( ) (d)exp ( ) 𝐸⃗⃗ along the positive 𝑥-axis. The corresponding
𝑘𝐵 𝑇 𝑘𝐵 𝑇
Hamiltonian operator is
❖ GATE PYQ’s [GATE 2005]
1. A quantum harmonic oscillator is in the energy ℏ2 𝑑2 1 2
(a) + 𝑘𝑥 + 𝑞𝐸𝑥
eigenstate |𝑛⟩. A time independent perturbation 2𝑚 𝑑𝑥 2 2
𝜆(𝑎𝑡 𝑎)2 acts on the particle, where 𝜆 is a
ℏ2 𝑑2 1
constant of suitable dimensions and 𝑎 and 𝑎† (b) + 𝑘𝑥 2 − 𝑞𝐸𝑥
2𝑚 𝑑𝑥 2 2
are lowering and raising operators respectively.
Then the first order energy shift is given by
ℏ2 𝑑2 1
[GATE 2001] (c) − 2
+ 𝑘𝑥 2 + 𝑞𝐸𝑥
2 2𝑚 𝑑𝑥 2
(a) 𝜆𝑛 (b) 𝜆 𝑛
(c) 𝜆𝑛2 (d) (𝜆𝑛)2

42
 ℏ2 𝑑2 1 2
(d) − + 𝑘𝑥 − 𝑞𝐸𝑥 3 3
2𝑚 𝑑𝑥 2 2
(c) (2𝑛 + ) ℏ𝜔 (d) (𝑛 + ) ℏ𝜔
2 2
6. The degeneracy of the 𝑛 = 2 level for a three
dimensional isotropic oscillator is 10. For a particle of mass 𝑚 in a one-dimensional
[GATE 2005] harmonic oscillator potential of the form
(a) 4 (b) 6 1
𝑉(𝑥) = 𝑚𝜔2 𝑥 2
(c) 8 (d) 10 2
the first excited energy eigenstate is 𝜓(𝑥) =
2
7. A one-dimensional harmonic oscillator is in the 𝑥𝑒 −𝑎𝑥 . The value of 𝑎 is
state [GATE 2007]
1 (a) 𝑚𝜔/4ℏ (b) 𝑚𝜔/3ℏ
𝜓(𝑥) = [3𝜓0 (𝑥) − 2𝜓1 (𝑥) + 𝜓2 (𝑥)]
√14 (c) 𝑚𝜔/2ℏ (d) 2𝑚𝜔/3ℏ
where 𝜓0 (𝑥), 𝜓1 (𝑥) and 𝜓2 (𝑥) are the ground,
first excited and second excited states, 11. An exact measurement of the position of a
respectively. The probability of finding the simple harmonic oscillator (SHO) is made with
oscillator in the ground state is the result 𝑥 = 𝑥0 . [The SHO has energy levels
[GATE 2006] 𝐸𝑛 (𝑛 = 0,1,2,..)𝑎𝑛𝑑𝑎𝑠𝑠𝑜𝑐𝑖𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑑 normalized
(a) 0 (b)
3 wave-functions 𝜓𝑛 ]. Subsequently, an exact
√14
9
measurement of energy 𝐸 is made. Using the
(c) 14 (d) 1 general notation Pr (𝐸 = 𝐸) denoting the
probability that a result 𝐸 ′ is obtained for this
8. A particle with energy E is in a time- measurement, the following statements are
independent double well potential as shown in written. Which one of the following statements
the figure. is correct?
[GATE 2008]
(a) Pr (𝐸 = 𝐸0 ) = 0
(b) Pr (𝐸 = 𝐸𝑛 ) = 1 for some value of 𝑛
(c) Pr (𝐸 = 𝐸𝑛 ) ∝ 𝜓𝑛 (𝑥)
(d) Pr (𝐸 > 𝐸 ′′ ) > 0 for any 𝐸 ′′

Which of the following statements about the

12. A particles of mass 𝑚 is confined in the
particle is NOT correct?
potential
[GATE 2007] 1 2 2
(a) The particle will always be in a bound state 𝑉(𝑥) = {2 𝑚𝜔 𝑥 for 𝑥 > 0
(b) The probability of finding the particle in one ∞ for 𝑥 ≤ 0
well will be time-dependent
(c) The particle will be confined to any one of
the wells
(d) The particle can tunnel from one well to the
other, and back
Let the wave-function of the particle be given
9. The energy levels of a particle of mass 𝑚 in a
by
potential of the form 1 2
𝑉(𝑥) = ∞, 𝑥 ≤ 0 Ψ(𝑥) = − Ψ0 + Ψ1
1 √5 √5
= 𝑚𝜔2 𝑥 2 , 𝑥 > 0 where Ψ0 and Ψ1 are the eigen functions of the
2
are given, in terms of quantum number 𝑛 = ground state and the first excited state
0,1,2,3 ….. , by respectively. The expectation value of the
[GATE 2007] energy is
1 1
(a) (𝑛 + ) ℏ𝜔 (b) (2𝑛 + ) ℏ𝜔
2 2

43
 [GATE 2010] 1 1 3/2 −𝑟/𝑎
31 25 Ψ100 = (
) 𝑒 0

(a) ħ𝜔 (b) ħ𝜔 √4𝜋 𝑎0

10 10 where 𝑎0 is the Bohr radius. The plot of the
radial probability density, 𝑃(𝑟) for the
13 11
(c) ħ𝜔 (d) ħ𝜔 hydrogen atom in the ground state is
10 10
[GATE 2012]
Linked Answer Questions
Statement for Linked Answer Question 13 and
14:
In a one-dimensional harmonic oscillator,
𝜑0 , 𝜑1 and 𝜑2 are respectively the ground, first
and the second excited states. These three
states are normalized and are orthogonal to one
another. 𝜓1 and 𝜓2 are two states defined by
𝜓1 = 𝜑0 − 2𝜑1 + 3𝜑2
𝜓2 = 𝜑0 − 𝜑1 + 𝛼𝜑2
where 𝛼 is a constant?
17. A one dimensional harmonic oscillator is in the
13. The value of 𝛼 for which 𝜓2 is orthogonal to 𝜓1 superposition of number state, |𝑛⟩, given by
is 1 √3
[GATE 2011] |Ψ⟩ = |2⟩ + |3⟩
2 2
(a) 2 (b) 1 The average energy of the oscillator in the given
(c) −1 (d) −2 state is_________________ ħ𝜔
[GATE 2014]
14. For the value of 𝛼 determined in 𝑄. 52, the
expectation value of energy of the oscillator in 18. Suppose a linear harmonic oscillator of
the state 𝜓2 is frequency 𝜔 and mass m is in the state
[GATE 2011] 1 𝑖
𝜋
|𝜓⟩ = [|𝜓0 ⟩ + 𝑒 2 |𝜓1 ⟩]
(a) ħ𝜔 (b) 3ħ𝜔/2 √2
(c) 3ħ𝜔 (d) 9ħ𝜔/2 at 𝑡 = 0 where |𝜓0 ⟩ and |𝜓1 ⟩ are the ground and
the first excited states, respectively. The value
15. A particle is constrained to move in a truncated ħ
of ⟨Ψ|𝑥|Ψ⟩ in the units of √𝑚𝜔 at 𝑡 = 0 is
harmonic potential well (𝑥 > 0) as shown in the
figure. Which one of the following statements is [GATE 2015]
correct?
[GATE 2012] 19. The wave function of which orbital is
spherically symmetric:
[GATE 2017]
(a) 𝑝𝑥 (b) 𝑝𝑦
(c) 𝑠 (d) 𝑑𝑥𝑦

(a) The parity of the first excited state is even 20. The degeneracy of the third energy level of a 3-
(b) The parity of the ground state is even dimensinal isotropic quantum harmonic
1 oscillator
(c) The ground state energy is 2
ħ𝜔
is [GATE 2017]
7
(d) The first excited state energy id 2 ħ𝜔 (a) 6 (b) 12
(c) 8 (d) 10
16. The ground state wave function for the
hydrogen atom is given by 21. A one dimensional simple harmonic oscillator
with Hamiltonian

44
 𝑝2 1 2 normalized harmonic oscillator wave functions
𝐻0 = + 𝑘𝑥
2𝑚 2 and 𝜔 is the angular frequency of the harmonic
is subjected to a small perturbation, 𝐻1 = 𝛼𝑥 + oscillator. The wave function 𝜓(𝑥, 𝑡 = 0) will be
𝛽𝑥 3 + 𝛾𝑥 4 . The first order correction to the orthogonal to 𝜓(𝑥, 𝑡) at time 𝑡 equal to
ground state energy is dependent on [GATE 2021]
[GATE 2017] 𝜋 𝜋
(a) (b)
(a) only 𝛽 (b) 𝛼 and 𝛾 2𝜔 𝜔
(c) 𝛼 and 𝛽 (d) only 𝛾
𝜋 𝜋
(c) (d)
4𝜔 6𝜔
22. Which one of the following operators is
Hermitian? 27. For a one-dimensional harmonic oscillator, the
[GATE 2017]
2 2
creation operator (𝑎† ) acting on the 𝑛th state
(𝑝𝑥 𝑥 − 𝑥 𝑝𝑥 ) (𝑝𝑥 𝑥 2 + 𝑥 2 𝑝𝑥 )
(a)𝑖 (b) 𝑖 |𝜓𝑛 ⟩ where 𝑛 = 0,1,2, …, gives
2 2
𝑎† |𝜓𝑛 ⟩ = √𝑛 + 1|𝜓𝑛+1 ⟩
(c) 𝑒 𝑖𝑝𝑥 𝑎 (d) 𝑒 −𝑖𝑝𝑥 𝑎 The matrix representation of the position
operator
23. The Hamiltonian for a quantum harmonic ℏ
oscillator of mass 𝑚 in three dimensions is 𝑥=√ (𝑎 + 𝑎† )
2𝑚𝜔
𝑝2 1
𝐻= + 𝑚𝜔2 𝑟 2 for the first three rows and columns is
2𝑚 2 [GATE 2022]
where 𝜔 is the angular frequency. The
1 0 0
expectation value of 𝑟 2 in the first excited state ℏ
ℏ (a)√ (0 √2 0 )
of the oscillator in units of (rounded off to 2𝑚𝜔
𝑚𝜔 0 0 √3
one decimal place) is
[GATE 2019] 0 1 0
ℏ
(b)√ (1 0 1)
2𝑚𝜔
24. Let |𝜓1 ⟩ = (1) , |𝜓2 ⟩ = (0) represent two 0 1 0
0 1
possible states of a two-level quantum system. 0 1 0
The state obtained by the incoherent ℏ
(c)√ (1 0 √2)
superposition of |𝜓1 ⟩ and |𝜓2 ⟩ is given by a 2𝑚𝜔
0 √2 0
density matrix that is defined as 𝜌 ≡
𝑐1 |𝜓1 ⟩⟨𝜓1 |+𝑐2 |𝜓2 ⟩⟨𝜓2 |. If 𝑐1 = 0.4 and 𝑐2 = 0.6,
ℏ 1 0 √3
the matrix element 𝜌22 (rounded off to one (d)√ (0 0 0)
decimal place) is 2𝑚𝜔
√3 0 1
[GATE 2019]
28. A particle of mass 𝑚 is moving in the potential
25. Let 𝑎ˆ and 𝑎ˆ† , respectively denote the lowering 1
and raising operators of a one-dimensional 𝑉(𝑥) = { 𝑉0 + 𝑚𝜔02 𝑥 2 , 𝑥 > 0
2
simple harmonic oscillator. Let |𝑛⟩ be the ∞, 𝑥≤0
energy eigenstate of the simple harmonic Figures, 𝑃, 𝑄, 𝑅 and 𝑆 show different
oscillator. Given that |𝑛⟩ is also an eigen state of combinations of the values of 𝜔0 and 𝑉0 .
𝑎ˆ† 𝑎ˆ† 𝑎ˆ𝑎ˆ, the corresponding eigenvalue is [GATE 2024]
[GATE 2020]
(a) 𝑛(𝑛 − 1) (b) 𝑛(𝑛 + 1)
2
(c) (𝑛 + 1) (d) 𝑛2

26. Consider a state described by 𝜓(𝑥, 𝑡) =

𝜓2 (𝑥, 𝑡) + 𝜓4 (𝑥, 𝑡), where 𝜓2 (𝑥, 𝑡) and 𝜓4 (𝑥, 𝑡)
are respectively the second and fourth

45
 ❖ JEST PYQ’s
1. Consider a harmonic oscillator in the state
|𝛼|2 +
|𝜓⟩ = 𝑒 2 𝑒 𝛼𝑎 |0⟩
where |0⟩ is the ground state, 𝑎+ is the raising
operator and 𝛼 is a complex number. What is
the probability that the harmonic oscillator is in
the 𝑛-th eigenstate |𝑛⟩ ?
[JEST 2015]
|𝑎|2 |𝑎|n
−|𝛼2 |
|𝛼|2𝑛 −
2 √𝑛!
(a)𝑒 (b) 𝑒
𝑛!

−|𝛼|2
|𝛼|𝑛 −
|𝛼|2 |𝛼|2𝑛
(c)𝑒 (d) 𝑒 2
𝑛! 𝑛!

29. If 𝑦𝑛 (𝑥) is a solution of the differential equation 2. 𝜙0 (𝑥) and 𝜙1 (𝑥) are respectively the
𝑦 ′′ − 2𝑥𝑦 ′ − 2𝑛𝑦 = 0 where 𝑛 is an integer and orthogonal wave functions of the ground and
the prime (') denotes differentiation with first excited states of a one-dimensional simple
respect to 𝑥, then acceptable plot(s) of 𝜓𝑛 (𝑥) = harmonic oscillator. Consider the normalized
2
𝑒 −𝑥 𝑦𝑛 (𝑥) is(are) wave function 𝜓(𝑥) = 𝑐0 𝜙0 (𝑥) + 𝑐1 𝜙1 (𝑥),
[GATE 2021] where 𝑐0 and 𝑐1 are real. For what values of 𝑐0
and 𝑐1 will ⟨𝜓(𝑥)|𝑥|𝜓(𝑥)⟩ be maximized?
[JEST 2017]
(a) 𝑐0 = 𝑐1 = +1√2
(b) 𝑐0 = −𝑐1 = +1√2
(c) 𝑐0 = +√3/2, 𝑐1 = +1/2
(d) 𝑐0 = +√3/2, 𝑐1 = −1/2

3. A one-dimensional harmonic oscillator (mass m

and frequency 𝜔 ) is in a state 𝜓 such that the
only possible outcomes of an energy
measurement are E0 , E1 , or E2 , where En is the
energy of the n-th excited state. if H is the
Hamiltonian of the oscillator, ⟨𝜓|𝐻|𝜓⟩ = 3ℏ𝜔/2
and ⟨𝜓|𝐻 2 |𝜓⟩ = 11ℏ2 𝜔2 /4, then the probability
that the energy measurement yields E0 is.
[JEST 2018]
(a) 1/2 (b) 1/4
(c) 1/8 (d) 0

4. A harmonic oscillator has the following

Hamiltonian
𝑃ˆ2 1
𝐻0 = + 𝑚𝜔2 𝑥ˆ2
2𝑚 2
It is perturbed with a potential V = 𝜆𝑥ˆ4 . Some
of the matrix elements of 𝑥ˆ2 in terms of its
expectation value in the ground state are given
as follow:

46
 ⟨0|𝑥ˆ 2 |0⟩ = C 7. A one-dimensional harmonic oscillator is in the
⟨0|x̂ 2 |2⟩ = √2C state
∞
⟨1|x̂ 2 |1⟩ = 3C 1
|𝜓⟩ = ∑ |𝑛⟩
⟨1|x̂ 2 |3⟩ = √6C √𝑛!
𝑛=0
Where |𝑛⟩ is the normalised eigenstate of H0
where |𝑛⟩ is the normalized energy eigenstate
corresponding to the eigenvalue En = ℏ𝜔(n + 1
1/2). Suppose Δ𝐸0 and Δ𝐸1 denote the energy with eigenvalue (𝑛 + 2) ℏ𝜔. Let the expectation
correction of O(𝜆) to the ground state and the value of the Hamiltonian in the state |𝜓⟩ be
1
first excited state, respectively. What is the expressed as 𝛼ℏ𝜔. What is the value of 𝛼 ?
2
fraction Δ𝐸1 and Δ𝐸0 [JEST 2019]
[JEST 2018]
8. Consider the motion of a particle in two
5. A harmonic oscillator has the following dimensions given by the Lagrangian
Hamiltonian 𝑚 𝜆
𝑃ˆ2 1 𝐿 = (𝑥˙ 2 + 𝑦˙ 2 ) − (𝑥 + 𝑦)2
𝐻0 = + 𝑚𝜔2 𝑥ˆ2 2 4
2𝑚 2 where 𝜆 > 0. The initial conditions are given as
It is perturbed with a potential V = 𝜆𝑥ˆ4 . Some 𝑦(0) = 0, 𝑥(0) = 42 meters, 𝑥(0) = 𝑦(0) = 0.
of the matrix elements of 𝑥ˆ2 in terms of its What is the value of 𝑥(𝑡) − 𝑦(𝑡) at 𝑡 = 25
expectation value in the ground state are given seconds in meters?
as follow: [JEST 2019]
⟨0|𝑥ˆ 2 |0⟩ = C 9. Consider a quantum particle of mass 𝑚 moving
⟨0|x̂ 2 |2⟩ = √2C in a potential
⟨1|x̂ 2 |1⟩ = 3C 1 2 (𝑥 2
𝑉(𝑥, 𝑦) = {2 𝑚𝜔 + 𝑦 2 ), for 𝑥 > 0, 𝑦 > 0
⟨1|x̂ 2 |3⟩ = √6C
∞, otherwise
Where |𝑛⟩ is the normalised eigenstate of H0
what is the degeneracy of the energy state 9ℏ𝜔,
corresponding to the eigenvalue En = ℏ𝜔(n +
where 𝜔 > 0 measures the strength of the
1/2). Suppose Δ𝐸0 and Δ𝐸1 denote the energy
potential?
correction of O(𝜆) to the ground state and the
[JEST 2020]
first excited state, respectively. What is the
(a) 4 (b) 2
fraction Δ𝐸1 and Δ𝐸0
(c) 10 (d) 5
[JEST 2018]
10. Consider the normalized wave function 𝜓 =
6. A quantum particle of mass 𝑚 is in a one-
𝑎𝜓0 + 𝑏𝜓1 for a one-dimensional simple
dimensional potential of the form
harmonic oscillator at some time, where 𝜓0 and
1 2 2 𝜓1 are the normalized ground state and the first
𝑉(𝑥) = {2 𝑚𝜔 𝑥 , if 𝑥 > 0
∞ if 𝑥 ≤ 0 excited state respectively, and 𝑎, 𝑏 are real
where 𝜔 is a constant. Which one of the numbers. For what values of 𝑎 and 𝑏, the
following represents the possible ground state magnitude of expectation value of 𝑥, i.e. |⟨𝑥⟩|, is
wave function of the particle? maximum?
[JEST 2019] [JEST 2021]
(a) 𝑎 = −𝑏 = 1/√2 (b) 𝑎 = 𝑏 = 1/√2
(c) 𝑎 = 1, 𝑏 = 0 (d) 𝑎 = 0, 𝑏 = 1

11. A particle is in the 𝑛th energy eigenstate of an

infinite one-dimensional potential well between
𝑥 = 0 and 𝑥 = 𝐿. Let 𝑃 be the probability of
finding the particle between 𝑥 = 0 and 𝑥 = 1/3.
In the limit 𝑛 → ∞, the value of 𝑃 is
[JEST 2021]

47
 (a) 1/9 (b) 2/3 1
(|287⟩ + |288⟩), where |𝑛⟩ denotes the 𝑛th
√2
(c) 1/3 (d) 1/√3 normalized energy eigenstate of the harmonic
oscillator. Let
12. The uncertainty Δ𝑥 in the position of a particle
with mass 𝑚 in the ground state of a harmonic ℏ
𝐿0 = √
oscillator is 2ℏ/𝑚𝑐. What is the energy (in units 𝑚𝜔
of 10−4 mc 2 ) required to excite the system to denote the oscillator size and ⟨𝑥ˆ⟩ denote the
the first excited state? expectation value of the position operator in the
[JEST 2021] state |𝜓⟩. What is the value of
⟨𝑥ˆ⟩
? You may use
𝐿0
1 the form of the position operator in terms of the
13. Consider 5 identical spin 2 particles moving in a
raising and lowering operators:
3-dimensional harmonic oscillator potential, 𝐿0
1 1 𝑥ˆ = (𝑎 + 𝑎† )
𝑉(𝑟) = 𝑚𝜔2 𝑟 2 = 𝑚𝜔2 (𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 + 𝑧 2 ) √2
2 2 [JEST 2024]
The degeneracy of the ground state of the
system is
❖ TIFR PYQ’s
[JEST 2022]
1. A particle of mass 𝑚 is placed in the ground
(a) 32 (b) 7
state of a one-dimensional harmonic oscillator
(c) 5 (d) 20
potential of the form
1
14. For a one-dimensional simple harmonic 𝑉(𝑥) = 𝑘𝑥 2
2
oscillator, for which |0⟩ denotes the ground where the stiffness constant 𝑘 can be varied
state, what is the constant 𝛽 in ⟨0|𝑒 𝑖𝑘𝑥 |0⟩ = externally. The ground state wavefunction has
2 |0⟩
𝑒 −𝛽⟨0|𝑥 ? the form 𝜓(𝑥) ∝ exp (−𝑎𝑥 2 √𝑘) where 𝑎 is a
[JEST 2022] constant. If, suddenly, the parameter 𝑘 is
(a) 𝛽 = 2𝑘 2 (b) 𝛽 = 𝑘 2 changed to 4𝑘, the probability that the particle
(c) 𝛽 = 𝑘 2 /4 (d) 𝛽 = 𝑘 2 /2 will remain in the ground state of the new
potential is
15. A quantum oscillator with energy levels [TIFR 2011]
1 (a) 0.47 (b) 0.06
𝐸𝑛 = (𝑛 + ) ℏ𝜔, 𝑛 = 0,1,2 ⋯
2 (c) 0.53 (d) 0.67
is in equilibrium at a low enough temperature 𝑇 (e) 0.33 (f) 0.94
so that the occupation of all states with 𝑛 ≥ 2 is
negligible. What is the mean energy of the 2. The strongest three lines in the emission
oscillator as a function of the inverse spectrum of an interstellar gas cloud are found
1
temperature 𝛽 = ( )? to have wavelengths 𝜆0 , 2𝜆0 and 6𝜆0
𝑘𝐵 𝑇
[JEST 2024] respectively, where 𝜆0 is a known wavelength.
(a) ℏ𝜔[1 − exp (−𝛽ℏ𝜔)] From this we can deduce that the radiating
particles in the cloud behave like
1 1 [TIFR 2012]
(b)ℏ𝜔 [ + ] (a) free particles (b) particles in a box
2 1 − exp (𝛽ℏ𝜔)
(c) harmonic oscillators (d) rigid rotators
(c) ℏ𝜔[1 + exp (−𝛽ℏ𝜔)] (e) hydrogenic atoms

1 1 3. A harmonic oscillator has the wave function,

(d)ℏ𝜔 [ + ] 1
2 1 + exp (𝛽ℏ𝜔) 𝜓(𝑥, 𝑡) = [3𝜑0 (𝑥, 𝑡) − 2√2𝜑1 (𝑥, 𝑡)
5
16. A quantum harmonic oscillator of mass 𝑚 and + 2√2𝜑2 (𝑥, 𝑡)]
angular frequency 𝜔 is in the state |𝜓⟩ = where 𝜑𝑛 (𝑥, 𝑡) is the eigenfunction belonging to
1
the 𝑛-th energy eigenvalue (𝑛 + 2) ℏ𝜔. The

48
 expectation value ⟨𝐸⟩ of energy for the state 3 4 4 3
|𝛽1 ⟩ = |𝛼1 ⟩ − |𝛼2 ⟩ |𝛽2 ⟩ = |𝛼1 ⟩ + |𝛼2 ⟩
𝜓(𝑥, 𝑡) is 5 5 5 5
[TIFR 2013] Suppose a measurement is made of the
(a) 1.58ℏ𝜔 (b) 0.46ℏ𝜔 observable 𝐴 and a value 𝑎1 is obtained. If the
(c) ℏ𝜔 (d) 1.46ℏ𝜔 observable 𝐵 is now measured, the probability
of obtaining the value 𝑏1 will be
4. A particle of mass 𝑚 and charge 𝑒 is in the [TIFR 2015]
ground state of a onedimensional harmonic (a) 0.80 (b) 0.64
oscillator potential in the presence of a uniform (c) 0.60 (d) 0.36
external electric field 𝐸. The total potential felt
by the particle is 7. A particle is confined inside a one-dimensional
1 potential well 𝑉(𝑥), as shown on the right.
𝑉(𝑥) = 𝑘𝑥 2 − 𝑒𝐸𝑥 One of the possible probability distributions
2
If the electric field is suddenly switched off, |𝜓(𝑥)|2 for an energy eigenstate for this particle
then the particle will is
[TIFR 2014] [TIFR 2016]
(a) make a transition to any harmonic oscillator
state with 𝑥 = −𝑒𝐸/𝑘 as origin without
emitting any photon.
(b) make a transition to any harmonic oscillator
state with 𝑥 = 0 as origin and absorb a photon.
(c) settle into the harmonic oscillator ground
state with 𝑥 = 0 as origin after absorbing a
photon.
(d) oscillate back and forth with initial
amplitude 𝑒𝐸/𝑘, emitting multiple photons as it
does so.

5. A one-dimensional quantum harmonic

oscillator is in its ground state
𝑚𝜔 1/4 −𝑚𝜔𝑥 2 /2ℏ
𝜓0 (𝑥) = ( ) 𝑒 8. Two harmonic oscillators 𝐴 and 𝐵 are in excited
𝜋ℏ
Two experiments, [𝐴] and [𝐵], are performed eigenstates with the same excitation energy 𝐸,
on the system. In [𝐴], the frequency 𝜔 of the as measured from their respective ground state
oscillator is suddenly doubled, while in [B] the energies. The natural frequency of 𝐴 is twice
frequency 𝜔 is suddenly halved. If 𝑝𝐴 and 𝑝𝐵 that of 𝐵.
denote the probability in each case that the
system is found in its new ground state
immediately after the frequency change, which
of the following is true?
[TIFR 2015] If the wavefunction of 𝐵 is as sketched in the
above picture, which of the following would
(a) 𝑝𝐴 = √2𝑝𝐵 (b) 𝑝𝐴 = 2𝑝𝐵
best represent the wavefunction of 𝐴 ?
(c) 2𝑝𝐴 = 𝑝𝐵 (d) 𝑝𝐴 = 𝑝𝐵
[TIFR 2016]
6. A two-state quantum system has two
observables 𝐴 and 𝐵. It is known that the
observable 𝐴 has eigenstates |𝛼1 ⟩ and |𝛼2 ⟩ with
eigenvalues 𝑎1 and 𝑎2 respectively, while 𝐵 has
eigenstates |𝛽1 ⟩ and |𝛽2 ⟩ with eigenvalues 𝑏1
and 𝑏2 respectively, and that these eigenstates
are related by

49
 12. At time 𝑡 = 0, the wavefunction of a particle in a
9. Consider the 1-D asymmetric double-well harmonic oscillator potential of natural
potential 𝑉(𝑥) as sketched below. frequency 𝜔 is given by
1
𝜓(0) = {3𝜑0 − 2√2𝜑1 + 2√2𝜑2 }
5
where 𝜑𝑛 (𝑥) denotes the eigenfunction
belonging to the 𝑛-th eigenvalue of energy. At
time 𝑡 = 𝜏, the wavefunction is found to be
The probability distribution 𝑝(𝑥) of a particle in 𝑖
𝜓(𝜏) = − {3𝜑0 + 2√2𝜑1 + 2√2𝜑2 }
the ground state of this potential is best 5
represented by [TIFR 2017] The minimum value of 𝜏 is
[TIFR 2019]
𝜋 2𝜋
(a) (b)
2𝜔 𝜔

2𝜋 𝜋
(c) (d)
3𝜔 𝜔

13. Three non-interacting particles whose masses

are in the ratio 1:4:16 are placed together in the
same harmonic oscillator potential 𝑉(𝑥).
The degeneracies of the first three energy
eigenstates (ordered by increasing energy) will
10. A one-dimensional harmonic oscillator of a be [TIFR 2020]
mass 𝑚 and natural frequency 𝜔 is in the (a) 1,1,1 (b) 1,1,2
quantum state (c) 1,2,1 (d) 1,2,2
1 𝑖 𝑖
|𝜓⟩ = |0⟩ + |1⟩ + |2⟩
3 √3 √3 14. A particle of mass 𝑚 is placed in a one-
at time t = 0, where |𝑛⟩ denotes the eigenstate dimensional harmonic oscillator potential
1
with eigenvalue (𝑛 + 2) ℏ𝜔. It follows that the 1
𝑉(𝑥) = 𝑚𝜔2 𝑥 2
expection value ⟨𝑥⟩ of the position operator 𝑥ˆ is 2
At 𝑡 = 0, its wavefunction is 𝜓(𝑥). At 𝑡 = 2𝜋/𝜔
[TIFR 2016]
1 its wavefunction will be [TIFR 2020]
(a)𝑥(0) [cos 𝜔𝑡 + sin 𝜔𝑡] (a) 𝜓(𝑥) (b) −𝜓(𝑥)
√3
2𝜋
(b) 𝑥(0)[cos 𝜔𝑡 − sin 𝜔𝑡] (c) − 𝜋𝜓(𝑥) (d) 𝜓(𝑥)
𝜔
1
(c)𝑥(0) [cos 𝜔𝑡 − sin 𝜔𝑡] 15. What are the energy eigenvalues for relative
2
motion in one-dimension of a two-body simple
1 quantum harmonic oscillator (each body having
(d)𝑥(0) [cos 𝜔𝑡 + sin 𝜔𝑡] mass 𝑚 ) with the following Hamiltonian?
2
𝑝12 𝑝22 1
𝐻= + + 𝑚𝜔2 (𝑥1 − 𝑥2 )2
11. A particle of mass 𝑚 moves in a two- 2𝑚 2𝑚 2
dimensional space (𝑥, 𝑦) under the influence of [TIFR 2021]
1 1
a Hamiltonian (a) (𝑛 + ) ℏ𝜔 (b) √2 (𝑛 + ) ℏ𝜔
1 1 2 2
𝐻= (𝑝𝑥2 + 𝑝𝑦2 ) + 𝑚𝜔2 (5𝑥 2 + 5𝑦 2 + 6𝑥𝑦)
2𝑚 4
Find the ground state energy of this particle in a 1 1 3 1
quantum-mechanical treatment. (c) (𝑛 + ) ℏ𝜔 (d) √ (𝑛 + ) ℏ𝜔
√2 2 2 2
[TIFR 2018]

50
16. Suppose a system is in a normalized state |Ψ⟩ 1 2
such that|Ψ⟩ = 𝑐(|𝜑0 ⟩ + 𝑒 𝑖𝜃 |𝜑1 ⟩) where |𝜑0 ⟩ 𝑉(𝑥) = {2 𝑘𝑥 for 𝑥 > 0
∞ for 𝑥 ≤ 0
and |𝜑1 ⟩ are the first two normalised
In a quantum mechanical treatment, what is the
eigenstates of a one-dimensional simple
ground state energy of the particle?
harmonic oscillator of frequency 𝜔, and 𝑐 > 0 is
[TIFR 2024]
a real constant. If the expectation value of the
position operator 𝑥ˆ is given by 1 𝑘 3 𝑘
(a) ℏ√ (b) ℏ√
2 𝑚 2 𝑚
1 ℏ
⟨Ψ|𝑥ˆ|Ψ⟩ = √
2 𝑚𝜔
the value of 𝜃 must be 𝑘 5 𝑘
(c)ℏ√ (d) ℏ√
[TIFR 2021] 𝑚 2 𝑚
(a) 3𝜋/2 (b) 𝜋/2
(c) 𝜋/4 (d) 𝜋 20. The un-normalized energy eigenfunction of a
one-dimensional simple quantum harmonic
17. Consider a one-dimensional simple harmonic oscillator in dimensionless units (𝑚 = ℏ = 𝜔 =
oscillator with frequency 𝜔0 in its ground state. 2
1 ) is 𝜓𝑎 (𝑥) = (2𝑥 3 − 3𝑥)𝑒 −𝑥 /2 Which of the
An external wave passes through this system, following are two other (un-normalized)
creating a small time-dependent potential of the eigenfunctions which are closest in energy to
form 𝑉(𝑥, 𝑡) = 𝐴𝑥 3 cos 𝜔𝑡, where 𝐴 and 𝜔 are 𝜓𝑎 ?
constants. If the absorption rate of the wave is [TIFR 2024]
measured as a function of 𝜔, which of the 2 2
(a) (2𝑥 2 − 1)𝑒 −𝑥 /2 ; (4𝑥 4 − 12𝑥 2 + 3)𝑒 −𝑥 /2
following graphs is the likely result of such a 2 /2 2
(b) 𝑒 −𝑥 ; (2𝑥 2 − 1)𝑒 −𝑥 /2
measurement? 2 2
[TIFR 2021] (c) 𝑥𝑒 −𝑥 /2 ; (4𝑥 5 − 20𝑥 3 + 15𝑥)𝑒 −𝑥 /2
2
(d) (2𝑥 2 − 1)𝑒 −𝑥 /2 ; (4𝑥 5 + 20𝑥 3 +
2 /2
15𝑥)𝑒 −𝑥

18. A particle of mass 𝑚 in a three-dimensional

potential well has a Hamiltonian of the form
𝑝𝑥2 𝑝𝑦2 𝑝𝑧2 1 1
𝐻= + + + 𝑚𝜔2 𝑥 2 + 𝑚𝜔2 𝑦 2
2𝑚 2𝑚 2𝑚 2 2
+ 2𝑚𝜔2 𝑧 2
where 𝜔 is a constant. If there are two identical
spin-1/2 particles in this potential having a
total energy the entropy of the system will be
𝐸 = 6ℏ𝜔 [TIFR 2022]
(a) 𝑘𝐵 ln 12 (b) 𝑘𝐵 ln 16
(c) 𝑘𝐵 ln 14 (d) 𝑘𝐵 ln 10

19. Consider a particle of mass 𝑚 moving in a one-

dimensional potential of the form

51
 ❖ Answers key
CSIR-NET
1. b 2. c 3. a 4. c 5. d
6. d 7. a 8. b 9. a 10. c
11. d 12. b 13. d 14. d 15. b
16. c 17. a
GATE
1. c 2. 3. c 4. d 5. c
6. b 7. c 8. b 9. c 10. c
11. a 12. c 13. c 14. d 15. d
16. d 17. 3.25 18. 0 19. c 20. a
21. d 22. a 23. 2.5 24. 0.6 25. a
26. a 27. c 28. bcd 29. b
JEST
1. a 2. a 3. b 4. 0005 5. 0005
6. b 7. 3 8. 42 9. a 10. b
11. c 12. 1250 13. d 14. d 15. d
16. 12
TIFR
1. F 2. d 3. d 4. b 5. d
6. d 7. a 8. b 9. c 10. a
11. 12. d 13. b 14. b 15. b
16. c 17. a 18. c 19. b 20. a

52
 ➢ Hydrogen Atom
❖ CSIR-NET PYQ’s 5. An electron is in the ground state of a hydrogen
1. The energy levels of the non-relativistic atom. The probability that it is within the Bohr
electron in a hydrogen atom (i.e. in a Coulomb radius is approximately equal to
potential 𝑉(𝑟) ∝ −1/𝑟 are given by 𝐸𝑛𝑡𝑚 ∝ [CSIR JUNE 2014]
−1/𝑛2 , where n is the principal quantum (a) 0.60 (b) 0.90
number, and the corresponding wave functions (c) 0.16 (d) 0.32
are given by 𝜓𝑛ℓ𝑚 , where ℓ is the orbital
angular momentum quantum number and m is 6. Suppose that the Coulomb potential of the
the magnetic quantum number. The spin of the hydrogen atom is changed by adding an
electron is not considered. Which of the inverse-square term such that the total
following is a correct statement? potential is
2
[CSIR JUNE 2011] 𝑧𝑒 𝑔
𝑉(𝑟⃗) = − + 2
(a) There are exactly (2ℓ + 1) different wave 𝑟 𝑟
functions 𝜓𝑛ℓ𝑚 , for each Enℓm . where 𝑔 is a constant. The energy eigenvalues
(b) There are ℓ(ℓ + 1) different wave functions 𝐸𝑚/𝑁 in the modified potential
𝜓nℓm, for each Enℓm . [CSIR JUNE 2016]
(c) Enℓm does not depend on ℓ and m for the (a) depend on 𝑛 and 𝑙, but not on 𝑚
Coulomb potential. (b) depend on 𝑛 but not on 𝑙 and 𝑚
(d) There is a unique wave function 𝜓nℓm and (c) depend on 𝑛 and 𝑚, but not on 𝑙
Entm . (d) depend explicitly on all three quantum
numbers 𝑛, 𝑙 and 𝑚
2. If an electron is in the ground state of the
hydrogen atom, the probability that its distance 7. The normalized wavefunction of a particle in
from the proton is more than one Bohr radius is three dimensions is given by
approximately 1
𝜓(𝑟, 𝜃, 𝜑) = 𝑒 −𝑟/2𝑎
[CSIR JUNE 2011] √8𝜋𝑎3
(a) 0.68 (b)0.48 where 𝑎 > 0 is a constant. The ratio of the most
(c) 0.28 (d)0.91 probable distance from the origin to the mean
distance from the origin, is [You may use
∞
3. Given that the ground state energy of the ∫0 𝑑𝑥𝑥 𝑛 𝑒 −𝑥 = 𝑛! ].
hydrogen atom is 13.6eV, the ground state [CSIR DEC 2017]
energy of positronium (which is a bound state 1 1
of an electron and a position) is (a) (b)
3 2
[CSIR DEC 2011]
(a) +6.8eV (b)6.8eV 3 2
(c) (d)
(c) −13.6eV (d) −27.2Ev 2 3

4. The wave function of a state of the hydrogen 8. Let the wavefunction of the electron in a
atom is given by hydrogen atom be
7
𝜓 = 𝜓200 + 2𝜓21 + 3𝜓210 + √2𝜓21−1 1 2 1
where 𝜓n/m denotes the normalized eigen 𝜓(𝑟⃗) = 𝜙200 (𝑟⃗) + √ 𝜙21−1 (𝑟⃗) − 𝜙100 (𝑟⃗)
√6 3 √6
function of the state with quantum numbers n, 𝑙 where 𝜙𝑛𝐼𝑚 (𝑟⃗) are the eigenstates of the
and m in the usual notation. The expectation Hamiltonian in the standard notation. The
value of Lz in the state 𝜓 is: [CSIR DEC 2012] expectation value
15ℏ 11ℏ
(a) (b) of the energy in this state is
16 16
[CSIR DEC 2018]
(a) −10.8eV (b) −6.2eV
3ℏ ℏ
(c) (d) (c) −9.5eV (d) −5.1eV
8 8

53
9. If the position of the electron in the ground [GATE 2004]
state of a hydrogen atom is measured, the (a) 4 (b) 16
probability that it will be found at a distance (c) 18 (d) 32
𝑟 ≥ 𝑎0 ( 𝑎0 being Bohr radius) is nearest to
[CSIR DEC 2018] 3. In hydro genic states, the probability of finding
(a) 0.91 (b) 0.66 an electron at 𝑟 = 0 is
(c) 0.32 (d) 0.13 [GATE 2006]
(a) zero in state 𝜙1𝑠 (𝑟)
10. The radial wavefunction of hydrogen atom with (b) non-zero in state 𝜙1𝑠 (𝑟)
the principal quantum number 𝑛 = 2 and the (c) zero in state 𝜙2𝑠 (𝑟)
orbital quantum (d) zero in state 𝜙2𝑝 (𝑟)
𝑟 𝑟
𝑅20 = 𝑁 (1 − ) 𝑒 −2𝑎
2𝑎 4. An atomic state of hydrogen is represented by
where 𝑁 is the normalized constant. The best
the following wavefunction:
schematic representation of the probability 3/2
1 1 𝑟
density 𝑝(𝑟) for the electron to be between 𝑟 𝜓(𝑟, 𝜃, 𝜑) = ( ) (1 − ) 𝑒 −𝑟/2𝑎0 cos 𝜃
and 𝑟 + 𝑑𝑟 is √2 𝑎0 2𝑎0
where 𝑎0 is a constant. The quantum numbers
[CSIR JUNE 2023]
of the state are
[GATE 2007]
(a) 𝑙 = 0, 𝑚 = 0, 𝑛 = 1
(b) 𝑙 = 1, 𝑚 = 1, 𝑛 = 2
(c) 𝑙 = 1, 𝑚 = 0, 𝑛 = 2
(d) 𝑙 = 2, 𝑚 = 0, 𝑛 = 3

5. Let |𝜓0 ⟩ denote the ground state of the

11. A hydrogen atom is in the state hydrogen atom. Choose the correct statement
from those given below:
8 3 4 [GATE 2008]
|𝜓⟩ = √ |𝜓200 ⟩ + √ |𝜓210 ⟩ + √ |𝜓311 ⟩
21 7 21 (a) [𝐿𝑥 , 𝐿𝑦 ]|𝜓0 ⟩ = 0 2
(b) 𝐽 |𝜓0 ⟩ = 0
where |𝜓nlm ⟩ are normalized eigenstates. If 𝐿ˆ2 (c) 𝐿⃗⃗ ⋅ 𝑆⃗|𝜓0 ⟩ ≠ 0 (d) [𝑆𝑥 , 𝑆𝑦 ]|𝜓0 ⟩ = 0
is measured in this state, the probability of
obtaining the value 2ℏ2 is 6. The radial wave function of the electrons in the
[CSIR JUNE 2024] state of 𝑛 = 1 and 𝑙 = 0 in a hydrogen atom is
13 4 2 𝑟
(a) (b) 𝑅10 = 3/2 exp (− ) , 𝑎0
21 21 𝑎0
17 3 𝑎 0
(c) (d) is the Bohr radius. The most probable value of 𝑟
21 7
for an electron is
❖ GATE PYQ’s [GATE 2008]
1. In spherical coordinates, the wave function (a) 𝑎0 (b) 2𝑎0
describing a state of a system is (c) 4𝑎0 (d) 8𝑎0
1 1 3/2 𝑟 −4/2𝑎
𝜓(𝑟, 𝜃, 𝜙) = ( ) 𝑒 0 sin 𝜃𝑒 −𝑖𝜙
7. The normalized ground state wave function of a
8√𝜋 𝑎0 𝑎0
where 𝑎0 is a constant. Find the parity of the hydrogen atom is given by
1 2 −𝑟/𝑎
system in this state. Ψ(𝑟) = 𝑒
[GATE 2002] √4𝜋 𝑎3/2
where 𝑎 is the Bohr radius and r is the distance
2. In a hydrogen atom, the accidental or Coulomb of the electron from the nucleus, located at the
1
degeneracy for the 𝑛 = 4 state is origin. The expectation value ⟨𝑟2 ⟩ is
[GATE 2011]

54
 8𝜋 4𝜋 positive constant of suitable dimensions. If 𝛾𝑎 is
(a) (b)
𝑎2 𝑎2 the most probable distance of the particle from
the force center, the value of 𝛾 is
4 2 [GATE 2020]
(c) (d)
𝑎2 𝑎2
12. The normalized radial wave function of the
8. An electron in the ground state of the hydrogen
second excited state of hydrogen atom is
atom has the wave function 1 𝑟
1 𝑅(𝑟) = (𝑎−3/2 ) (𝑒 −𝑟/2𝑎 )
Ψ(𝑟⃗) = 𝑒 −(𝑟/𝑎0 ) √24 𝑎
√𝜋𝑎03 where 𝑎 is the Bohr radius and 𝑟 is the distance
from the center of the atom. The distance at
Where 𝑎0 is constant. The expectation value of
which the electron is most likely to be found is
the operator 𝑄ˆ = 𝑧 2 − 𝑟 2 , where 𝑧 = 𝑟cos 𝜃 is
𝑦 × 𝑎. The value of 𝑦 (in integer) is

∞ Γ(𝑛) (𝑛 + 1)!
(Hint: ∫0 𝑒 −𝛼𝑟 𝑟 𝑛 𝑑𝑟 = = ) [GATE 2021]
𝛼 𝑛+1 𝛼 𝑛+1
❖ JEST PYQ’s
1. If a proton were ten times lighter, then the
[GATE 2014]
ground state energy of the electron in a
𝑎02
(a) − (b) − 𝑎02 hydrogen atom would have been
2
[JEST 2014]
(a) Less
3𝑎02
(c) − (d) − 2𝑎02 (b) More
2
(c) The same
9. Which one of the following represents the 3𝑝 (d) Depends on the electron mass
radial wave function of hydrogen atom? ( 𝑎0 is
the Bohr radius) 2. The wave function of a hydrogen atom is given
[GATE 2018] by the following superposition of energy eigen-
functions 𝜓nlu (𝑟⃗)(n, 1, mare the usual quantum
numbers): [JEST 2016]
√2 3
𝜓(𝑟⃗) = 𝜓100 (𝑟⃗) − 𝜓210 (𝑟⃗)
√7 √14
1
+ 𝜓322 (𝑟⃗)
√14
The ratio of expectation value of the energy to
the ground state energy and the expectation
value of 𝐿2 are, respectively:
229 12ℏ2 101 12ℏ2
(a). and (b). and
504 7 504 7

10. The intrinsic/permanent electric dipole 101 229

moment in the ground state of hydrogen atom (c). and ℏ2 (d). and ℏ2
504 504
is ( 𝑎0 is the Bohr radius)
[GATE 2018] 3. If
(a) −3𝑒𝑎0 (b) zero 1
𝑌𝑥𝑦 = (𝑌22 − 𝑌2,−2 )
(c) 𝑒𝑎0 (d) 3𝑒𝑎0 √2
where 𝑌𝑙,𝑚 are spherical harmonics, then which
11. The radial wave function of a particle in a of the following is true?
central potential is give by [JEST 2016]
𝑟 𝑟 (a) 𝑌𝑥𝑦 is an eigen function of both L2 and L𝑧
𝑅(𝑟) = 𝐴 exp (− )
𝑎 2𝑎 (b) 𝑌𝑥𝑦 is an eigen function of L2 but not L𝑧
where 𝐴 is the normalization constant and 𝑎 is

55
 (c) 𝑌𝑥𝑦 is an eigen function both of L𝑧 but not L2
(d) 𝑌𝑥𝑦 is not an eigen function of either L2 and
L𝑧

4. In the ground state of hydrogen atom, the most

probable distance of the electron from the
nucleus, in units of Bohr radius 𝑎0 is:
[JEST 2016]
1
(a) (b) 1
2
3
(c) 2 (d)
2
8. The radial part of the electronic ground state
5. What is the binding energy of an electron in the wave function of the Hydrogen atom is
ground state of a He+ ion? 1 𝑟
[JEST 2019] 𝑅10 (𝑟) = exp (− )
𝑎0
(a) 6.8eV (b) 13.6eV √𝜋𝑎03
(c) 27.2eV (d) 54.4Ev where 𝑎0 is the Bohr radius. If ⟨𝑟⟩ and 𝑟𝑚𝑝
denote the expectation value and the maximum
6. Positronium is a short lived bound state of an probable value of the radial coordinate,
electron and a positron. The energy difference 8 ⟨𝑟⟩
respectively, compute 3 𝑟 .
between the first excited state and ground state 𝑚𝑝

of positronium is expected to be around [JEST 2024]

[JEST 2021]
❖ TIFR PYQ’s
(a) four times that of the Hydrogen atom
(b) twice that of the Hydrogen atom 1. The normalized wavefunctions of a Hydrogen
(c) half that of the Hydrogen atom atom are denoted by 𝜓𝑛,ℓ,𝑚 (𝑥⃗), where 𝑛, ℓ and
(d) the same as that of the Hydrogen atom 𝑚 are, respectively, the principal, azimuthal and
magnetic quantum numbers respectively. Now
7. The wavefunction of the electron in a Hydrogen consider an electron in the mixed state
atom in a particular state is given by 1 2 2
Ψ(𝑥⃗) = 𝜓1,0,0 (𝑥⃗) + 𝜓2,1,0 (𝑥⃗) + 𝜓3,2,−2 (𝑥⃗)
−3/2
𝜋 −1/2 𝑎∘ exp (−𝑟/𝑎∘ ). Which of the following 3 3 3
The expectation value ⟨𝐸⟩ of the energy of this
figures qualitatively depicts the probability
electron, in electron-Volts (eV) will be
(𝑃(𝑟)) of the electron to be within a distance 𝑟
approximately
from the nucleus?
[TIFR 2012]
[JEST 2022]
(a) -1.5 (b) −3.7
(c) -13.6 (d) -80.1
(e) +13.6

2. An energy eigenstate of the Hydrogen atom has

the wave function
𝜓𝑛ℓ𝑚 (𝑟, 𝜃, 𝜑)
1 1 3/2 𝑟
= ( ) sin 𝜃cos 𝜃exp [− ( + 𝑖𝜑)]
81√𝜋 𝑎0 3𝑎0
where 𝑎0 is the Bohr radius. The principal (𝑛),
azimuthal (ℓ) and magnetic (𝑚) quantum
numbers corresponding to this wave function
are

56
 [TIFR 2013] (c) (d)
(a) 𝑛 = 3, ℓ = 2, 𝑚 = 1
(c) 𝑛 = 3, ℓ = 2, 𝑚 = −1
(b) 𝑛 = 2, ℓ = 1, 𝑚 = 1
(d) 𝑛 = 2, ℓ = 1, 𝑚 = ±1

3. A particle in the 2𝑠 state of hydrogen has the

wave function
1 1 3/2 𝑟 𝑟
𝜓2𝑠 (𝑟) = ( ) (2 − ) exp (− )
4√2𝜋 𝑎0 𝑎0 2𝑎0
5. An electron in a hydrogen atom is in a state
where 𝑟 is the radial coordinate w.r.t. the
described by the wavefunction:
nucleus as origin and 𝑎0 is the Bohr radius. The
probability 𝑃 of finding the electron somewhere 1 2
Ψ(𝑟⃗) = 𝜓100 (𝑥⃗) + √ 𝜓210 (𝑥⃗)
inside a sphere of radius 𝜆𝑎0 centered at the √10 5
nucleus, is best described by the graph
2 1
[TIFR 2014] + √ 𝜓211 (𝑥⃗) − 𝜓21,−1 (𝑥⃗)
5 √10
where 𝜓𝑛ℓ𝑚 (𝑥⃗) denotes a normalized
wavefunction of the hydrogen atom with the
principal quantum number 𝑛, angular quantum
number ℓ and magnetic quantum number 𝑚.
Neglecting the spin-orbit interaction, the
expectation values of 𝐿̂𝑧 and 𝐿̂2 for this state are
[TIFR 2019]
2
(a) 3ℏ/10,9ℏ /5 (c) 3ℏ/4,9ℏ2 /25
(b) 3ℏ/5,9ℏ2 /10 (d) 8ℏ/10,3ℏ2 /5

6. An electron moves in a hydrogen atom potential

in a state ∣ Ψ that has the wave function
4. An electron is in the 2𝑠 level of the hydrogen Ψ(𝑟, 𝜃, 𝜑) = 𝑁𝑅21 (𝑟)[2𝑖𝑌1−1 (𝜃, 𝜑) + (2
atom, with the radial wave-function + 𝑖)𝑌10 (𝜃, 𝜑) + 3𝑖𝑌11 (𝜃, 𝜑)]
1 𝑟 𝑟
𝜓(𝑟) = (2 − ) exp (− ) where 𝑁 is a normalization constant, 𝑅𝑛𝑙 (𝑟) is
3/2 𝑎0 2𝑎0
2√2𝑎 0 the radial wave function and the 𝑌𝑙𝑚 (𝜃, 𝜑) are
The probability 𝑃(𝑟) of finding this electron spherical harmonics. The expectation value of
between distances 𝑟 to 𝑟 + 𝑑𝑟 from the centre is 𝐿ˆ𝑧 , i.e. the 𝑧̂ -component of the angular
best represented by the sketch momentum operator is
[TIFR 2018] [TIFR 2021]
(a) (b) 4
(a) 18 ℏ
5
(b)18 ℏ
9 13
(c)18 ℏ (d)18 ℏ

57
 ❖ Answers key
CSIR-NET
1. c 2. a 3. b 4. d 5. d
6. a 7. d 8. d 9. b 10. a
11. a
GATE
1. b 2. b 3. acd 4. c 5. a
6. a 7. d 8. d 9. a 10. b
11. 4 12.4
JEST
1. a 2. a 3. d 4. b 5. d
6. c 7. a 8. 4
TIFR
1. b 2. c 3. d 4. b 5. a
6. b

58
 ➢ Operator Algebra
❖ CSIR-NET PYQ’s
➢ (a) [A, B] = C (b) AB + BA = C
1. The Hamiltonian of an electron in a constant (c) ABA = C (d) A + B = C
⃗⃗ is given by 𝐻 = 𝜇𝜎⃗ ⋅ 𝐵
magnetic field 𝐵 ⃗⃗ where 𝜇
is a positive constant and 𝜎⃗ = (𝜎1 , 𝜎2 , 𝜎3 ) 7. Given that
denotes the Pauli matrices. Let 𝜔 = 𝜇𝐵/ℏ and I ∂ 1
𝑝ˆ𝑟 = −𝑖ℏ ( + )
be the 2 × 2 unit matrix. ∂𝑟 𝑟
Then the operator eiH/ℏsimplifies to , the uncertainty Δ𝑝𝑟 in the ground state
1
[CSIR JUNE 2011] 𝜓0 (𝑟) = 𝑒 −𝑟/𝑎0
𝜔𝑡 𝑖𝜎⃗ ⋅ 𝐵 ⃗⃗ 𝜔𝑡 √𝜋𝑎03
(a)𝐼cos + sin
2 𝐵 2
of the hydrogen atom is
⃗⃗
𝑖𝜎⃗ ⋅ 𝐵
(b)𝐼cos 𝜔𝑡 + sin 𝜔𝑡 [CSIR JUNE 2014]
𝐵
⃗⃗ ℏ √2ℏ
𝑖𝜎⃗ ⋅ 𝐵 (a) (b)
(c)𝐼sin 𝜔𝑡 + cos 𝜔𝑡 𝑎0 𝑎0
𝐵
𝑖𝜎⃗ ⋅ 𝐵⃗⃗
(d)𝐼sin 2𝜔𝑡 + cos 2𝜔𝑡 ℏ 2ℎ
𝐵 (c) (d)
2𝑎0 𝑎0
2. The commutator [𝑥 2 , 𝑝2 ] is
8. Let 𝑥 and 𝑝 denote, respectively, the coordinate
[CSIR JUNE 2012]
and momentum operators satisfying the
(a) 2 in 𝑥𝑝 (b)2𝑖ℏ(𝑥𝑝 + 𝑝𝑥)
canonical commutation relation [𝑥, 𝑝] = 𝑖 in
(c) 2𝑖ℏ𝑝𝑥 (d) 2𝑖ℏ(𝑥𝑝 − 𝑝𝑥)
natural units (ℏ = 1). Then the commutator
[𝑥, 𝑝𝑒 −𝑝 ] is
3. Which of the following is a self-adjoint operator
[CSIR DEC 2014]
in the spherical polar coordinate system −𝑝
(a) 𝑖(1 − 𝑝)𝑒 (b) 𝑖(1 − 𝑝2 )𝑒 −𝑝
(𝑟, 𝜃, 𝜑) ? −𝑝 )
(c) 𝑖(1 − 𝑒 (d) 𝑖𝑝𝑒 −𝑝
[CSIR JUNE 2012]
𝑖ℏ ∂ ∂
(a) − 2 (b) − 𝑖ℏ 9. Suppose the Hamiltonian of a conservative
sin 𝜃 ∂𝜃 ∂𝜃
system in classical mechanics is 𝐻 = 𝜔𝑥𝑝,
𝑖ℏ ∂ ∂ where 𝜔 is a constant and 𝑥 and 𝑝 are the
(c) − (d) − 𝑖ℏsin 𝜃 position and momentum respectively. The
sin 𝜃 ∂𝜃 ∂𝜃
corresponding Hamiltonian in quantum
4. Given the usual canonical commutation mechanics, in the coordinate representation, is
relations, the commutator [𝐴, 𝐵] of 𝐴 = [CSIR DEC 2014]
𝑖(𝑥𝑝𝑦 − 𝑦𝑝𝑥 ) and B = (yp𝑧 + zpy ) is: ∂ 1 ∂ 1
(a) − 𝑖ℏ𝜔 (𝑥 − ) (b) − 𝑖ℏ𝜔 (𝑥 + )
[CSIR DEC 2012] ∂𝑥 2 ∂𝑥 2
∂ 𝑖ℏ𝜔 ∂
(a) ℏ(xpz − px z) (b) −ℏ(𝑥𝑝𝑧 − 𝑝x 𝑧) (c) − 𝑖ℏ𝜔𝑥 (d) − 𝑥
∂𝑥 2 ∂𝑥
(c) ℎ(xpz + px z) (d) −ℏ(𝑥𝑝𝑧 + 𝑝𝑥 𝑧)
10. The waveform of a particle in one-dimension is
5. If the operators A and B satisfy the
denoted by 𝜓(𝑥) in the coordinate
commutation relation [A, B] = I, where I is the
representation and by 𝜙(𝑝) = ∫ 𝜓(𝑥)𝑒 −𝑖𝑝𝑥/ℏ 𝑑𝑥
identity operator, then
in the momentum representation. If the action
[CSIR JUNE 2013]
A A of an operator 𝑇ˆ on 𝜓(𝑥) is given by 𝑇ˆ𝜓(𝑥) =
(a) [e , B] = e (b) [eA , B] = [eB , A]
𝜓(𝑥 + 𝑎), where 𝑎 is a constant, then 𝑇ˆ𝜙(𝑝) is
(c) [eA , B] = [e−B , A] (d) [eA , B] = 1
given by
[CSIR JUNE 2015]
6. If A, B and C are non-zero Hermitian operators, 𝑖
which of the following relations must be false? (a) − 𝑎𝑝𝜙(𝑝) (b) 𝑒 −𝑖𝑞𝑝/ℏ 𝜙(𝑝)
ℏ
[CSIR DEC 2013]

59
 𝑖
(c)𝑒 +𝑖𝑎𝑝/ℎ 𝜙(𝑝) (d) (1 + 𝑎𝑝) 𝜙(𝑝) 𝑑
ℏ 14. Consider the operator 𝑎 = 𝑥 + 𝑑𝑥 acting on
smooth functions of 𝑥. The commutator
11. A particle moves in one dimension in the
1 [𝑎, cos 𝑥] is
potential 𝑉 = 2 𝑘(𝑡)𝑥 2 , where 𝑘(𝑡) is a time
[CSIR DEC 2016]
𝑑
dependent parameter. Then ⟨𝑉⟩, the rate of (a) −sin 𝑥 (b) cos 𝑥
𝑑𝑡
change of the expression value ⟨𝑉⟩ of the (c) −cos 𝑥 (d) 0
potential energy, is
[CSIR JUNE 2015] 15. Let
1 𝑑𝑘 2 𝑘 1
(a) ⟨𝑥 ⟩ + ⟨𝑥𝑝 + 𝑝𝑥⟩ 𝑎= (𝑥 + 𝑖𝑝)
2 𝑑𝑡 2𝑚 √2
and
1 𝑑𝑘 2 1 1
(b) ⟨𝑥 ⟩ + ⟨𝑝2 ⟩ 𝑎† =
(𝑥 − 𝑖𝑝)
2 𝑑𝑡 2𝑚 √2
be the lowering and raising operators of a
𝑘 simple harmonic oscillator in units where the
(c) ⟨𝑥𝑝 + 𝑝𝑥⟩
2𝑚 mass, angular frequency and ℎ have been set to
unity. If |0⟩ is the ground state of the oscillator
1 𝑑𝑘 2 and 𝜆 is a complex constant, the expectation
(d) ⟨𝑥 ⟩
2 𝑑𝑡 value of ⟨𝜓|𝑥|𝜓⟩ in the state |𝜓⟩ = exp (𝜆𝑎† −
12. Two different sets of orthogonal basis vectors 𝜆∗ 𝑎)|0⟩, is
1 0 [CSIR DEC 2016]
{( ) , ( )} and
0 1 1
1 1 1 1 (a)|𝜆| (b) √|𝜆|2 +
{ ( ), ( )} |𝜆|2
√2 1 √2 −1
are given for a two-dimensional real vector 1 1
(c) (𝜆 − 𝜆∗ ) (d) (𝜆 + 𝜆∗ )
space. The matrix representation of a linear √2𝑖 √2
operator 𝐴ˆ in these bases are related by a
unitary transformation. The unitary matrix may 16. The Hamiltonian of a two-level quantum system
be chosen to be is
[CSIR JUNE 2015] 1 1 1
𝐻 = ℏ𝜔 ( )
0 −1 0 1 2 1 −1
(a) ( ) (b) ( ) A possible initial state in which the probability
1 0 1 0
of the system being in that quantum state does
1 1 1 1 1 0 not change with time, is
(c) ( ) (d) ( )
√2 1 −1 √2 1 1 [CSIR DEC 2017]
𝜋 𝜋
cos cos
13. A Hermitian operator 𝑂ˆ has two normalised (a) ( 4 8
𝜋) (b) ( 𝜋)
eigenstates |1⟩ and |2⟩ with eigenvalues 1 and 2, sin sin
4 8
respectively. The two states |𝑢⟩ = cos 𝜃|1⟩ + 𝜋 𝜋
cos cos
sin 𝜃|2⟩ and |𝑣⟩ = cos 𝜙|1⟩ + sin 𝜙|2⟩ are such (c) ( 2 6
𝜋) (d) ( 𝜋)
that ⟨𝑣|𝑂ˆ|𝑣⟩ = 7/4 and ⟨𝑢 ∣ 𝑣⟩ = 0. Which of the sin sin
2 6
following are possible values of 𝜃 and 𝜙 ?
[CSIR DEC 2015]
𝜋 𝜋 17. The product Δ𝑥Δ𝑝 of uncertainties in the
(a)𝜃 = − 𝑎𝑛𝑑𝜙 = position and momentum of a simple larmonic
6 3
𝜋 𝜋 oscillator of mass 𝑚 and angular frequency 𝜔 in
(b)𝜃 = 𝑎𝑛𝑑𝜙 =
6 3 the ground state |0⟩, is ℏ/2. The value of the
𝜋 𝜋
(c)𝜃 = − 𝑎𝑛𝑑𝜙 = product Δ𝑥Δ𝑝 in the state 𝑒 −𝑖𝑝⃗𝑙/ℏ |0⟩, where 𝑙 is
4 4
𝜋 𝜋 a constant and 𝑝ˆ is the momentum operator) is
(d)𝜃 = and 𝜙 = −
3 6

60
 [CSIR DEC 2018] parity 𝑃 = 1, the earliest time 𝑡 at which the
probability of finding the system in a state of
ℏ 𝑚𝜔𝑙 2
(a) √ (b) ℏ parity 𝑃 = −1 is one, is
2 ℏ
[CSIR JUNE 2021]
ℏ ℏ2 𝜋ℏ 𝜋ℏ
(c) (d) (a) (b)
2 𝑚𝜔𝑙 2 2Δ Δ

18. Consider the operator 𝐴𝑥 = 𝐿𝑦 𝑝𝑧 − 𝐿𝑧 𝑝𝑦 , where 2𝜋ℏ 2𝜋ℏ

(c) (d)
𝐿𝑖 and 𝑝𝑖 denote, respectively, the components 2Δ Δ
of the angular momentum and momentum
operators. The commutator [𝐴𝑥 , 𝑥], where 𝑥 is 22. Which of the following two physical quantities
the 𝑥-component of the position operator, is cannot be measured simultaneously with
[CSIR DEC 2018] arbitrary accuracy for the motion of a quantum
(a) −𝑖ℏ(𝑧𝑝𝑧 + 𝑦𝑝𝑦 ) (b) −𝑖ℏ(𝑧𝑝𝑧 − 𝑦𝑝𝑦 ) particle in three dimensions?
(c) 𝑖ℏ(𝑧𝑝𝑧 + 𝑦𝑝𝑦 ) (d) 𝑖ℏ(𝑧𝑝𝑧 − 𝑦𝑝𝑦 ) [CSIR JUNE 2021]
(a) square of the radial position and 𝑧-
component of angular momentum (𝑟 2 and 𝐿𝑧 )
19. The operator 𝐴 has a matrix representation
2 1 1 0 (b) 𝑥-components of linear and angular
( ) in the basis spanned by ( ) and ( ). In momenta (𝑝𝑥 and 𝐿𝑥 )
1 2 0 1
another basis spanned by (c) 𝑦-component of position and 𝑧-component
1 1 of angular momentum ( 𝑦 and 𝐿𝑧 )
( )
√2 1 (d) squares of the magnitudes of the linear and
and angular momenta ( 𝑝2 and 𝐿2 )
1 1
( )
√2 −1 23. In terms of a complete set of orthonormal basis
the matrix representation of 𝐴 is kets |n⟩, n = 0, ±1, ±2, ⋯, the Hamiltonian is
[CSIR JUNE 2019] H = ∑n (E|n⟩⟨n| + ϵ|n + 1⟩⟨n| + ϵ|n⟩⟨n + 1|)
2 0 3 0 where E and ϵ are constants. The state
(a) ( ) (b)( )
0 2 0 1 |φ⟩ = ∑n einφ |n⟩
3 1 3 0
(c) ( ) (d) ( ) is an eigenstate with energy
0 1 1 1
[CSIR JUNE 2022]
20. Let 𝑥ˆ and 𝑝ˆ denote position and momentum (a)E + ϵco s φ (b)E − ϵcos
operators obeying the commutation relation (c)E + 2ϵco s φ (d)E − 2ϵcos φ
[𝑥ˆ, 𝑝ˆ] = 𝑖ℏ. If |𝑥⟩ denotes an eigenstate of 𝑥ˆ
corresponding to the eigenvalue 𝑥, then 24. The momentum space representation of the
𝑒 𝑖𝑎𝑝ˆ/ℏ |𝑥⟩ is Schrödinger equation of a particle in a potential
[CSIR DEC 2019] V(r⃗)
(a) an eigenstate of 𝑥ˆ corresponding to the is
eigenvalue 𝑥. 2 ∂
(|𝐩|2 + β(∇2p ) ) ψ(𝐩, t) = iℏ ψ(𝐩, t)
(b) an eigenstate of 𝑥ˆ corresponding to the ∂t
where
eigenvalue (𝑥 + 𝑎).
∂
(c) an eigenstate of 𝑥ˆ corresponding to the (𝛁p )i =
∂pi
eigenvalue (𝑥 − 𝑎).
, and β is a constant. The potential is (in the
(d) not an eigenstate of 𝑥ˆ.
following V0 and a are constants)
[CSIR JUNE 2022]
21. A two-state system evolves under the action of 2 /a2 4 /a4
the Hamiltonian 𝐻 = 𝐸0 |𝐴⟩⟨𝐴|+(𝐸0 + Δ)|𝐵⟩⟨𝐵|, (a)V0 e−r (b)V0 e-r
where |𝐴⟩ and |𝐵⟩ are its two orthonormal
states. These states transform to one another r 2 r 4
(c)V0 ( ) (d)V0 ( )
under parity i.e., 𝑃|𝐴⟩ = |𝐵⟩ and 𝑃|𝐵⟩ = |𝐴⟩. If a a
at time 𝑡 = 0 the system is in a state of definite

61
25. Two operators A and B satisfy the commutation 𝑥cos 𝜙 + 𝑝sin 𝜙 and 𝑌 = −𝑥sin 𝜙 + 𝑝cos 𝜙,
relations [𝐻, 𝐴] = −ℏ𝜔𝐵 and [𝐻, 𝐵] = ℏ𝜔𝐴 for 𝜙 real. Then [𝑋, 𝑌] equals
where 𝜔 is a constant and 𝐻 is the Hamiltonian [GATE 2001]
of the system. The expectation value ⟨𝐴⟩𝜑 𝑡 = (a) 1 (b) -1
⟨𝜑|𝐴|𝜑⟩ in a state 𝜑 such that at time 𝑡 = (c) 𝑖 (d) −𝑖
0 𝐴𝜑 (0) = 0 and 𝐵𝜑 (0) = 0 is
[CSIR JUNE 2023] 3. 𝐴ˆ and 𝐵ˆ are two quantum mechanical
(a) sin (𝜔𝑡) (b) sinh (𝜔𝑡) operators. If [𝐴ˆ, 𝐵ˆ] stands for the commutator of
(c) cos (𝜔𝑡) (d) cosh (𝜔𝑡) 𝐴ˆ and 𝐵ˆ, then [[𝐴ˆ, 𝐵ˆ], [𝐵ˆ, 𝐴ˆ]] is equal to

26. If 𝐴 and 𝐵 are hermitian operators and 𝐶 is an [GATE 2002]

antihermitian operator, then (a) 𝐴ˆ𝐵ˆ𝐴ˆ𝐵ˆ − 𝐵ˆ 𝐴ˆ𝐵ˆ𝐴ˆ
[CSIR JUNE 2024] (b) 𝐴ˆ(𝐴ˆ𝐵ˆ − 𝐵ˆ 𝐴ˆ) − 𝐵ˆ(𝐵ˆ𝐴ˆ − 𝐴ˆ𝐵ˆ)
(a)[[𝐴, 𝐵], 𝐶] is hermitian and [[𝐴, 𝐶], 𝐵] is (c) zero
antihermitian (d) ([𝐴ˆ, 𝐵ˆ])2
(b)[[𝐴, 𝐵], 𝐶] and [[𝐴, 𝐶], 𝐵] are both
antihermitian 4. A quantum particle is in a state which is the
(c)[[𝐴, 𝐵], 𝐶] and [[𝐴, 𝐶], 𝐵] are both hermitian superposition of the eigenstates of the
(d)[[𝐴, 𝐵], 𝐶] is antihermitian and [[𝐴, 𝐶], 𝐵] is ∂
momentum operator 𝑝𝑥 = −𝑖ℏ . If the
Hermitian ∂𝑥
probability of finding the momentum ℏ𝑘 of the
27. Let A, B and C be functions of phase space particle is 90%, compute its wave function.
variables (coordinates and momenta of a [GATE 2002]
mechanical system). If
{,}representsthePoissonbracket, thevalueof 5. The wave function of a free particle is given by
2 2 2
{A, {B, C}} − {{A, B}, C} is given by 𝜓(𝑟⃗) = 𝐶𝑒 −(𝑥 +𝑦 +𝑧 ) , where C is a constant.
[CSIR DEC 2013] Compute the momentum space probability
(a) 0 (b){B, {C, A}} density, normalize it to 1 and hence find the
(c) {A, {C, B}} (d) {{C, A}, B} value of C.
[GATE 2002]
28. The operator 𝐴 = ∑∞ 𝑛=0 |𝑛 + 1⟩⟨𝑛| is defined in
terms of the eigenstates |𝑛⟩. of the number 6. The commutator [𝑥, 𝑃2 ], where 𝑥 and 𝑃 are
operator of the simple Harmonic oscillator. position and momentum operators
which of the Following is obeyed by 𝐴 and it's respectively, is
hermitian conjugate 𝐴+ ? ? (I is the Identity [GATE 2003]
operator) [CSIR DEC 2019] (a) 2𝑖ℏ𝑃 (b) −𝑖ℏ𝑃
+ +
(a) 𝐴 𝐴 = 1 and 𝐴𝐴 = 𝐼 (c) 2𝑖ℏ𝑥𝑃 (d) −2𝑖ℏ𝑥𝑃
(b) 𝐴+ 𝐴 = 1 but 𝐴𝐴+ ≠ 1
(c) 𝐴+ 𝐴 ≠ 1 and 𝐴𝐴+ = 𝐼ˆ 7. The commutator [𝐿𝑥 , 𝑦], where 𝐿𝑥 is the 𝑥-
(d) 𝐴+ 𝐴 ≠ 𝐼 and 𝐴𝐴+ = 𝐼ˆ component of the angular momentum operator
and 𝑦 is the 𝑦 component of the position
❖ GATE PYQ’s operator, is equal to
1. For any operator A, 𝑖( A+ − A) is [GATE 2006]
[GATE 2001] (a) 0 (b) 𝑖ℏ𝑥
(a) Hermitian (b) anti-Hermitian (c) 𝑖ℏ𝑦 (d) 𝑖ℏ𝑧
(c) unitary (d) orthogonal
8. If [𝑥, 𝑝] = 𝑖ℏ, the value [𝑥 3 , 𝑝] is
of
2. 𝑥 and 𝑝 are two operators which satisfy [𝑥, 𝑝] = [GATE 2007]
𝑖. The operators X and P are defined as 𝑋 = (a) 2𝑖ℏ𝑥 2 (b) −2𝑖ℏ𝑥 2
(c) 3𝑖ℏ𝑥 2 (d) −3𝑖ℏ𝑥 2

62
9. Three operators 𝑋, 𝑌 and 𝑍 satisfy the to the identical results irrespective of the order
commutation relations [𝑋, 𝑌] = 𝑖ℏ𝑍, [𝑌, 𝑍] = in which the observation are made
𝑖ℏ𝑋 and [𝑍, 𝑋] = 𝑖ℏ𝑌.
The set of all possible eigenvalues of the 12. 𝐴ˆ and 𝐵ˆ represent two physical characteristics
operator 𝑍, in units of ℏ, is of a quantum system. If 𝐴ˆ is Hermitian, then for
[GATE 2007] the product 𝐴ˆ𝐵ˆ be Hermitian, it is sufficient that
(a) {0, ±1, ±2, ±3, … } [GATE 2009]
(a) 𝐵ˆ is Hermitian
1 3 5
(b) { , 1, , 2, , … } (b) 𝐵ˆ is anti-Hermitian
2 2 2
(c) 𝐵ˆ is Hermitian and 𝐴ˆ and 𝐵ˆ commute
1 3 5 (d) 𝐵ˆ is Hermitian and 𝐴ˆ and 𝐵ˆ anti-commute
(c) {0, ± , ±1, ± , ±2, ± , … }
2 2 2
13. The quantum mechanical operator for the
1 1 momentum of a particle moving in one
(d) {− , + } dimension is given by
2 2
[GATE 2011]
10. A finite wave train of an unspecified nature 𝑑 𝑑
(a)𝑖ħ (b) − 𝑖ħ
propagates along the positive 𝑥 axis with a 𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥
constant speed v and without any change of
shape. The differential equation among the four ∂ ħ2 𝑑 2
(c)𝑖ħ (d) −
listed below, whose solution it must be, is ∂𝑡 2𝑚 𝑑𝑥 2
[GATE 2008]
∂ 2
1 ∂ 2 14. Let 𝐿⃗⃗ and 𝑝⃗ be the angular and linear
(a) ( 2 − 2 2 ) Ψ(𝑥, 𝑡) = 0 momentum operators; respectively for a
∂𝑥 𝑣 ∂𝑡
particle. The commentator [𝐿𝑥 , 𝑝𝑦 ] gives
1 ∂2 [GATE 2015]
(b) (∇2 − ) Ψ(𝑟⃗, 𝑡) = 0 (a) −𝑖ħ𝑝𝑧 (b) 0
𝑣 2 ∂𝑡 2
(c) 𝑖ħ𝑝𝑥 (d) 𝑖ħ𝑝𝑧
ħ2 ∂2 ∂
(c) (− 2
− 𝑖ħ ) Ψ(𝑥, 𝑡) = 0 15. Which of the following operators is Hermitian?
2𝑚 ∂𝑥 ∂𝑡
[GATE 2016]
2
∂ 𝑑 𝑑
(d) (∇2 + 𝑎 ) Ψ(𝑟⃗, 𝑡) = 0 (a) (b)
∂𝑡 𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥 2
2
𝑑 𝑑3
(c)𝑖 2 (d)
11. For a physical system, two observables O1 and 𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥 3
O2 are known to be compatible. Choose the
16. If 𝑥 and 𝑝 are the 𝑥 components of the position
correct implication from amongst those given
and the momentum operators of a particle
below:
respectively, the commutator [𝑥 2 , 𝑝2 ] is
[GATE 2008]
[GATE 2016]
(a) every eigen state of O1 must necessarily be
(a) 𝑖ħ(𝑥𝑝 − 𝑝𝑥) (b) 2𝑖ħ(𝑥𝑝 − 𝑝𝑥)
an eigen state of O2
(c) 𝑖ħ(𝑥𝑝 + 𝑝𝑥) (d) 2𝑖ħ(𝑥𝑝 + 𝑝𝑥)
(b) every non-degenerate eigen state of O1
must necessarily be an eigen state of O2
17. If 𝐻 is the Hamiltonian for a free particle with
(c) when an observation of O1 is carried out on
mass 𝑚, the commutator [𝑥, [𝑥, 𝐻]] is
an arbitrary state |Ψ⟩ of the physical system a
[GATE 2018]
subsequent observation of O2 leads to an
(a) ℏ2 /𝑚 (b) −ℏ2 /𝑚
unambiguous result
(c) −ℏ2 /(2𝑚) (d) ℏ2 /(2𝑚)
(d) observation of O1 and O2 carried out on an
arbitrary state |Ψ⟩ of the physical system, lead

63
18. The Hamiltonian operator for a two-level [JEST 2013]
𝐸 0 ∂ ∂
quantum system is 𝐻 = ( 1 ). If the state of (a) (b) −
0 𝐸2 ∂𝑥 ∂𝑥
the system at 𝑡 = 0 is given by
1 1 𝑖∂ 𝑖∂
|𝜓(0)⟩ = ( ) (c) (d) −
√2 1 ∂𝑥 ∂𝑥
then |⟨𝜓(0) ∣ 𝜓(𝑡)⟩|2 at a later time 𝑡 is
[GATE 2019] 4. The operator
1 𝑑 𝑑
(a) (1 + 𝑒 −(𝐸1 −𝐸2 )𝑡/ℏ ) ( − 𝑥) ( + 𝑥)
2 𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥
is equivalent to
1 [JEST 2013]
(b) (1 − 𝑒 −(𝐸1 −𝐸2 )𝑡/ℏ ) 2 2
2 𝑑 𝑑
(a) − 𝑥2 (b) − 𝑥2 + 1
𝑑𝑥 2 𝑑𝑥 2
1
(c) (1 + cos [(𝐸1 − 𝐸2 )𝑡/ℏ])
2 𝑑2 𝑑 𝑑2 𝑑
(c) 2
−𝑥 +1 (d) 2
− 2𝑥 − 𝑥2
𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥
1
(d) (1 − cos [(𝐸1 − 𝐸2 )𝑡/ℏ])
2 5. The operator 𝐴 and 𝐵 share all the eigenstates.
Then the least possible value of the product of
19. In cylindrical coordinates ( 𝑠, 𝜑, 𝑧) which of the uncertainties △ 𝐴Δ𝐵 is
following is a Hermitian operator? [JEST 2014]
[GATE 2022] (a) ℏ
1 ∂ 1 ∂ 1
(a) (b) ( + ) (b) 0
𝑖 ∂𝑠 𝑖 ∂𝑠 𝑠 ℏ
(c)
2
1 ∂ 1 ∂ 1 (d) determinant (AB)
(c) ( + ) (d) ( + )
𝑖 ∂𝑠 2𝑠 ∂𝑠 𝑠
6. If a Hamiltonian 𝐻 is given as 𝐻 = |0⟩⟨0| −
❖ JEST PYQ’s |1⟩⟨1| + 𝑖(|0⟩⟨1| − |1⟩⟨0|), where |0⟩ and |1⟩ are
1. Define 𝜎𝑥 = (𝑓 † + 𝑓) and 𝜎𝑦 = −𝑖(𝑓 † − 𝑓), orthonormal states, the eigenvalues of 𝐻 are
where they 𝜎 ′ are Pauli spin matrices and 𝑓, 𝑓 † [JEST 2015]
obey anticommutation relation {𝑓, 𝑓} = (a) ±1 (b) ±𝑖
0, {𝑓, 𝑓 † = 1}. Then 𝜎𝑧 is given by (c) ±√2 (d) ±𝑖√2
[JEST 2012]
𝑑
(a) 𝑓 † 𝑓 − 1 (b) 2𝑓 † 𝑓 − 1 7. The adjoint of a differential operator acting
𝑑𝑥
(c) 2𝑓 † 𝑓 + 1 (d) 𝑓 † 𝑓 on a wave function 𝜓(𝑥) for a quantum
mechanical system is:
2. The wave function of a free particle in one [JEST 2016]
dimension is given by 𝜓(𝑥) = 𝐴sin 𝑥 + 𝑑 𝑑
𝐵sin 3𝑥. Then 𝜓(𝑥) is an eigenstate of (𝑎) (b) − 𝑖ℏ
𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥
[JEST 2012]
(a) The position operator 𝑑 𝑑
(c) − (d) 𝑖ℏ
(b) The Hamiltonian 𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥
(c) The momentum operator
(d) the parity operator 8. For operator P and Q, the commutator [𝑃, 𝑄 −1 ]
is [JEST 2016]
−1 −1
3. The Hermitian conjugate of the operator (− ∂𝑥)
∂ (a) 𝑄 [𝑃, 𝑄]𝑄 (b) −𝑄 [𝑃, 𝑄]𝑄 −1
−1
−1
(c) 𝑄 [𝑃, 𝑄]𝑄 (d) −𝑄[𝑃, 𝑄]𝑄 −1
is

64
9. What is dimension of 14. If 𝜃 and 𝜙 are respectively the polar and
ℏ ∂𝜓 azimuthal angles on the unit sphere, what is
𝑖 ∂𝑥 ⟨cos2 (𝜃)⟩ and ⟨sin2 (𝜃)⟩, where ⟨𝒪⟩ denotes the
, where 𝜓 is a wave function in two dimensions? average of 𝒪 ?
[JEST 2017] [JEST 2022]
(a) kgm−1 s−2 (b) kgm−2 2 2
(a) ⟨cos (𝜃)⟩ = 3/4 and ⟨sin (𝜃)⟩ = 1/4
(c) kgm2 s−2 (d) kgs −1 (b) ⟨cos 2 (𝜃)⟩ = 1/2 and ⟨sin2 (𝜃)⟩ = 1/2
(c) ⟨cos2 (𝜃)⟩ = 1/3 and ⟨sin2 (𝜃)⟩ = 2/3
10. If 𝑥(𝑡) be the position operator at a tie 𝑡 in the (d) ⟨cos2 (𝜃)⟩ = 2/3 and ⟨sin2 (𝜃)⟩ = 1/3
Heisenberg picture for a particle described by
the Hamiltonian, 15. 𝐴 and 𝐵 are 2 × 2 Hermitian matrices. |𝑎1 ⟩ and
2
𝑝 1 |𝑎2 ⟩ are two linearly independent eigenvectors
𝐻= + 𝑚𝜔2 𝑥 2
2𝑚 2 of 𝐴. Consider the following statements:
ℏ
, what is 𝑒 𝑖𝜔𝑡 ⟨|𝑥(𝑡)𝑥(0)|0⟩ in units of 2𝑚𝜔 where
1.If |𝑎1 ⟩ and |𝑎2 ⟩ are eigenvectors of 𝐵, then
|0⟩ is the ground state? [𝐴, 𝐵] = 0.
[JEST 2017]
2.If [𝐴, 𝐵] = 0, then |𝑎1 ⟩ and |𝑎2 ⟩ are
11. If 𝜓(𝑥) is an infinitely differentiable function, eigenvectors of 𝐵.Mark the correct option.
then 𝐷ˆ 𝜓(𝑥), where the operator [JEST 2024]
𝑑 (a) Both statements 1 and 2 are true.
𝐷ˆ = exp (a𝑥 ) (b) Statement 2 is true but statement 1 is false.
𝑑𝑥
, is (c) Statement 1 is true but statement 2 is false.
[JEST 2018] (d) Both statements 1 and 2 are false.
(a) 𝜓(𝑥 + 𝑎) (b) 𝜓(𝑎𝑒 𝑎 + 𝑥)
(c) 𝜓(𝑒 𝑎 𝑥) (d) 𝑒 𝑎 𝜓(𝑥) ❖ TIFR PYQ’s
1. Consider a quantum mechanical system with
12. Consider two canonically conjugate operators 𝑋ˆ three linear operators 𝐴ˆ, 𝐵ˆ and 𝐶ˆ , which are
and 𝑌ˆ such that [𝑋ˆ, 𝑌ˆ] = 𝑖ℏ𝐼, where 𝐼 is identity related by
operator. If 𝑋ˆ = 𝛼11 𝑄ˆ1 + 𝛼12 𝑄ˆ2 , 𝑌ˆ = 𝛼21 𝑄ˆ1 + 𝐴ˆ𝐵ˆ − 𝐶ˆ = 𝐼ˆ
𝛼22 𝑄ˆ2, where 𝛼𝑖𝑗 are complex numbers, and where 𝐼ˆ is the unit operator. If 𝐴ˆ = 𝑑/𝑑𝑥 and
[𝑄ˆ1 , 𝑄ˆ2 ] = 𝑧𝐼, the value of 𝛼11 𝛼22 − 𝛼12 𝛼21 is 𝐵ˆ = 𝑥, then 𝐶ˆ must be
[TIFR 2013]
𝑑
[JEST 2018] (a) zero (b)
𝑑𝑥
(a) 𝑖ℏ𝑧 (b) 𝑖ℏ/𝑧 𝑑 𝑑
(c) 𝑖ℏ (d) Z (c) − 𝑥 (d) 𝑥
𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥

13. Consider a 4-dimensional vector space 𝑉 that is 2. It is required to construct the quantum theory
a direct product of two 2-dimensional vector of a particle of mass 𝑚 moving in one
spaces 𝑉1 and 𝑉2 . A linear transformation 𝐻 dimension 𝑥 under the influence of a constant
acting on 𝑉 is specified by the direct product of force 𝐹. The characteristic length-scale in this
linear transformations H1 and H2 acting on 𝑉1 problem is
and 𝑉2 , respectively. In a particular basis, [TIFR 2015]
3 0 2 1 1/3
𝐻1 = ( ) , 𝐻2 = ( ) ℏ ℏ2
0 2 1 1 (a) (b) ( )
what is the lowest eigenvalue of 𝐻 ? 𝑚𝐹 𝑚𝐹
[JEST 2021] ℏ 1/3 𝑚𝐹
3 (c) ( ) (d)
(a) 1 (b) 2 𝑚2 𝐹 ℏ2
1
(c) 3 − √5 (d) (3 − √5)
2 3. Denote the commutator of two matrices 𝐴 and
𝐵 by [𝐴, 𝐵] = 𝐴𝐵 − 𝐵𝐴 and the anti-

65
 commutator by {𝐴, 𝐵} = 𝐴𝐵 + 𝐵𝐴.If {𝐴, 𝐵} = 0, 1 1 1
we can write [𝐴, 𝐵𝐶] = 𝐴ˆ = (1 2 1)
[TIFR 2017] 1 1 2
If, now, a measurement of the variable 𝐴 is
(a) −𝐵[𝐴, 𝐶] (b) 𝐵{𝐴, 𝐶}
made on the system in the state |𝜓⟩, the
(c) −𝐵{𝐴, 𝐶} (d) [𝐴, 𝐶]𝐵
probability that the result will be +1 is

4. A system of two spin − 1/2 particles 1 and 2

[TIFR 2013]
̂ = 𝜖0 ℎ̂1 ⊗ ℎ̂2 where
has the Hamiltonian 𝐻
(a) 1/√2 (b) 1
2 0 0 1 (c) 1/2 (d) 1/4
ℎ̂1 = ( ) , ℎ̂2 = ( )
0 1 1 0
and 𝜖0 is a constant with the dimension of ❖ Answers key
energy. The ground state of this system has
CSIR-NET
energy
1. b 2. b 3. c 4. c 5. a
[TIFR 2019]
(a) √2𝜖0 (b) 0 6. a 7. a 8. a 9. b 10. c
(c) −2𝜖0 (d) −4𝜖0 11. a 12. c 13. a 14. a 15. d
16. b 17. c 18. a 19. b 20. c
5. Consider 𝑥ˆ and 𝑝ˆ𝑥 as the quantum mechanical 21. b 22. c 23. c 24. d 25. b
position and linear momentum operators with 26. b 27. d 28. b
eigenstates |𝑥⟩ and |𝑝𝑥 ⟩ and eigenvalues 𝑥 and
GATE
𝑝𝑥 , respectively. The eigenvalue of 𝑥ˆ acting on
1. a 2. c 3. c 4. 5.
the state |𝜓⟩ = 𝑒 𝑖𝑝ˆ𝑥 𝑎/2ℏ |𝑥⟩ is
6. a 7. d 8. c 9. c 10. a
[TIFR 2024]
𝑎 𝑎 11. d 12. c 13. b 14. d 15. b
(a)𝑥 + (b) 𝑥 −
2 2 16. d 17. b 18. c 19. c
JEST
(c) 𝑥 + 𝑎 (d) 𝑥 − 𝑎
1. b 2. d 3. a 4. b 5. b
𝑑 6. c 7. c 8. b 9. d 10. 0001
6. The momentum operator 𝑖ℏ 𝑑𝑥
11. c 12. b 13. c 14. c 15. c
acts on a wavefunction 𝜓(𝑥). This operator is TIFR
Hermitian [TIFR 2020] 1. d 2. b 3. c 4. c 5. b
(a) provided the wavefunction 𝜓(𝑥) is
6. c 7. d
normalized
(b) provided the wavefunction 𝜓(𝑥) and
derivate 𝜓 ′ (𝑥) are continuous everywhere
(c) provided the wavefunction 𝜓(𝑥) vanishes as
𝑥 → ±∞
(d) by its very definition

7. The state |𝜓⟩ of a quantum mechanical system,

in a certain basis, is represented by the column
vector
1/√2
|𝜓⟩ = ( 0 )
1/√2
The operator 𝐴ˆ corresponding to a dynamical
variable A, is given, in the same basis, by the
matrix

66
 ➢ Perturbation Theory
❖ CSIR-NET PYQ’s [CSIR DEC 2011]
1. If the perturbation 𝐻 ′ = 𝑎𝑥, where 𝑎 is a 𝑉0 3𝑉0
(a) (b)
constant; is added to the infinite square well 2 4
potential
0 for 0 ≤ 𝑥 ≤ 𝜋 𝑉0 3𝑉0
𝑉(𝑥) = { (c) (d)
∞ otherwise 4 2
The first order correction to ground state
energy is: 4. Consider an electron in a box of lenght L with
[CSIR JUNE 2011] periodic boundary condition 𝜓(𝑥) = 𝜓(𝑥 + 𝐿).
𝑎𝜋 If the electron is in the
(a) (b)𝑎𝜋
2 1 𝑗𝑘𝑥
𝜓𝑘 (𝑥) = 𝑒
𝑎𝜋 𝑎𝜋 √𝐿
(c) (d) with energy
4 √2 2 2
ℏ 𝑘
𝜀𝑘 = ,
2𝑚
2. The perturbation 𝐻 ′ = 𝑏𝑥 4 , where 𝑏 is a what is the correction to its energy, to second
constant, is added to the one-dimensional order of perturbation theory, when it is
1
harmonic oscillator potential 𝑉(𝑥) = 2 𝑚𝜔2 𝑥 2. subjected to weak periodic potential 𝑉(𝑥) =
Which of the following denotes the correction 𝑉0 cos 𝑔𝑥, where g is an integral multiple of the
to the ground state energy to first order in b ? 2𝜋/𝐿 ?
[CSIR DEC 2011] [CSIR JUNE 2012]
2 2
[Hint: The normalized ground state wave (a) 𝑉0 𝜀𝑔 /𝜀𝑘
function of the one-dimensional harmonic
oscillator potential is 𝑚𝑉02 1 1
𝑚𝜔 1/4 −𝑚𝑎𝑥 2 (b) − 2
( 2 + 2 )
𝜓0 = ( ) 𝑒 ℏ 2ℏ 𝑔 + 2𝑘𝑔 𝑔 − 2𝑘𝑔
ℎ𝜋
You may use the following integral (c)𝑉02 (𝜀𝑘 − 𝜀𝑔 )/𝜀𝑔2
∞ 2 1 1
∫−∞ 𝑥 2𝑛𝑡 𝑒 −𝑎𝑥 𝑑𝑥 = 𝑎−𝑛−2 Γ (𝑛 + )
2
3𝑏ℏ 2
3𝑏ℏ2 (d) 𝑉02 /(𝜀𝑘 + 𝜀𝑔 )
(a) (b)
4𝑚2 𝜔 2 2𝑚2 𝜔 2
5. The energy eigenvalues of a particle in the
3𝑏ℏ 2
15𝑏ℏ 2 potential
(a) (d) 1
2𝜋𝑚2 𝜔 2 4𝑚2 𝜔 2 𝑉(𝑥) = 𝑚𝜔2 𝑥 2 − 𝑎𝑥
2
3. A constant perturbation as shown in the figure are
below acts on a particle of mass 𝑚 confined in a [CSIR DEC 2012]
2
infinite potential well between 0 and 𝐿. 1 𝑎
(a)𝐸𝑛 = (𝑛 + ) ℏ𝜔 −
2 2𝑚𝜔 2

1 𝑎2
(b)𝐸𝑛 = (𝑛 + ) ℏ𝜔 +
2 2𝑚𝜔 2

1 𝑎2
The first-order correction to the ground state (c)𝐸𝑛 = (𝑛 + ) ℏ𝜔 −
2 𝑚𝜔 2
energy of the particle is
1
(d)𝐸𝑛 = (𝑛 + ) ℏ𝜔
2

6. The perturbation
𝑏(𝑎 − 𝑥) −𝑎 < 𝑥 < 𝑎
𝐻′ = {
0 otherwise
67
 acts on a particle of mass ' 𝑚 ' confined in an 3
(c) 2𝑎ℏ2 (d)𝑎ℏ2 + 𝑎2 ℏ4
infinite square well potential 2
0 −𝑎 < 𝑥 < 𝑎
𝑉(𝑥) = {
∞ otherwise 10. The ground state eigenfunction for the potential
The first order correction to the ground state 𝑉(𝑥) = −𝛿(𝑥), where 𝛿(𝑥) is the delta function,
energy of the particle is is given by 𝜓(𝑥) = 𝐴𝑒 −𝛼|𝑥| , where A and 𝛼 > 0
[CSIR DEC 2012] are constants. If a perturbation 𝐻 ′ = 𝑏𝑥 2 is
ba ba
(a) 2
(b) applied, the first order correction to the energy
√2
(c) 2ba (d) ba of the ground state will be
[CSIR JUNE 2014]
7. Consider a two-dimensional infinite square will 𝑏 𝑏
(a) (b) 2
0 0 < 𝑥 < 𝑎, 0 < 𝑦 < 𝑎 √2𝛼 2 𝑎
𝑉(𝑥, 𝑦) = { , Its
∞ otherwise
normalized eigenfunctions are 2𝑏 𝑏
ny 𝜋y (c) (d)
2 nx 𝜋x 𝛼2 2𝛼 2
𝜓nx ,ny (x, y) = sin ( ) sin ( )
a a a
where nx , ny = 1,2,3, If a perturbation 11. The Hamiltonian 𝐻0 for a three-state quantum
𝑎 𝑎 system is given by the matrix 𝐻0 =
′ 𝑉0 0 < 𝑥 < , 0 < 𝑦 <
𝐻 ={ 2 2 1 0 0
0 otherwise (0 2 0).When perturbed by 𝐻′ =
is applied, then the correction to the energy of 0 0 2
the first excited state to order V0 is 0 1 0
[CSIR JUNE 2013] 𝜖 (1 0 1) where 𝜖&1, the resulting shift in
𝑉0 𝑉0 64 0 1 0
(a) (b) [1 ± 2 ] the energy eigenvalue 𝐸0 = 2 is
4 4 9𝜋
[CSIR DEC 2014]
𝑉0 16 𝑉0 32 (a) 𝜖, −2 ∈ (b) −𝜖, 2 ∈
(c) [1 ± 2 ] (d) [1 ± 2 ] (c) ±𝜖 (d) ±2c
4 9𝜋 4 9𝜋

12. The ground state energy of a particle of mass 𝑚

𝑥
8. The motion of a particle of mass 𝑚 in one in the potential 𝑉(𝑥) = 𝑉0 cosh (𝐿 ), where 𝐿 and
dimension is described by the Hamiltonian 𝑉0 are constants (with
𝑝2 1 ℏ2
𝐻= + 𝑚𝜔2 𝑥 2 + 𝜆𝑥 𝑉0 ≫
2𝑚 2 2𝑚𝐿2
. What is the difference between the is approximately
(quantized) encrgies [CSIR DEC 2015]
of the first two levels? (In the following, ⟨𝑥⟩ is
the expectation value of 𝑥 in the ground state) ℏ 2𝑉0 ℏ 𝑉0
(a)𝑉0 + √ (b) 𝑉0 + √
[CSIR DEC 2013] 𝐿 𝑚 𝐿 𝑚
(a) ℏ𝜔 − 𝜆⟨𝑥⟩ (b)ℏ𝜔 + 𝜆⟨𝑥⟩

ℏ 𝑉0 ℏ 𝑉0
𝜆2 (c)𝑉0 + √ (d) 𝑉0 + √
(c)ℏ𝜔 + (d)ℏ𝜔 4𝐿 𝑚 2𝐿 𝑚
2𝑚𝜔 2

9. A perturbation Vpert = 𝑎 L2 is added to the 13. A hydrogen atom is subjected to the

Hydrogen atom potential. The shift in the perturbation 𝑉𝑝𝑒𝑟 (𝑟) =∈ cos 2𝑟/𝑎0 where 𝑎0 is
energy level of the 2P state, when the effects of the Bohr radius. The change in the ground state
spin are neglected up to second order in 𝑎, is energy to first order in 𝜖 is
[CSIR DEC 2013] [CSIR DEC 2015]
(a) 0 (b) 2𝑎ℏ2 + 𝑎2 ℏ4 (a) ∈/4 (b) ∈/2
(c) −𝜖/2 (d) −𝜖/4

68
14. Consider a particle of mass 𝑚 in a potential system, to the first order in 𝑉0 is
1 [CSIR June 2013]
𝑉(𝑥) = 𝑚𝜔2 𝑥 2 + 𝑔cos 𝑘𝑥
2 𝑉0 Ω
The change in the ground state energy, (𝑎)ℏ𝜔 + 2𝑉0 (b)ℏ𝜔 +
𝜔
compared to the simple harmonic potential
1
𝑚𝜔2 𝑥 2, to first order in 𝑔 is Ω −1/2 𝜔
2 (c)ℏ𝜔 + 𝑉0 (1 + ) (d) ℏ𝜔 + 𝑉0 (1 + )
[CSIR JUNE 2016] 2𝜔 Ω

𝑘2ℏ 𝑘 2ℏ 18. The Coulomb potential 𝑉(𝑟) = −𝑒 2 /𝑟 of a

(a)𝑔exp (− ) (b) 𝑔exp ( ) hydrogen atom is perturbed by adding 𝐻 ′ =
2𝑚𝜔 2𝑚𝜔
𝑏𝑥 2 (where 𝑏 is a constant) to the Hamiltonian.
The first order correction to the ground state
2𝑘 2 ℏ 𝑘2ℏ
(c)𝑔exp (− ) (d) 𝑔exp (− ) energy is (The ground state wavefunction is
𝑚𝜔 4𝑚𝜔 1
𝜓0 = 𝑒 −𝜋/40
15. A particle of charge 𝑞 in one dimension is in a √𝜋𝑎03
simple harmonic potential with angular [CSIR JUNE 2017]
frequency 𝜔. It is subjected to a time dependent (a) 2𝑏𝑎02 (b) 𝑏𝑎02
2
electric ficld 𝐸(𝑡) = 𝐴𝑒 −(𝑡/𝜏) , where A and 𝜏 (c) 𝑏𝑎02 /2 (d) √2𝑚10
are positive constants and 𝜔𝜏 ≫ 1. If in the
distant past 𝑡 → −∞ the particle was in its 19. In the usual notation |nlm⟩ for the states of a
ground state, the probability that it will be in hydrogen like atom, consider the spontaneous
the first excited state as 𝑡 → +∞ is proportional transitions |210⟩ → |100⟩ and |310⟩ → |100⟩. If
to 𝑡1 and 𝑡2 are the lifetimes of the first and the
[CSIR DEC 2016] second decaying states respectively, then the
1 2 1 2
(a)𝑒 −2(𝜔𝜏) (b)𝑒 2(𝜔𝜏) ratio 𝑡1 /𝑡2 is proportional to
1 [CSIR JUNE 2017]
(c) 0 (d) (𝜔𝜏)2
3
32 27 3
(a) ( ) (b) ( )
27 32
16. A constant perturbation 𝐻 ′ is applied to a
system for time Δ𝑡 (where 𝐻 ′ Δ𝑡 ≪ ℏ ) leading
2 3 3 3
to a transition from a state with energy 𝐸𝑖 to (c) ( ) (d) ( )
3 2
another with energy 𝐸𝑓 . If the time of
application is doubled, the probability of 20. Consider a one-dimensional infinite square well
transition will be 0 for 0 < 𝑥 < 𝑎,
[CSIR JUNE 2017] 𝑉(𝑥) = {
∞ otherwise
(a) unchanged (b) doubled If a perturbation
(c) quadrupled (d) halved 𝑎
𝑉 for 0 < 𝑥 < ,
Δ𝑉(𝑥) = { 0 3
0 otherwise
17. Two identical bosons of mass 𝑚 are placed in a
is applied, then the correction to the energy of
one-dimensional potential
the first excited state, to first order in Δ𝑉, is
1
𝑉(𝑥) = 𝑚𝜔2 𝑥 2 nearest to
2
The bosons interact via a weak potential [CSIR DEC 2017]
𝑉12 = 𝑉0 exp [−𝑚Ω(𝑥1 − 𝑥2 )2 /4ℏ] (a) 𝑉0 (b) 0.16𝑉0
where 𝑥1 and 𝑥2 denote coordinates of the (c) 0.2𝑉0 (d) 0.33𝑉0
particles. Given that the ground state
wavefuntion of the harmonic oscillator is 21. A particle of mass 𝑚 is constrained to move in a
1 circular ring to radius 𝑅. When a perturbation
𝑚𝜔 4 𝑚𝑎𝑥 2 𝑎
𝜓0 (𝑥) = ( ) 𝑒 2ℏ 𝑉 ′ = 2 cos 2 𝜙
𝜋ℏ 𝑅
. The ground state energy of the two-bosons

69
 (where 𝑎 is a real constant) is added, the shift in 25. The energies of a two-state quantum system are
energy of the ground state, to first ordor in 𝑎, is 𝐸0 and 𝐸0 + 𝛼ℏ, (where 𝛼 > 0 is a constant) and
[CSIR JUNE 2018] the corresponding normalized state vectors are
2
(a) 𝑎/𝑅 (b) 2𝑎/𝑅 2 |0⟩ and |1⟩, respectively. At time 𝑡 = 0, when
2)
(c) 𝑎/(2𝑅 (d) 𝑑/(𝜋𝑅 2 ) the system is in the state |0⟩, the potential is
altered by a time independent term 𝑉 such that
22. The infinite square-well potential of a particle ℏ𝛼
⟨1|𝑉|0⟩ =
in a box of size 𝑎 is modified as shown in the 10
figure below (assume Δ ≪ 𝑎 ) The transition probability to the state |1⟩ at
1
times 𝑡 << , is
𝛼
[CSIR JUNE 2021]
2 2
𝛼 𝑡 𝛼2𝑡2
(a) (b)
25 50

𝛼2𝑡2 𝛼2𝑡2
(c) (d)
100 200
The energy of the ground state, compared to the
ground state energy before the perturbation 26. The |3,0,0⟩ state (in the standard notation
was added |𝑛, 𝑙, 𝑚⟩ ) of the 𝐻-atom in the non-relativistic
[CSIR JUNE 2019] theory decays to the state |1,0,0⟩ via two dipole
(a) increases by a term of order 𝜀 transitions. The transition route and the
(b) decreases by a term of order 𝜀 corresponding probability are
(c) increases by a term of order 𝜀 2 [CSIR JUNE 2021]
1
(d) decreases by a term of order 𝜀 2 (a) |3,0,0⟩ → |2,1, −1⟩ → |1,0,0⟩ and 4
1
(b) |3,0,0⟩ → |2,1,1⟩ → |1,0,0⟩ and
4
23. A charged, spin-less particle of mass 𝑚 is 1
(c) |3,0,0⟩ → |2,1,0⟩ → |1,0,0⟩ and 3
subjected to an attractive potential
2
1 (d) |3,0,0⟩ → |2,1,0⟩ → |1,0,0⟩ and 3
𝑉(𝑥, 𝑦, 𝑧) = 𝑘(𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 + 𝑧 2 )
2
where 𝑘 is a positive constant.
27. At time t = 0, a particle is in the ground state of
Now a perturbation in the form of a weak
the Hamiltonian
magnetic field B = 𝐵0 𝑘ˆ (where 𝐵0 is a constant) p 2
1
is switched on. Into how many distinct levels H(t) = + mω2 x 2 +
2m 2
will the second excited state of the unperturbed ωt
λxsin 2 where λ, ω and m are positive
Hamiltonian split?
[CSIR JUNE 2019] constants. To O(λ2 ), the probability that at t =
2π
(a) 5 (b) 4 , the particle would be in the first excited
ω
(c) 2 (d) 1 state of H(t = 0) is
[CSIR JUNE 2022]
2
24. A quantum particle in a one-dimensional 9λ 9λ2
(a) (b)
infinite potential well, with boundaries at 0 and 16mℏω3 8mℏω3
𝑎
𝑎, is perturbed by adding 𝐻 ′ =∈ 𝛿 (𝑥 − ) to
2
16λ2 8λ2
the initial Hamiltonian. The correction to the (c) (d)
9mℏω3 9mℏω3
energies of the ground and the first excited
states (to first order in ∈ ) are respectively
28. To first order in perturbation theory, the energy
[CSIR JUNE 2020]
of the ground state of the Hamiltonian
(a) 0 and 0 (b) 2 ∈/𝑎 and 0
p2 1 ℏω mω 2
(c) 0 and 2 ∈/𝑎 (d) 2 ∈/𝑎 and 2/𝑎 H= + mω2 x 2 + exp [− x ]
2m 2 √512 ℏ

70
 (treating the third term of the Hamiltonian as a ❖ GATE PYQ’s
perturbation) is [CSIR JUNE 2022] 1. Let 𝐸𝑛′ (𝑛 =
15 17 0,1,2, … … ….)𝑏𝑒𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑒𝑛𝑒𝑟𝑔𝑦𝑒𝑖𝑔𝑒𝑛𝑣𝑎𝑙 − ues for a
(a) ℏω (b) ℏω
32 32 particle of mas 𝑚 placed in an anharmoic
potential
19 21
(c) 32 ℏω (d) 32 ℏω 1
𝑉(𝑥) = 𝑚𝑤 2 𝑥 2 + 𝑎𝑥 4 , (𝑎 > 0).
29. A particle in one dimension is in an infinite 2
1
potential well between Let 𝐸𝑛 = (𝑛 + 2). The according to the first
𝐿 𝐿 order perturbation theory:
− ≤𝑥≤
2 2 [GATE 1996]
𝜋𝑥
For a perturbation 𝜀cos ( 𝐿 ) where 𝜀 is a small (a) 𝐸0′ = 𝐸0 (b) 𝐸0′ > 𝐸0
constant, the change in the energy of the ground (c) 𝐸0′ < 𝐸0 (d) 𝐸0′ < 𝐸0 for all n
state, to first order in 𝜀 is
𝐿 𝐿 2. Let 𝐸1 , 𝐸2 , 𝐸3 be the respective ground state
− ≤𝑥≤ energies of the following potentials: which one
2 2
[CSIR JUNE 2023] of the following is correct?
5𝜀 10𝜀 [GATE 2000]
(a) (b)
𝜋 3𝜋

8𝜀 4𝜀
(c) (d) 4
3𝜋 𝜋

30. A quantum system is described by the

Hamiltonian (a) 𝐸1 < 𝐸2 < 𝐸3 (b) 𝐸3 < 𝐸1 < 𝐸2
𝐻 = −𝐽𝜎𝑧 + 𝜆(𝑡)𝜎𝑥 , (c) 𝐸2 < 𝐸3 < 𝐸1 (d) 𝐸2 < 𝐸1 < 𝐸3
where 𝜎𝑖 (𝑖 = 𝑥, 𝑦, 𝑧) are Pauli matrices, 𝐽 and 𝜆
are positive constants (𝐽 ≫ 𝜆) and 3. A particle in the ground state of an infinitely
0 for 𝑡 < 0 deep one-dimensional potential well of width 𝑎
𝜆(𝑡) = {𝜆 for 0 < 𝑡 < 𝑇 is subject to a perturbation of the form 𝑉 =
0 for 𝑡 > 𝑇 𝜋𝑥
𝑉0 cos2 ( )
At 𝑡 < 0, the system is in the ground state. The 𝑎

probability of finding the system in the excited where 𝑉0 is a constant. Find the shift in energy
state at 𝑡 ≫ 𝑇, in the leading order in 𝜆 is of the particle in the lowest order perturbation
𝜆2 𝐽𝑇 𝜆2 2 𝐽𝑇 theory.
2
(a) 2 sin (b) 2 sin [GATE 2002]
8𝐽 ℏ 𝐽 ℏ
4. The wave function of a one-dimensional
𝜆2 𝐽𝑇 𝜆2 𝐽𝑇
(c) 2 sin2 (d) 2
sin2 harmonic oscillator is
4𝐽 ℏ 16𝐽 ℏ
−𝑎2 𝑥 2
𝜓0 = 𝐴exp ( )
2
31. A particle of energy 𝐸 is scattered off a one-
for the ground state 𝐸0 (𝛼𝑥/10)4 , the firstorder
dimensional potential 𝜆𝛿(𝑥), where 𝜆 is a real
change in the ground state energy is:
positive constant, with a transmission
[Given :
amplitude 𝑡+ . In a different experiment, the ∞
same particle is scattered off another one- [Γ(𝑥 + 1) = ∫0 𝑡𝑥exp (−𝑡)𝑑𝑡]
dimensional potential −𝜆𝛿(𝑥), with a [GATE 2004]
transmission amplitude 𝑡− . In the limit 𝐸 → 0, 1
(a) ( 𝐸0 ) 10−4 (b) (3𝐸0 )10−4
the phase difference between 𝑡+ and 𝑡− is 2
[CSIR JUNE 2024]
3
(a)𝜋/2 (b)𝜋 (c) ( 𝐸0 ) 10−4 (d) (𝐸0 )10−4
4
(c) 0 (d) 3𝜋/2

71
 Common data for Q.5, Q. 6 and Q. 7 𝜋𝑥 𝑎
𝑉 ′ (𝑥)
= 𝑉0 cos ( ) for 0 ≤ 𝑥 ≤
An unperturbed two-level system has energy 𝑎 2
= 0 otherwise
eigenvalues 𝐸1 and 𝐸2 and eigen functions (10)
The shift in the ground state energy due to
and (01) when perturbed, its Hamiltonian is perturbation, in the first order perturbation
𝐸 𝐴 theory is
represented by ( 1∗ )
𝐴 𝐸2 [GATE 2011]
[GATE 2006] 2𝑉0 𝑉0
(a) (b)
3𝜋 3𝜋
5. The first-order correction to 𝐸1 is:
(a) 4𝐴 (b) 2𝐴 𝑉0 2𝑉0
(c) − (d) −
(c) 𝐴 (d) 0 3𝜋 3𝜋

6. The second-order correction to E1 is 10. Consider a system in the unperturbed state

(a) 0 (b) 𝐴 1 0
described by the Hamiltonian, 𝐻0 = ( ).
𝐴 2
|𝐴|2 0 1
(c) (d) The system is subjected to a perturbation of the
𝐸2 − 𝐸1 𝐸1 − 𝐸2 𝛿 𝛿
form 𝐻 ′ = ( ), where 𝛿 << 1. The energy
𝛿 𝛿
7. The first-order correction to the eigenfunction eigen values of the perturbed system using the
(10) is; first order perturbation approximation are
0 0 [GATE 2012]
(a) ( ∗ ) (b) ( )
𝐴 /(𝐸1 − 𝐸2 ) 1 (a) 1 and (1 + 2𝛿)
(b) (1 + 𝛿) and (1 − 𝛿)
𝐴∗ /(𝐸1 − 𝐸2 ) 1 (d) (1 + 𝛿) and (1 − 2𝛿)
(c) ( ) (d) ( )
0 1
11. A pair of eigen value of the perturbed
8. A particle of mass 𝑚 is confined in an infinite Hamiltonian using first order perturbation
potential well theory is
0 if 0<𝑥<𝐿 [GATE 2013]
𝑉(𝑥) = {
∞ otherwise (a) 3 + 2𝜀, 7 + 2𝜀 (b) 3 + 2𝜀, 2 + 𝜀
It is subjected to a perturbing potential (c) 3,7 + 2𝜀 (d) 3,2 + 2𝜀
2𝜋𝑥
𝑉𝑝 = 𝑉0 sin ( )
𝐿 Common Data for Q. 12 and Q. 13:
within the well. Let 𝐸 (1) and 𝐸 (2) be the To the given unperturbed Hamiltonian
correction to the ground state energy in the
first and second order in 𝑉0 , respectively. Which 5 2 0
of the following are true? [2 5 0]
[GATE 2010] 0 0 2
(1) (2)
(a) 𝐸 = 0, 𝐸 < 0 we add a small perturbation given by
(b) 𝐸 (1) > 0; 𝐸 (2) = 0
(c) 𝐸 (1) = 0, 𝐸 (2) depends on the sign of V0 1 1 1
(d) 𝐸 (1) < 0, 𝐸 (2) < 0 𝛿 [1 1 −1]
1 −1 1
9. The normalized eigenstates of a particle in a where 𝛿 is a small quantity.
one-dimensional potential well [GATE 2013]
0 if 0 ≤ 𝑥 ≤ 𝑎
𝑉(𝑥) = {
∞ otherwise
are given by 12. The ground state eigen vector of the
unperturbed Hamiltonian is
2 𝑛𝜋𝑥 (a) (1√2, 1/√2, 0) (b) (1√2, −1/√2, 0)
Ψ𝑛 (𝑥) = √ sin ( ) , where 𝑛 = 1,2,3 … …
𝑎 𝑎 (c) (0,0,1) (d) (1,0,0)
The particle is subjected to a perturbation

72
13. A pair of eigen values of the perturbed The value of 𝛼 is (up to two decimal places).
Hamiltonian, using first order perturbation [GATE 2018]
theory, is
(a) 3 + 2𝛿, 7 + 2𝛿 (b) 3 + 2𝛿, 2 + 𝛿
(c) 3,7 + 2𝛿 (d) 3,2 + 2𝛿

14. A particle is confined in a one-dimensional

potential box with the potential
0 if 0 < 𝑥 < 𝑎
𝑉(𝑥) = { 18. An electric field 𝐸⃗⃗ = 𝐸0 𝑧ˆ is applied to a
∞ otherwise
hydrogen atom in 𝑛 = 2 excited state. Ignoring
If the particle is subjected to a perturbation, spin, the 𝑛 = 2 state is fourfold degenerate,
within the box, 𝑊 = 𝛽𝑥 where 𝛽 is a small which in the |𝑙, 𝑚⟩ basis are given by
constant, the first order correction to the |0,0⟩, |1,1⟩, |1,0⟩ and |1, −1⟩. The 𝐻 ′ is the
ground state energy is interaction Hamiltonian corresponding to the
[GATE 2014] applied electric field, which of the following
(a) 0 (b)
𝑎𝛽 matrix elements is non-zero?
4
𝑎𝛽
[GATE 2019]
(c) 2
(d) 𝑎𝛽 (a) ⟨0,0|𝐻 ′ |0,0⟩ (b) ⟨0,0|𝐻 ′ |1,1⟩
(c) ⟨0,0|𝐻′ |1,0⟩ (d) ⟨0,0|𝐻|1, −1⟩
15. A particle is confined in box of length L as
shown below 1 𝜀
19. The Hamiltonian of a system is 𝐻 = ( )
𝜀 −1
with 𝜀 ≪ 1. The fourth order contribution to the
ground state energy of 𝐻 is 𝛾𝜀 4 . The value of 𝛾
(rounded off to three decimal places) is
[GATE 2019]

If the potential V0 is treated as a perturbation,

20. Consider the Hamiltonian 𝐻ˆ = 𝐻ˆ0 + 𝐻ˆ ′ where
including the first order correction, the ground
𝐸 0 0
state energy is 𝐻ˆ0 = (0 𝐸 0 ) and 𝐻ˆ ′
[GATE 2015] 0 0 𝐸
ħ2 𝜋 2 ħ2 𝜋 2 𝑉0 is the time independent perturbation given by
(a)𝐸 = + 𝑉0 (b) 𝐸 = − 0 𝑘 0
2𝑚𝐿2 2𝑚𝐿2 2
𝐻ˆ ′ = (𝑘 0 𝑘 ) , where 𝑘 > 0.
ħ2 𝜋 2 𝑉0 ħ2 𝜋 2 𝑉0 0 𝑘 0
(c)𝐸 = + (d) 𝐸 = + If, the maximum energy eigenvalues of 𝐻ˆ is 3𝑒𝑉
2𝑚𝐿2 4 2𝑚𝐿2 2
corresponding to 𝐸 = 2𝑒𝑉, the value of 𝑘
16. A hydrogen atom is in its ground state. In the
(rounded off to three decimal places) in eV is
presence of a uniform electric field 𝐸⃗⃗ = 𝐸⃗⃗0 𝑧ˆ, the
[GATE 2020]
leading order change in its energy is
proportional to (𝐸0 )𝑛 . The value of the
21. Consider a particle in a one-dimensional infinite
exponent is
potential well with its walls at 𝑥 = 0 and 𝑥 = 𝐿.
[GATE 2016] The system is perturbed as shown in the figure.

17. The ground state energy of a particle of mass 𝑚

in an infinite potential well is 𝐸0 . It changes to
𝐸0 (1 + 𝛼 × 10−3 ), when there is a small
potential pump of height
𝜋 2 ℏ2
𝑉0 =
50𝑚𝐿2
and width 𝑎 = 𝐿/100, as shown in the figure.

73
 The first order correction to the energy 24. A particle of mass 𝑚 in an infinite potential well
eigenvalue is of width 𝑎 is subjected to a perturbation,
[GATE 2021] ℎ2
𝑉0 𝑉0 𝑉′ =
(a) (b) 40𝑚𝑎2
4 3 as shown in figure, where ℎ is Planck's constant.
𝑉0 𝑉0
(c) (d)
2 5

22. Consider a particle in three different boxes of

width 𝐿. The potential inside the boxes vary as
shown in figures (i), (ii) and (iii) with
ℏ2 𝜋 2
𝑉0 <
2𝑚𝐿2 The first order energy shift of the fourth energy
The corresponding ground-state energies of the
eigenstate due to this perturbation is
particle are 𝐸1 , 𝐸2 and 𝐸3 , respectively. Then
ℎ2
[GATE 2022] ( )
𝑁𝑚𝑎2
The value of 𝑁 is (in integer). [GATE 2024]

❖ JEST PYQ’s
1. If 𝐽𝑥, 𝐽𝑦, are angular momentum operators, the
eigenvalues of the operator (𝐽𝑥 + 𝐽𝑦 )/ℏ are
[JEST 2013]
(a) real and discrete with rational spacing
(a) 𝐸2 > 𝐸1 > 𝐸3 (b) 𝐸3 > 𝐸1 > 𝐸2
(b) real and discrete with irrational spacing
(c) 𝐸2 > 𝐸3 > 𝐸1 (d) 𝐸3 > 𝐸2 > 𝐸1
(c) real and continuous
(d) not all real
23. A particle of mass 𝑚 in the 𝑥 − 𝑦 plane is
confined in an infinite two-dimensional well 2. Consider a spin 1/2 particle characterized by
with vertices (0,0), (0, 𝐿), (𝐿, 𝐿), (𝐿, 0). The the Hamiltonian 𝐻 = 𝜔𝑆𝑖 . under a perturbation
eigen-functions of this particle are 𝐻 ′ = 𝑔𝑆𝑥 , the second order correction to the
2 𝑛𝑥 𝜋𝑥 𝑛𝑦 𝜋𝑦 ground state energy is given by
𝜓𝑛𝑥 𝑛𝑦 = sin ( ) sin ( ) [JEST 2015]
𝐿 𝐿 𝐿
If perturbation of the form 𝑉 = 𝐶𝑥𝑦, where 𝐶 is 𝑔2 𝑔2
(a) − (b)
a real constant, is applied, then which of the 4𝜔 4𝜔
following statements are correct for the first
excited state? 𝑔2 𝑔2
(c) − (d)
[GATE 2022] 2𝜔 2𝜔
(a) The unperturbed energy is
3𝜋 2 ℏ2 3. A particle of mass 𝑚 is confined in a potential
−𝐿 𝐿
2𝑚𝐿2 well given by 𝑉(𝑥) = 0 for 2
< 𝑥 < 2 𝐿/2 and
(b) The unperturbed energy is 𝑉(𝑥) = ∞ elsewhere. A perturbing potential
5𝜋 2 ℏ2 𝐻 ′ (𝑥) = 𝑎𝑥 has been applied to the system. Let
2𝑚𝐿2 the first and second order corrections to the
(c) First order energy shift due to the applied (1) (2)
ground state be 𝐸0 and 𝐸0 , respectively.
perturbation is zero
Which one of the following statements is
(d) The shift (𝛿) in energy due to the applied
correct?
perturbation is determined by an equation of
[JEST 2015]
𝑎−𝛿 𝑏
the form | | = 0, where 𝑎 and 𝑏 are (a) 𝐸0
(1) (2)
< 0 and 𝐸0 >0
𝑏 𝑎−𝛿
real, non-zero constants (b) 𝐸0
(1) (2)
> 0 and 𝐸0 >0

74
 (c) 𝐸0
(1)
= 0 and 𝐸0
(2)
>0 𝐻 = 𝐻0 + 𝐻 ′
(1) (2) where
(d) 𝐸0 = 0 and 𝐸0 <0
1 0 1 0 0 1
𝐻0 = 𝛼 ( )+𝜔( ) , 𝐻 ′ = 𝜖Γ ( )
4. Consider a quantum particle of mass 𝑚 in one 0 1 0 −1 1 0
dimension in an infinite potential well, i.e.,
−𝑎 𝑎
(𝑥) = 0 for 2 < 𝑥 < 2 and 𝑉(𝑥) = ∞ for |𝑥| ≥ 𝐻 ′ is a small perturbation to the free
𝑎 Hamiltonian 𝐻0 − 𝜖 is a small positive
2
. A small perturbation, dimensionless number, while 𝛼, 𝜔 and Γ have
2 ∈ |𝑥| dimensions of energy and are positive
𝑉 ′ (𝑥) =
𝑎 quantities. If we treat this problem
is added. The change in the ground state energy perturbatively in the parameter 𝜖, which of the
to 0(𝜖) is: following statements about the corrections to
[JEST 2016] ground state energy is true? [JEST 2023]
(a) First-order correction is 𝜖; second-order
𝜖 𝜖
(𝑎) (𝜋 2 − 4) (b) (𝜋 2 + 4) correction is
2𝜋 2 2𝜋 2
𝜖 2Γ2
−
∈ 𝜋2 2 𝜖𝜋 2 2 2𝜔
(c) (𝜋 + 4) (d) (𝜋 − 4) (b) First-order correction is 𝜖Γ; second-order
2 2
correction is 0 .
5. A particle is described by the following (c) First-order correction is 0 ; second-order
Hamiltonian correction is
𝑃2 1 𝜖 2𝑇2
𝐻= + 𝑚𝜔2 𝑥 2 + 𝜆𝑥 4 −
2𝑚 2 2𝜔
where the quartric term can be treated (d) First-order correction is 0 ; second-order
perturbatively. If Δ𝐸0 and Δ𝐸1 denote the correction is
energy correction of 𝑂(𝜆) to the ground state 𝜖 2 T2
and the first excited state respectively, what is 2𝜔
the fraction Δ𝐸1 /Δ𝐸0 ?
❖ TIFR PYQ’s
[JEST 2017]
1. A charged particle is in the ground state of a
one-dimensional harmonic oscillator potential,
6. A harmonic oscillator has the following
generated by electrical means. If the power is
Hamiltonian
suddenly switched off, so that the potential
𝑝ˆ2 1
𝐻0 = + 𝑚𝜔2 𝑥ˆ 2 disappears, then, according to quantum
2𝑚 2
mechanics,
It is perturbed with a potential 𝑉 = 𝜆𝑥ˆ 4 . Some
of the matrix elements of in terms of its [TIFR 2010]
expectation value in the ground state are given (a) the particle will shoot out of the well and
as follows: move out towards infinity in one of the two
possible directions
⟨0|𝑥ˆ 2 |0⟩ = 𝐶; ⟨0|𝑥ˆ 2 |2⟩ = √2𝐶; ⟨1|𝑥ˆ 2 |1⟩
(b) the particle will stop oscillating and as time
= 3𝐶; ⟨1|𝑥ˆ 2 |3⟩ = √6𝐶
increases it may be found farther and farther
where |𝑛⟩ is the normalized eigenstates of 𝐻0
away from the centre of the well
corresponding to the eigenvlaue 𝐸𝑛 = ℏ𝜔(𝑛 +
(c) the particle will keep oscillating about the
1/2). Suppose Δ𝐸0 and Δ𝐸1 , denote the energy
same mean position but with increasing
correction 𝑂(𝜆) of to the ground state and the
amplitude as time increases
first excited state, respectively. What is the
(d) the particle will undergo a transition to one
fraction Δ𝐸1 /𝐸0 ?
of the higher excited states of the harmonic
[JEST 2018]
oscillator

7. Consider a two-level quantum system described

2. A particle of mass ' 𝑚 ' and charge ' 𝑒 ' is in the
by the Hamiltonian:
ground state of a one-dimensional harmonic

75
 oscillator potential in the presence of a uniform [TIFR 2017]
external electric field 𝐸. The total potential felt 𝜀 𝜀 𝜀
(a) (1 − ) |1⟩ + |3⟩ (b) |1⟩ + |2⟩ − 𝜀|3⟩
by the particle is 2 2 2
1
𝑉(𝑥) = 𝑘𝑥 2 − 𝑒𝐸𝑥 𝜀 𝜀
2 (c)|1⟩ + |3⟩ (d) |1⟩ − |3⟩
If the electric field is suddenly switched off, 2 2
then the particle will
5. A particle of mass 𝑚 is confined inside a box
[TIFR 2014]
with boundaries at 𝑥 = ±𝐿. The ground state
(a) Make a transition to any harmonic oscillator
and the first excited state of this particle are 𝐸1
state with 𝑥 = −𝑒𝐸/𝑘 as origin without
and 𝐸2 respectively.
emitting any photon.
(b) Make a transition to any harmonic oscillator Now a repulsive delta function potential 𝜆𝛿(𝑥)
state with 𝑥 = 0 as origin and absorb a photon. is introduced at the centre of the box where the
(c) Settle into the harmonic oscillator ground constant 𝜆 satisfies
2
state with 𝑥 = 0 as origin after absorbing a 1 ℎ
0<𝜆≪ ( )
photon. 32𝑚 𝐿
(d) Oscillate back and forth with initial If the energies of the new ground state and the
amplitude 𝑒𝐸/𝑘, emitting multiple photons as it new first excited state be denoted as 𝐸1′ and 𝐸2′
does so. respectively, it follows that
[TIFR 2020]
3. A particle is confined in a one-dimensional box (a) 𝐸1′ > 𝐸1 , 𝐸2′ > 𝐸2 (b) 𝐸1′ = 𝐸1 , 𝐸2′ = 𝐸2
of unit length, i.e. 𝐿 = 1, i.e. in a potential (c) 𝐸1′ > 𝐸1 , 𝐸2′ = 𝐸2 (d) 𝐸1′ = 𝐸1 , 𝐸2′ > 𝐸2
0 if 0 < 𝑥 < 1
𝑉(𝑥) = {
∞ otherwise 6. The Hamiltonian for a Helium atom is given as
𝐻 = 𝐻0 + 𝐻𝐼 , where
2 2
(𝑝1 + 𝑝2 ) 2 2
2𝑒 2𝑒
𝐻0 = − −
2𝜇 4𝜋𝜖0 𝑟1 4𝜋𝜖0 𝑟2
And
𝑒2
𝐻𝐼 =
4𝜋𝜖0 𝑟12
The energy eigenvalues of this particle are where 𝜇 is the reduced mass of the electron, 𝑟1
denoted 𝐸0 , 𝐸1 , 𝐸2 , 𝐸3 , … and 𝑟2 are the distance of the electrons from the
In a particular experiment, the wavefunction of nucleus, and 𝑟12 is the distance between the two
this particle, at 𝑡 = 0, is given by electrons. The value of the first ionization
potential of the Helium atom is 6eV. What is the
𝜓(𝑥) = {√2 if 0 < 𝑥 < 1/2
0 otherwise correction due to 𝐻𝐼 to the ground state energy
If, simultaneously, i.e. at 𝑡 = 0, a measurement of the Helium atom, compared to 𝐻0 ?
of the energy of the particle is made, find 100𝑝3 , [TIFR 2024]
where 𝑝3 is the probability that the (a) 29.8eV (b) − 29.8eV
measurement will yield the energy 𝐸3 . (c) 84.2eV (d) −2.6eV

[TIFR 2016]

4. A quantum mechanical system which has

stationary states |1⟩, |2⟩ and |3⟩, corresponding
to energy levels 0eV, 1eV and 2eV respectively,
is perturbed by a potential of the form
𝑉ˆ = 𝜀|1⟩⟨3| + 𝜀|3⟩⟨1|
where, in eV, 0 < 𝜀 ≪ 1.
The new ground state, correct to order 𝜀, is
approximately.

76
 ❖ Answers key
CSIR-NET
1. a 2. a 3. b 4. b 5. a
6. d 7. b 8. d 9. c 10. d
11. c 12. d 13. d 14. d 15. a
16. c 17. c 18. b 19. a 20. d
21. c 22. d 23. a 24. b 25. c
26. c 27. d 28. b 29. a 30. b
31. b
GATE
1. b 2. b 3. 4. c 5. d
6. d 7. a 8. a 9. a 10. a
11. c 12. c 13. c 14. c 15. d
16. 2 17. 0.81 18. c 19. 0.125 20. 1
21. c 22. a 23. b 24. 160
JEST
1. a 2. a 3. d 4. a 5. 5
6. 5 7. c
TIFR
1. 2. b 3. 00 4. 132eV 5. c
6. c

77
 ➢ Spin Dynamics
❖ CSIR-NET PYQ’s
➢ 3. In a basis in which the z-component S of thez
1. In a system consisting of two spin-1/2 particles spin is diagonal, an electron is in a spin state
labeled 1 and 2, let (1 + i)/√6
ℏ 𝜓=( )
𝑆⃗(1) = 𝜎⃗ (1) √2/3
2 The probabilities that a measurement of 𝑆𝑧 will
and
yield the values ℏ/2 and −ℏ/2 are, respectively.
ℎ
𝑆⃗(2) = 𝜎⃗ (2) [CSIR JUNE 2013]
2
denote the corresponding spin operators. Here (a) 1/2 and ½ (b) 2/3 and 1/3
𝜎⃗ = (𝜎𝑥 , 𝜎𝑦 , 𝜎𝑧 ) and 𝜎𝑥 , 𝜎𝑦 , 𝜎𝑧 are the three Pauli (c) 1/4 and ¾ (d) 1/3 and 2/3
matrices. 1
(A) In the standard basis the matrices for the 4. A spin −
particle is in the state
2

operators 𝑆𝑥 𝑆𝑦
(1) (2) (1) (2)
and S𝑦 𝑆𝑥 respectively, 1 1+𝑖
𝜒= ( )
√11 3
in the eigenbasis of S 2 and Sx . If we measure Sz
[CSIR JUNE 2011]
ℏ ℏ
2
ℏ 1 0 ℏ −1 0 2 the probabilities of getting + 2 and − 2,
(a) ( ), ( )
4 0 −1 4 0 1 respectively, are
[CSIR DEC 2013]
ℏ2 i 0 ℏ2 −i 0 1 1 2 9
(b) ( ), ( ) (a) and (b) and
4 0 −i 4 0 i 2 2 11 11
1 3
(c) 0 and 1 (d) and
0 0 0 −i 0 0 0 −i 11 11
ℏ2 0 0 i 0 ℏ2 0 0 −1 0
(c) ( ), ( )
4 0 −i 0 0 4 0 1 0 0 5. Let 𝜎⃗ = (𝜎1 , 𝜎2 , 𝜎3 ), where 𝜎1 , 𝜎2 , 𝜎3 are the
i 0 0 0 i 0 0 0 Pauli matrices. If 𝑎⃗ and 𝑏⃗⃗ are two arbitrary
constant vectors in three dimensions, the
0 1 0 0 0 −𝑖 0 0
ℏ2 1 0 0 0 ℏ2 𝑖 0 0 0 commutator [𝑎⃗ ⋅ 𝜎⃗, 𝑏⃗⃗ ⋅ 𝜎⃗] is equal to (in the
(d) ( ), ( ) following 𝐼 is the identity matrix)
4 0 0 0 −𝑖 4 0 0 0 1
0 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 [CSIR DEC 2014]
(a) (𝑎⃗ ⋅ 𝑏)(𝜎1 + 𝜎2 + 𝜎3 ) (b) 2𝑖(𝑎⃗ × 𝑏⃗⃗) ⋅ 𝜎⃗
⃗⃗
(B) These two operators satisfy the relation
(c) (𝑎⃗ ⋅ 𝑏⃗⃗)𝐼 (d) |𝑎⃗ ∥ 𝑏⃗⃗|𝐼
(1) (2) (1) (2) (1) (2)
(a){𝑆𝑥 𝑆𝑦 , 𝑆𝑦 𝑆𝑥 } = 𝑆𝑧 𝑆𝑧
(1) (2) (1) (2)
(b){𝑆𝑥 𝑆𝑦 , 𝑆𝑦 𝑆𝑥 } = 0 6. The effective spin-spin interaction between the
(1) (2) (1) (2) (1) (2)
electron spin 𝑠⃗𝜎 and the proton spin 𝑠⃗𝑝 in the
(c)[𝑆𝑥 𝑆𝑦 , 𝑆𝑦 𝑆𝑥 ] = 𝑖𝑆𝑧 𝑆𝑧
ground state of the Hydrogen atom is given by
(1) (2) (1) (2)
(d)[𝑆𝑥 𝑆𝑦 , 𝑆𝑦 𝑆𝑥 ] = 0 𝐻 ′ = 𝑎𝑠⃗𝑒 ⋅ 𝑠⃗𝑝 . As a result of this interaction, the
energy levels split by an amount
2. The component along an arbitrary direction n̂, [CSIR DEC 2014]
1 2
with direction cosines (𝑛𝑥 , 𝑛𝑦 , 𝑛𝑧 ), of the spin (a) 𝑎ℏ (b) 2𝑎ℏ2
2
of a spin- 1/2 particle is measured. The result 3
is: (c)𝑎ℏ2 (d) 𝑎ℏ2
2
[CSIR JUNE 2012]
ℏ 1
(a) 0 (b) ± 𝑛𝑧 7. The Hamiltonian for a spin- 2
particle at rest is
2
given by 𝐻 = 𝐸0 (𝜎𝑧 + 𝛼𝜎𝑥 ), where 𝜎𝑥 and 𝜎𝑧 are
ℏ ℏ Pauli spin matrices and 𝐸0 and 𝛼 are constants.
(c) ± (𝑛𝑥 , 𝑛𝑦 , 𝑛𝑧 ) (d) ± The eigenvalues of this Hamiltonian are
2 2
[CSIR DEC 2015]
(a) ±𝐸0 √1 + 𝛼 2

78
 (b) ±𝐸0 √1 − 𝛼 2 where 𝑆1 and 𝑆2 denote the spin operators of
(c) 𝐸0 (doubly degenerate) the first and second particles, respectively, and
1 𝐴 and 𝐵 are positive constants. The largest
(d)𝐸0 (1 ± 𝛼 2 )
2 eigenvalue of this Hamiltonian is
[CSIR DEC 2019]
1 1
8. The Hamiltonian of a spin- 2
particle in a (a) (𝐴ℏ2 + 3𝐵ℏ) (b) 3𝐴ℏ2 + 𝐵ℏ
⃗⃗ is given by 𝐻 = −𝜇𝐵⃗⃗ ⋅ 𝜎⃗, where 2
magnetic field 𝐵
𝜇 is a real constant and 𝜎‾ = (𝜎𝑥 , 𝜎𝑦 , 𝜎𝑧 ) are the 1
(c) (3𝐴ℏ2 + 𝐵ℏ) (d) 𝐴ℏ2 + 3𝐵ℏ
Pauli spin matrices. If 𝐵‾ = (𝐵0 , 𝐵0 , 0) and the 2
spin state at time 𝑡 = 0 is an eigenstate of 𝜎𝑥 ,
then of the expectation values ⟨𝜎𝑥 ⟩, ⟨𝜎𝑦 ⟩ and 12. Consider the Hamiltonian H = AI + Bσx + Cσy ,
⟨𝜎𝑧 ⟩ where A, B and C are positive constants, I is the
[CSIR JUNE 2018] 2 × 2 identity matrix and σx , σy are Pauli
(a) Only ⟨𝜎𝑥 ⟩ changes with time matrices. If the normalized eigenvector
(b) Only ⟨𝜎𝑦 ⟩ changes with time corresponding to its largest energy eigenvalue
1 1
(c) Only ⟨𝜎𝑧 ⟩ changes with time is ( ), then y is
√2 y
(d) All three change with time [CSIR JUNE 2022]
B + iC A − iB
9. Two Stern-Gerlach apparatus 𝑆1 and 𝑆2 are kept (a) (b)
√B 2 + C 2 √A2 + B 2
in a line ( 𝑥-axis). The directions of their
magnetic fields are along the positive 𝑧 - and 𝑦-
axes, respectively. Each apparatus only A − iC B − iC
transmits particles with spins aligned in the (c) (d)
√A2 + C 2 √B 2 + C 2
direction of its magnetic field. If an initially
1
unpolarized beam of spin- 2
particles passes 13. The Hamiltonian for a spin- 1/2 particle in a
through this configuration, the ratio of magnetic field 𝐁 = B0 k̂ is given by H = λ𝐒 ⋅ 𝐁,
intensities 𝐼0 : 𝐼𝑓 of the initial and final beams, I where 𝐒 is its spin (in units of ℏ ) and λ is a
[CSIR JUNE 2018] constant. If the average spin density is ⟨𝐒⟩ for an
ensemble of such non- interacting particles,
d
then dt ⟨Sx ⟩ [CSIR JUNE 2022]
(a) 16: 1 (b) 2: 1 λ λ
(c) 4: 1 (d) 1: 0 (a) B0 ⟨Sx ⟩ (b) B0 ⟨Sy ⟩
ℏ ℏ

1 λ λ
10. A system of spin- 2 particles is prepared to be in
(c) − B0 ⟨Sx ⟩ (d) − B0 ⟨Sy ⟩
the eigenstate of 𝜎𝑧 with eigenvalue +1. The ℏ ℏ
system is rotated by an angle of 60∘ about the 𝑥-
14. A quantum system is described by the
axis. After the rotation, the fraction of the
Hamiltonian
particles that will be measured to be in the
𝐻 = 𝐽𝑆𝑧 + 𝜆𝑆𝑥
eigenstate of 𝜎𝑧 with eigenvalue +1 is ℏ
[CSIR DEC 2018] where 𝑆𝑖 = 2 𝜎𝑖 and 𝜎𝑖 (𝑖 = 𝑥, 𝑦, 𝑧) are the Pauli
(a) 1/3 (b) 2/3 matrices. If 0 < 𝜆 ≪ 𝐽, then the leading
(c) ¼ (d) ¾ correction in 𝜆 to the partition function of the
system at temperature 𝑇 is
11. The Hamiltonian of two interacting particles, [CSIR DEC 2023]
one with spin-1 and the other with spin- 2, is
1 ℏ𝜆2 𝐽ℏ
(a) coth ( )
given by 2𝐽𝑘𝐵 𝑇 2𝑘𝐵 𝑇
𝐻 = 𝐴𝑆1 ⋅ 𝑆2 + 𝐵(𝑆1𝑥 + 𝑆2𝑥 ),
ℏ𝜆2 𝐽ℏ
(b) tanh ( )
2𝐽𝑘𝐵 𝑇 2𝑘𝐵 𝑇

79
 (c) The particle has a definite value of the 𝑥-
2 components of spin angular momentum
ℏ𝜆 𝐽ℏ
(c) cosh ( )
2𝐽𝑘𝐵 𝑇 2𝑘𝐵 𝑇 (d) The particle has definite values of 𝑥-and 𝑦-
components of spin angular momentum
ℏ𝜆2 𝐽ℏ
(d) sinh ( ) 3. An electron is in a state with spin wave function
2𝐽𝑘𝐵 𝑇 2𝑘𝐵 𝑇
𝜙𝑠 = (√3/2) in the 𝑆𝑧 representation. What is
15. The normalized wave function of an 1/2
electron is the probability of finding the z-component of its
spin along the −𝑧ˆ direction?
3
𝜓(𝑟⃗) = 𝑅(𝑟) [√ 𝑌10 (𝜃, 𝜑)𝜒− [GATE 2002]
8 (a) 0.75 (b) 0.50
(c) 0.35 (d) 0.25
5
+ √ 𝑌11 (𝜃, 𝜑)𝜒+ ].
8 4. A spin half particle is in the state 𝑆𝑧 = ℏ/2. The
where 𝑌𝑙𝑚 are the normalized spherical expectation values of 𝑆𝑥 , 𝑆𝑥2 , 𝑆𝑦 , 𝑆𝑦2 are given by
harmonics and 𝜒±denote the wavefunction
for the two spin states with eigenvalues [GATE 2003]
2 2
1
± 2 ℎ. The expectation value of the 𝑧 (a) 0,0, ℏ /4, ℏ /4 (b) 0, ℏ /4, ℏ2 /4,0
2

(c) 0, ℏ2 /4,0, ℏ2 /4 (d) ℏ2 /4, ℏ2 /4,0,0

component of the total angular momentum
in the above state is 1
3
(a)− 4 ℏ
3
(b)4 ℏ 5. For a spin − 2 particle, the expectation value of
𝑠𝑥 𝑠𝑦 𝑠𝑧 , where 𝑠𝑥 , 𝑠𝑦 and 𝑠𝑧 are spin operators, is
9 9
(c)− 8 ℏ (d)8 ℏ
[GATE 2005]
❖ GATE PYQ’s 𝑖ℏ3 𝑖ℏ3
(a) (b) −
1. A spinless particle moves in a central potential 8 8
V(r)
[GATE 2001] 𝑖ℏ3 𝑖ℏ3
(c) (d) −
(a) The kinetic energy and the potential energy 16 16
of the particle cannot simultaneously have
sharp values 6. Which one of the following relations is true for
(b) The total energy and the potential energy of Pauli matrices 𝜎𝑥 , 𝜎𝑦 and 𝜎𝑧 ?
the particle can simultaneously have sharp [GATE 2006]
values (a) 𝜎𝑥 𝜎𝑦 = 𝜎𝑦 𝜎𝑥 (b) 𝜎𝑥 𝜎𝑦 = 𝜎𝑧
(c) The total energy and the square of the (c) 𝜎𝑥 𝜎𝑦 = 𝑖𝜎𝑧 (d) 𝜎𝑥 𝜎𝑦 = −𝜎𝑦 𝜎𝑥
orbital angular momentum about the origin
cannot simultaneously have sharp values. 7. For a spin-s particle in the eigen basis of 𝑆⃗2 , 𝑆𝑧
(d) The total energy of the particle can have the expectation value ⟨𝑠𝑚|𝑆𝑥2 |𝑠𝑚⟩ is
only discrete eigenvalues [GATE 2010]
2 {𝑠(𝑠 2}
ħ + 1) − 𝑚
2. In a Stern-Gerlach experiment, the magnetic (a)
2
field is in +𝑧 direction. A particle comes out of (b) ħ2 {𝑠(𝑠 + 1) − 2𝑚2 }
this experiment in | + 𝑧ˆ ↑⟩ state. Which of the (c) ħ2 {𝑠(𝑠 + 1) − 𝑚2 }
following statements is true? (d) ħ2 𝑚2
[GATE 2002]
(a) The particle has a definite value of the 𝑦- 8. A spin-half particle is in a linear superposition
component of the spin angular momentum 0.8| ↑⟩ + 0.6| ↓⟩ of its spin-up and spin down
(b) The particle has a definite value of the states. If | ↑⟩ and | ↓⟩ are the eigenstates of 𝜎𝑧
square of the spin angular momentum then what is the expectation value, up to one

80
 decimal place, of the operator 10𝜎𝑧 + 5𝜎𝑥 ? 12. 𝜎𝑥 , 𝜎𝑦 and 𝜎𝑧 are the Pauli matrices. The
Here symbols have their usual expression 2𝜎𝑥 𝜎𝑦 + 𝜎𝑦 𝜎𝑥 is equal to
meanings___________________. [GATE 2016]
(a) −3𝑖𝜎𝑧 (b) −𝑖𝜎𝑧
Group I Group II (c) 𝑖𝜎𝑧 (d) 3𝑖𝜎𝑧

P: Stern-Gerlach
1: Wave nature of particles 13. For the Hamiltonian 𝐻 = 𝑎0 𝐼 + 𝑏⃗⃗ ⋅ 𝜎⃗ where 𝑎0 ∈
experiment
𝑅, 𝑏⃗⃗ is a real vector, I is the 2 × 2 identity
2: Quantization of energy matrix, and 𝜎⃗ are the Pauli matrices, the ground
Q: Zeeman effect
of electrons in the atoms state energy is
[GATE 2017]
R: Frank-Hertz 3: Existence of electron (a) |𝑏| (b) 2𝑎0 − |𝑏|
experiment spin (c) 𝑎0 − |𝑏| (d) 𝑎0
S: Davisson-
4: Space quantization of 14. Given the following table,
Germer
angular momentum Which one of the following correctly matches
experiment
the experiments from Group I to their
[GATE 2013]
inferences in Group II?
[GATE 2018]
(a) P-2, Q-3, R-4, S-1 (b) P-1, Q-3, R-2, S-4
9. Ψ1 and Ψ2 are two orthogonal states of a spin
(c) P-3, Q-4, R-2, S-1 (d) P-2, Q-1, R-4, S-3
1/2 system. It is given that
1 1 2 0 15. Electrons with spin in the 𝑧-direction ( 𝑧ˆ ) are
Ψ1 = ( ) + √ ( ),
√3 0 3 1 passed through a Stern-Gerlach (SG) set up
1 0 with the magnetic field at 𝜃 = 60∘ from 𝑧ˆ. The
where ( ) and ( ) represent the spin-up and fraction of electrons that will emerge with their
0 1
spin down states, respectively. When the spin parallel to the magnetic field in the SG set
system is in the state Ψ2 its probability to be in up (rounded off to two decimal places) is
the spin-up state is……………. [GATE 2019]
[GATE 2014] 0 1 0 −𝑖 1 0
[𝜎𝑥 = ( ) , 𝜎𝑦 = ( ) , 𝜎𝑧 = ( )]
1 0 𝑖 0 0 −1
10. An operator for a spin- 1/2 particle is given by
16. 𝑆ˆ𝑥 denotes the spin operator defined
𝐴ˆ = 𝜆𝜎⃗ ⋅ 𝐵
⃗⃗, where ℏ 0 1
𝐵 𝑆ˆ𝑥 = ( )
⃗⃗ =
𝐵 (𝑥ˆ + 𝑦ˆ), 𝜎⃗ 2 1 0
√2 Which one of the following is correct?
denotes Pauli matrices and 𝜆 is a constant. The [GATE 2020]
eigenvalues of 𝐴ˆ are (a) The eigenstates of spin operator 𝑆ˆ𝑥 are | ↑
[GATE 2015] 1 0
⟩𝑥 = ( ) and | ↓⟩𝑥 = ( )
(a) ±𝜆𝐵/√2 (b) ±𝜆𝐵 0 1
(c) 0, 𝜆𝐵 (d) 0, −𝜆𝐵 (b) The eigenstates of spin operator 𝑆ˆ𝑥 are
1 1 1 1
| ↑⟩𝑥 = ( ) and| ↑⟩𝑥 = ( )
11. If 𝑠⃗1 and 𝑠⃗2 are the spin operators of the two √2 −1 √2 1
1 1
electrons of a He atom, the value of ⟨𝑠⃗1 ⋅ 𝑠⃗2 ⟩ for (c) In the spin state 2 ( ), upon the
the ground state is √3
ˆ
measurement of 𝑆𝑥 , the probability for
[GATE 2016]
3 3 obtaining
(a) − ℏ2 (b) − ℏ2 1
| ↑⟩𝑥 is 4
2 4

1
(c) 0 (d) ℏ2
4

81
 1 1 [JEST 2012]
(d) In the spin state ( ),
2 √3
upon the
1 3
measurement of 𝑆ˆ𝑥 , the probability for (a) + 𝑆1 ⋅ 𝑆2 (b) − 𝑆1 ⋅ 𝑆2
4 4
obtaining
2+√3 3 1
| ↑⟩𝑥 is 4 (c) + 𝑆1 ⋅ 𝑆2 (d) − 𝑆1 ⋅ 𝑆2
4 4

17. Consider a spin 𝑆 = ℏ/2 particle in the state 2. Consider a spin- 1/2 particle in the presence of
1 2+𝑖
|𝜙⟩ = [ ]. The probability that a a homogeneous magnetic field of magnitude 𝐵
3 2
measurement finds the state with 𝑆𝑥 = +ℏ/2 is long along 𝑧-axis which is prepared initially in a
1
[GATE 2021] state |𝜓 = (| ↑⟩ + | ↓⟩) at time 𝑡 = 0. At what
√2
(a) 5/18 (b) 11/18 time 𝑡 will the particle be in the state −|𝜓⟩ ( 𝜇𝐵
(c) 15/18 (d) 17/18 is Bhor magneton)
[JEST 2012]
18. Pauli spin matrices satisfy [GATE 2022] 𝜋ℏ 2𝜋ℏ
(a)𝑡 = (b) 𝑡 =
(a) 𝜎𝛼 𝜎𝛽 − 𝜎𝛽 𝜎𝛼 = 𝑖 ∈𝛼𝛽𝛾 𝜎𝛾 𝜇𝐵 𝐵 𝜇𝐵 𝐵
(b) 𝜎𝛼 𝜎𝛽 − 𝜎𝛽 𝜎𝛼 = 2𝑖 ∈𝛼𝛽𝛾 𝜎𝛾
(c) 𝜎𝛼 𝜎𝛽 + 𝜎𝛽 𝜎𝛼 =∈𝛼𝛽𝛾 𝜎𝛾 𝜋ℏ
(c)𝑡 = (d) never
(d) 𝜎𝛼 𝜎𝛽 + 𝜎𝛽 𝜎𝛼 = 2𝛿𝛼𝛽 2𝜇𝐵 𝐵

1/2
19. An atom with non-zero magnetic moment has
3. Consider the state (1/2 ) corresponding to
an angular momentum of magnitude √12ℏ.
1/√2
When a beam of such atoms is passed through a
the angular momentum 𝑙 = 1 in the 𝐿𝑧 basis of
Stern-Gerlach apparatus, how many beams does
states with 𝑚 = +1,0, −1. If 𝐿2𝑧 is measured in
it split into?
this state yielding a result 1, what is the state
[GATE 2023]
after the measurement
(a) 3 (b) 7
[JEST 2013]
(c) 9 (d) 25
1 1/√3
1 (a) (0) (b) (0 )
20. A spin 2 particle is in a spin up state along the 𝑥- 0 √2/3
axis (with unit vector 𝑥ˆ ) and is denoted as
1 1
|2 , 2⟩ . What is the probability of finding the 0 1/√2
𝑥 (c) (0) (d) (0 )
particle to be in a spin up state along the 1 1/√2
direction 𝑥ˆ ′ , which lies in the 𝑥𝑦-plane and
makes an angle 𝜃 with respect to the positive 𝑥-
4. What are the eigen values of the operator 𝐻 =
axis, if such a measurement is made?
𝜎⃗ ⋅ 𝑎⃗, where 𝜎⃗ are the three Pauli matrices and 𝑎⃗
[GATE 2023]
is a vector
1 𝜃 𝜃
(a) cos 2 (b) cos2 [JEST 2013]
2 4 4
(a) 𝑎𝑥 + 𝑎𝑦 and 𝑎𝑧
1 𝜃 𝜃 (b) 𝑎𝑥 + 𝑎𝑥 ± 𝑖𝑎𝑦
(c) cos2 (d) cos 2
2 2 2 (c) ±(𝑎𝑥 + 𝑎𝑦 + 𝑎𝑧 )
(d) ±|𝑎⃗|
❖ JEST PYQ’s
1. Consider a system of two spin −1/2 particle 5. Suppose a spin 1/2 particle is in the state, |𝜓⟩ =
with total spin 𝑆⃗ = 𝑆⃗1 + 𝑆⃗2 , where S1 and S2 are 1 1+𝑖
[ ]. If 𝑆𝑥 (𝑥 component of the spin angular
√6 2
in the terms of Pauli matrices 𝜎i . the spin triplet
momentum operator) is measured what is the
projection operator is
ℏ
probability of getting + 2 ?

82
 [JEST 2014] 𝜋 𝜋
exp (−𝑖𝜎𝑧 ) exp (−𝑖𝜎𝑦 )
1 2 2 4
(a) (b) on the ket |𝑧, +⟩ is (𝜎𝑦 , 𝜎𝑧 are the Pauli matrices
3 3
5 1 ):
(c) (d)
6 6 [JEST 2016]
(a) (0,1,0) (b) (1,0,0)
6. Consider a three-state with energies 𝐸, 𝐸 and
𝐸 − 3𝑔 (where 𝑔 is a constant) and respective (1,1,0) (1,1,1)
eigenstates (c) (d)
√2 √3
1 1 1 1
|𝜓1 ⟩ = (−1) , |𝜓2 ⟩ = (1 ) , |𝜓3 ⟩ 1
√2 0 √6 −2 9. If 𝜌 = [𝐼 + (𝜎𝑥 + 𝜎𝑦 + 𝜎𝑧 ]/2, where 𝜎 ′ s are
√3
1 1 the Pauli matrices and I is the identity matrix,
= (1)
√3 1 then the trace of 𝜌2017 is
If the system is initially (at 𝑡 = 0 ) in state [JEST 2017]
1 (a) 22017 (b) 2−2017
|𝜓1 ⟩ = (0) 1
(c) 1 (d) 2
0
What is the probability that at a later time ' 𝑡 '
0 10. What is the difference between the maximum
system will be in state|𝜓𝑓 ⟩ = (0) and the minimum eigenvalues of a system of
1 two electrons whose Hamiltonian is 𝐻 + 𝐽𝑆⃗1 ⋅
[JEST 2014]
𝑆⃗2 , where 𝑆⃗1 and 𝑆⃗2 are the corresponding spin
(a)0
angular momentum operators of the two
electrons?
4 3𝑔𝑡
(b) sin2 ( ) [JEST 2018]
9 2ℏ
(a) J/4 (b) J/2
4 3𝑔𝑡 (c) 3 J/4 (d) J
(c) cos2 ( )
9 2ℎ
1
11. For a spin 2 particle placed in a magnetic field 𝐵,
4 2 𝐸 − 3𝑔𝑡 the Hamiltonian is 𝐻 = −𝛾𝐵𝑆𝑦 = −𝜔𝑆𝑦 , where
(d) sin ( )
9 2ℏ 𝑆𝑦 is the 𝑦-component of the spin operator. The
state of the system at time 𝑡 = 0 is |𝜓(𝑡 = 0)⟩ =
|+⟩, where
7. A spin-1 particle is in a state |𝜓⟩ described by
ℏ
the column matrix 𝑆𝑧 |±⟩ = ± |±⟩
1 2
( ) {2, √2, 2𝑖} At a letter time 𝑡, if 𝑆𝑧 measured then what is
√10 ℏ
in the 𝑆𝑧 basis. What is the probability that a the probability to get a value − 2 ?
measurement of operator 𝑆𝑧 will yield the result [JEST 2019]
2 2
ℏ for the state 𝑆𝑧 |𝜓⟩ ? (a) cos (𝜔𝑡) (b) sin (𝜔𝑡)
[JEST 2016]
1 1 𝜔𝑡
(a) (b) (c) 0 (d)sin2 ( )
2 3 2
1 1
(c) (d)
4 6 12. Let 𝑀 = 2𝕀 + 𝜎𝑥 + 𝑖𝜎𝑦 + 𝜎𝑧 is a 2 × 2 square
matrix, where, 𝜎𝛼 denotes 𝛼 th Pauli matrix, and
8. If the direction with respect to a right-handed 𝕀 denotes the 2 × 2 identity matrix. It is given
Cartesian coordinate system of the ket vector that |𝑢⟩ = (10) and |𝑣⟩ = (−1 1
) are column
|𝑧, +⟩ is (0. U. 1), then the direction of the ket vectors. What is the value of ⟨𝑢|√𝑀|𝑣⟩ ?
vector obtained by application of rotations: [JEST 2022]

83
13. Consider a spin-1 system whose 𝑆ˆ𝑧 eigenstates The operator 𝐴ˆ corresponding to a dynamical
are given by | − 1⟩, |0⟩, | + 1⟩ corresponding to variable A, is given, in the same basis, by the
the eigenvalues −ℏ, 0, ℏ. The normalized matrix
general state |𝜓⟩ of the system can be expressed 1 1 1
as 𝐴ˆ = (1 2 1)
|𝜓⟩ = 𝑐−1 | − 1⟩ + 𝑐0 |0⟩ + 𝑐+1 | + 1⟩, 1 1 2
If, now, a measurement of the variable 𝐴 is
and 𝑐−1 , 𝑐0 , 𝑐+1 are complex numbers. Subjected
made on the system in the state |𝜓⟩, the
to the condition ⟨𝜓|𝑆ˆ𝑧 |𝜓⟩ = 0, which of the
probability that the result will be +1 is
following statements is true? [TIFR 2013]
[JEST 2023]
(a) 1/√2 (b) 1
(a) |𝑐+1 |2 + 2|𝑐0 |2 = 1
(c) 1/2 (d) ¼
(c) 2|𝑐−1 |2 + |𝑐+1 |2 = 1
(b) |𝑐−1 |2 + 2|𝑐0 |2 = 1
2. Consider the Hamiltonian
(d) 2|𝑐−1 |2 + |𝑐0 |2 = 1
𝐻 = 𝑓𝜎⃗ ⋅ 𝑥⃗
Here 𝑥⃗ is the position vector, 𝑓 is a constant and
14. Consider the operator 𝑆⋅𝑛 with eigen kets | ±⟩𝑛ˆ
ℏ
𝜎⃗ = (𝜎𝑥 , 𝜎𝑦 , 𝜎𝑧 ), where 𝜎𝑥 , 𝜎𝑦 , 𝜎𝑧 are the three
and eigenvalues ± 2 where 𝑛ˆ is a unit vector and Pauli matrices. The energy eigenvalues are
𝑺 is the spin operator. A partially polarized [TIFR 2014]
1
beam of spin- particles contains a 25-75 (a) 𝑓(√𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 ± 𝑧) (b) 𝑓(𝑥 ± 𝑖𝑦)
2
mixture of two pure ensembles, one with | +⟩𝑧ˆ (c) ±𝑓√𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 + 𝑧 2 (d) ±𝑓(𝑥 + 𝑦 + 𝑧)
and the other with | +⟩𝑥ˆ respectively. What is
𝑆⋅𝑥ˆ
the ensemble average of ? 3. In a Stern-Gerlach experiment with spin- 1/2
ℏ
[JEST 2023] particles, the beam is found to form two spots
1 3 on the screen, one directly above the other. The
(a) (b)
3 8 experimenter now makes a hole in the screen at
1 3
(c) (d) the position of the upper spot. The particles that
4 16 go through this hole are then passed through
another SternGerlach apparatus but with its
15. A spin-1 particle is in a state |𝜓⟩ described by
magnets rotated by 90 degrees
the column matrix
counterclockwise about the axis of the beam
1
( ) {2, √2, 2𝑖} direction. Which of the following shows what
√10 happens on the second screen?
in the 𝑆𝑧 basis. What is the probability that a
[TIFR 2014]
measurement of operator 𝑆𝑧 will yield the result
ℏ for the state 𝑆𝑧 |𝜓⟩ ?
[JEST 2016]
1 1
(a) (b)
2 3
1 1
(c) (d)
4 6

❖ TIFR PYQ’s
1. The state |𝜓⟩ of a quantum mechanical system,
in a certain basis, is represented by the column
vector
1/√2 4. The state |Ψ⟩ of a spin-1 particle is given by
|𝜓⟩ = ( 0 ) 1 𝑖𝜋 2𝑖𝜋
1/√2 |Ψ⟩ = (|1, −1⟩ + |1,0⟩exp + |1,1⟩exp )
√3 3 3
where |𝑆, 𝑀𝑆 ⟩ denote the spin eigenstates with
eigenvalues ℏ2 𝑆(𝑆 + 1) and ℏ𝑀𝑆 respectively.

84
 Find ⟨𝑆𝑥 ⟩, i.e. the expectation value of the 𝑥 ❖ Answers key
component of the spin. CSIR-NET
[TIFR 2018] 1. c/d 2. d 3. d 4. b 5. d
6. a 7. a 8. c 9. c 10. d
5. The Hamiltonian of a spin- 1/2 particle in a
11. a 12. a 13. d 14. d 15. b
⃗⃗ is given by 𝐻 = −𝜇𝑆⃗ ⋅ 𝐵
magnetic field 𝐵 ⃗⃗, where
GATE
the components of the spin operator 𝑆⃗ have
eigenvalues ±ℏ/2. The spin is pointing in the 1. a 2. b 3. d 4. c 5. a
⃗⃗ = 𝐵𝑦ˆ is
+𝑥ˆ direction, when a magnetic field 𝐵 6. c 7. a 8. 7.6 9. 0.66 10. b
turned on. After a time 𝑡 = 𝜋/2𝜇𝐵, the spin will 11. b 12. c 13. c 14. b 15. 0.25
be pointing along the direction 16. d 17. d 18. bd 19. b 20. d
[TIFR 2021] JEST
(a) +𝑧ˆ (b) −𝑧ˆ 1. c 2. a 3. b 4. d 5. c
(c) −𝑥ˆ (d) 𝑥̂ + 𝑧ˆ
6. b 7. d 8. b 9. b 10. d
11. d 12. 1.73 13. d 14. b 15. d
6. Consider an electron with mass 𝑚𝑒 , charge −𝑒
and spin 1/2, whose spin angular momentum TIFR
1. d 2. c 3. d 4. 5. a
operator is given by 𝑆⃗̂ = 𝜎⃗ This electron is
ℏ
2
6. b
ˆ,
⃗⃗ = 𝐵𝑥 𝟏ˆ + 𝐵𝑦 𝚥ˆ + 𝐵𝑧 𝐤
placed in a magnetic field ⃗𝑩
where all three components (𝐵𝑥 , 𝐵𝑦 , 𝐵𝑧 ) are
nonvanishing. At time 𝑡 = 0, the electron is at
rest in the 𝑆𝑧 = ℏ/2 state. The earliest time
when the state of the spin will be orthogonal to
the initial state is
[TIFR 2023]
2𝑚𝑒
(a)
𝑔𝑒|𝑩⃗⃗⃗|
(b) infinity, i.e., it will never be orthogonal.
4𝑚𝑒
(c)
𝑔𝑒|𝐵⃗⃗|
(d) dependent on the direction of the magnetic
⃗⃗⃗
field 𝑩

85
 ➢ Approximation Method
❖ CSIR-NET PYQ’s
➢ 5. Consider a particle of mass 𝑚 in the potential
1. A particle in one dimension moves under the 𝑉(𝑥) = 𝑎|𝑥|, 𝑎 > 0. The energy eigen-values
influence of a potential V(x) = 𝑎x 6 , where a is a 𝐸𝑛 (𝑛 = 0,1,2, … ), in the WKB approximation,
real constant. For large n the quantized energy are
level En depends on n as: [CSIR DEC 2014]
[CSIR JUNE 2011] 1/3
3𝑎ℏ𝜋 1
3 (a) [ (𝑛 + )]
(a) 𝐸𝑛 ∼ 𝑛 (b)𝐸𝑛 ∼ 𝑛4/3 4√2𝑚 2
6/5
(c) 𝐸𝑛 ∼ 𝑛 (d) 𝐸𝑛 ∼ 𝑛3/2
3𝑎ℏ𝜋 1 2/3
2. A variational calculation is done with the (b) [ (𝑛 + )]
4√2𝑚 2
normalized trial wavefunction
√15 2 3𝑎ℏ𝜋 1
𝜓(𝑥) = (𝑎 − 𝑥 2 ) (c) (𝑛 + )
4𝑎5/2 4√2𝑚 2
for the one-dimensional potential well
0 if |𝑥| ≤ 𝑎
𝑉(𝑥) = { 3𝑎ℏ𝜋 1 4/3
∞ if |𝑥| > 𝑎 (d) [ (𝑛 + )]
4√2𝑚 2
The ground state energy is estimated to be
[CSIR JUNE 2012]
2 6. The ground state energy of the attractive delta
5ℎ 3ℎ2
(a) (b) function potential 𝑉(𝑥) = −𝑏𝛿(𝑥), where 𝑏 > 0,
3𝑚𝑎2 2𝑚𝑎2
calculated with the variational trial function
𝜋𝑥
3ℎ2 5ℎ2 𝜓(𝑥) = {
𝐴cos , for − 𝑎 < 𝑥 < 𝑎,
(c) (d) 2𝑎
5𝑚𝑎2 4𝑚𝑎2 0, otherwise,
is
3. What would be the ground state energy of the [CSIR DEC 2014]
Hamiltonian 𝑚𝑏 2
2𝑚𝑏 2
ℏ2 d2 (a) − 2 2 (b) − 2 2
H=− − 𝛼𝛿(x) 𝜋 ℏ 𝜋 ℏ
2 m dx 2
if vibrational principle is used to estimate it 𝑚𝑏 2 𝑚𝑏 2
with the trial wavefunction 𝜓(𝑥) = 𝐴𝑒 −𝑏𝑥 2
with (c) − (d) −
2𝜋 2 ℏ2 4𝜋 2 ℏ2
𝑏 as the variational parameter?
[CSIR DEC 2012] 7. The ground state energy of a particle in the
[Hint: potential 𝑉(𝑥) = 𝑔|𝑥|, estimated using the trial
∞ 2 1 1 wavefunction
∫−∞ 𝑥 2𝑛 𝑒 −2𝑏𝑥 𝑑𝑥 = (2𝑏)−𝑛−2 Γ (𝑛 + )]
2 𝑐
(a) −𝑚𝛼 2 /2ℏ2 (b) −2𝑚𝛼 2 /𝜋ℏ2 √ (𝑎2 − 𝑥 2 ), 𝑥 < |𝑎|
𝜓(𝑥) = { 𝑎5 (where 𝑔 and
(c) −m𝛼 2 /𝜋ℏ2 (d) 𝑚𝛼 2 /𝜋ℏ2 0, 𝑥 ≥ |𝑎|
𝑐 are constants) is
4. The bound on the ground state energy of the [CSIR DEC 2015]
Hamiltonian with an attractive delta-function 15 ℏ2 𝑔2
1/3
5 ℏ2 𝑔2
1/3

potential, namely (a) ( ) (b) ( )

16 𝑚 6 𝑚
ℏ2 d2
H=− − 𝛼𝛼˙ (x)
2 m dx 2 1/3 1/3
using the variational principle with the trial 3 ℏ2 𝑔2 7 ℏ2 𝑔2
(c) ( ) (d) ( )
wavefunction 𝜓(𝑥) = 𝐴exp (−bx 2 ) is 4 𝑚 8 𝑚
∞
[Note: ∫0 e−t t a dt = Γ(a + 1)
[CSIR JUNE 2013] 8. The energy levels for a particle of mass 𝑚 in the
potential 𝑉(𝑥) = 𝛼|𝑥|, determined in the WKB
(a) −m𝛼 2 /4𝜋ℏ2 (b)−m𝛼 2 /2𝜋ℏ2
approximation
(c) −𝑚𝛼 2 /𝜋ℏ2 (d−m𝛼 2 /√5𝜋ℏ2

86
 𝑏 1 [CSIR JUNE 2017]
√2𝑚∫𝑎 √𝐸 − 𝑉(𝑥)𝑑𝑥 = (𝑛 + ) ℏ𝜋
2
where 𝑎, 𝑏 are the turning points and 5
(a)ℏ𝜔 (b) √ ℏ𝜔
𝑛 = 0,1,2, … ), are 14
[CSIR JUNE 2016]
1 5
ℏ𝜋𝛼 1 2/3 (c) ℏ𝜔 (d) √ ℎ𝜔
(a)𝐸𝑛 = [ (𝑛 + )] 2 7
4√𝑚 2

11. The energy eigenvalues 𝐸𝑛 of a quantum system

3ℏ𝜋𝛼 1 2/3
(b)𝐸𝑛 = [ (𝑛 + )] in the potential 𝑉 = 𝑐𝑥 6 (where 𝑐 > 0 is a
4√2𝑚 2 constant), for large values of the quantum
number 𝑛, varies as
3ℏ𝜋𝛼 1 2/3 [CSIR DEC 2017]
(𝑐)𝐸𝑛 = [ (𝑛 + )]
4√𝑚 2 (a) 𝑛 4/3
(b) 𝑛3/2
(c) 𝑛5/4 (d) 𝑛6/5
ℏ𝜋𝛼 1 2/3
(d)𝐸𝑛 = [ (𝑛 + )]
4√2𝑚 2 12. The 𝑛-th energy eigenvalue 𝐸𝑛 of a one-
dimensional Hamiltonian
9. The ground state energy of a particle of mass 𝑚 2
𝑝
𝐻= + 𝜆𝑥 4
in the potential 2𝑚
2 (where 𝜆 > 0 is a constant) in the WKB
ℏ 𝛽 4
𝑉(𝑥) = 𝑥 approximation, is proportional to
6𝑚
estimated using the normalized trial [CSIR JUNE 2018]
4/3
wavefunction 1 1 4/3
𝛼 1/4 (a) (𝑛 + ) 𝜆1/3 (b) (𝑛 + ) 𝜆2/3
𝜓(𝑥) = ( ) 𝑒 −𝛼𝑥 /2
2 2 2
𝜋
is [Use 1 5/3 1/3 1 5/3 2/3
𝛼 ∞ 2 1 (c) (𝑛 + ) 𝜆 (d) (𝑛 + ) 𝜆
√ ∫−∞ 𝑑𝑥𝑥 2 𝑒 −𝛼𝑥 = 2 2
𝜋 2𝛼
and 13. A one-dimensional system is described by the
𝛼 ∞ 2 3 Hamiltonian
√ ∫−∞ 𝑑𝑥𝑥 4 𝑒 −𝛼𝑥 = 2 ].
𝜋 4𝛼 𝑝2
𝐻= + 𝜆|𝑥|
2𝑚
[CSIR JUNE 2016] where 𝜆 > 0. The ground state energy varies as
3 2 1/3 8 2 1/3 a function of 𝜆 as
(a) ℏ 𝛽 (b) ℏ 𝛽
2𝑚 3𝑚 [CSIR DEC 2018]
5/3
(a) 𝜆 (b) 𝜆2/3
2 2 1/3 3 2 1/3
(c) ℏ 𝛽 (d) ℏ 𝛽 (c) 𝜆4/3 (d) 𝜆1/3
3𝑚 8𝑚

10. Using the trial function 14. The Hamiltonian of a particle of mass 𝑚 in one-
𝐴(𝑎2 − 𝑥 2 ) , −𝑎 < 𝑥 < 𝑎 dimension is
𝜓(𝑥) = { 1 2
0; ; otherwise 𝐻= 𝑝 + 𝜆|𝑥|𝛽
the ground state energy of a one-dimensional 2𝑚
harmonic oscillator is where 𝜆 > 0 is constant. If 𝐸1 and 𝐸2 ,
respectively, denote the ground state energies
of the particle for 𝜆 = 1 and 𝜆 = 2
𝐸2
(in appropriate units) the ratio 𝐸1
is best
approximated by
[CSIR JUNE 2021]
(a) 1.260 (b) 1.414
(c) 1.516 (d) 1.320

87
 1. Given a particle confined in a one-dimensional
15. Using a normalized trial wavefunction 𝜓(𝑥) = box between 𝑥 = −𝑎 and 𝑥 = +𝑎, a student
√𝛼𝑒 −𝛼|𝑥| ( 𝛼 is a positive real constant) for a attempts to find the ground state by assuming a
particle of mass 𝑚 in the potential 𝑉(𝑥) = wave-function
−𝜆𝛿(𝑥), (𝜆 > 0), the estimated ground state 𝐴(𝑎2 − 𝑥 2 )3/2 for |𝑥| ≤ 𝑎
𝜓(𝑥) = {
energy is 0 for |𝑥| > 𝑎
[CSIR JUNE 2024] The ground state energy 𝐸𝑚 is estimated by
𝑚𝜆 2
𝑚𝜆2 calculating the expectation value of energy with
(a) − 2 (b) 2 this trial wave-function. If 𝐸0 is the true ground
ℏ ℏ
state energy, what is the ratio 𝐸𝑚 /𝐸0 ?
𝑚𝜆2 𝑚𝜆2 [TIFR 2018]
(c) (d) − 2
2ℏ2 2ℏ
2. Consider a particle of mass 𝑚 in a quartic
16. The Hamiltonian of a particle of mass 𝑚 is given 𝑝2
potential 𝐻 = 2𝑚 + 𝑎𝑥 4
by
If we take a variational wavefunction
𝑝2 2
𝐻= + 𝑉(𝑥) 𝜓(𝑥, 𝜆) = 𝑒 −𝜆𝑥 with 𝜆 > 0 and try to estimate
2𝑚
with the ground state energy, the value of 𝜆 should
−𝛼𝑥 for 𝑥 ≤ 0 be chosen as
V(𝑥) = {
𝛽𝑥 for 𝑥 > 0 [You may use the integral
+∞
where 𝛼, 𝛽 are positive constants. The 𝑛th 2
∫ 𝑑𝑥(𝐴 + 𝐵𝑥 2 + 𝐶𝑥 4 )𝑒 −𝜆𝑥
energy eigenvalue 𝐸𝑛 obtained using WKB −∞
approximation is 𝜋 𝐵 𝜋 3𝐶 𝜋
= 𝐴√ + √ 3 + √
1/2 𝜆 2 𝜆 4 𝜆5
3/2 3 ℏ2 1 where 𝐴, 𝐵, 𝐶 and 𝜆 > 0 are all constants.]
𝐸𝑛 = ( ) 𝜋 (𝑛 − ) 𝑓(𝛼, 𝛽) (𝑛
2 2𝑚 2 [TIFR 2023]
= 1,2, … . ) 5𝑚𝑎 1/3
3𝑚𝑎 1/3
(a) ( 2 2 ) (b) ( 2 )
The function 𝑓(𝛼, 𝛽) is [CSIR JUNE 2024] 3𝜋 ℏ 4ℏ

15𝑚𝑎 1/3 𝑚𝑎 1/3

𝛼 2 𝛽2 𝛼𝛽 (c) ( ) (d) ( )
(a)√ (b) 8ℏ2 2𝜋ℏ2
2(𝛼 2 + 𝛽 2 ) 𝛼+𝛽

𝛼+𝛽 1 𝛼 2 + 𝛽2 ❖ Answers key

(𝑐) (d) √ CSIR-NET
4 2 2
1. b 2. b 3. c 4. c 5. b
❖ JEST PYQ 6. d 7. a 8. b 9. d 10. b
1. Consider a particle confined by a potential 11. b 12. a 13. b 14. d 15. d
𝑉(𝑥) = 𝑘|𝑥|, where 𝑘 is a positive constant. the 16. b
spectrum En of the system, within the WKB JEST PYQ
approximation, is proportional to
1. b
[JEST 2017]
3/2 TIFR
1 1 2/3
(a) (𝑛 + ) (b) (𝑛 + ) 1. 2. b
2 2
21
TIFR- Q.1 8𝜋2
1 1/2 1 4/3
(c) (𝑛 + ) (d) (𝑛 + )
2 2

❖ TIFR PYQ’s

88
 ➢ Identical Particles
❖ CSIR-NET PYQ
➢ 2 𝜋𝑥1 3𝜋𝑥2
(c) [sin ( ) sin ( )
1. The minimum energy of a collection of 6 non- 𝑎 𝑎 2𝑎
1 3𝜋𝑥1 𝜋𝑥2
interacting electrons of spin − 2 placed in a one − sin ( ) sin ( )]
2𝑎 𝑎
dimensional infinite square well potential of
width 𝐿 is 2 𝜋𝑥1 𝜋𝑥2
[CSIR DEC 2012] (d) [sin ( ) cos ( )
𝑎 𝑎 𝑎
2 2
(a) 14𝜋 ℏ /mL 2
(b) 91𝜋 2 ℏ2 /mL2 𝜋𝑥2 𝜋𝑥2
− sin ( ) sin ( )]
(c) 7𝜋 2 ℏ2 /mL2 (d) 3𝜋 2 ℏ2 /mL2 𝑎 𝑎

2. Consider two different systems each with three

identical non-interacting particles. Both have 5. A particle of mass 𝑚 is confined in a three-
single particle states with energies 𝜀0 , 3𝜀0 and dimensional box by the potential
1
5𝜀0 , (𝜀0 > 0). Onc system is populated by spin2 0, 0 ≤ 𝑥, 𝑦, 𝑧 ≤ 𝑎
𝑉(𝑥, 𝑦, 𝑧) = {
∞, otherwise
fermions and the other by bosons; What is the The number of eigenstates of Hamiltonian with
value of EF − E𝐵 where E𝑝 and EB are the energy
ground state energies of the fermionic and 9ℏ2 𝜋 2
bosonic systems respectively? 2𝑚𝑎2
[CSIR JUNE 2013] is
(a) 6𝜀0 (b) 2𝜀0 [CSIR JUNE 2018]
(c) 4𝜀0 (d) 𝜀0 (a) 1 (b) 6
(c) 3 (d) 4
1
3. Three identical spin − 2 fermions are to be
1
distributed in two non-degenerate distinct 6. Three identical spin − 2 particles of mass 𝑚 are
energy levels. The number of ways this can be confined to a one-dimensional box of length 𝐿,
done is but are otherwise free. Assuming that they are
[CSIR DEC 2013] non-interacting, the energies of the lowest two
(a) 8 (b)4 𝜋2 ℏ2
energy eigenstates, in units of 2𝑚𝐿2, are
(c) 3 (d) 2
[CSIR DEC 2018]
4. Consider a system of two non-interacting (a) 3 and 6 (b) 6 and 9
identical fermions, each of mass 𝑚 in an infinite (c) 6 and 11 (d) 3 and 9
square well potential of width 𝑎.
1
(Take the potential inside the well to be zero 7. Two spin- 2 fermions of mass 𝑚 are confined to
and ignore spin). The composite wavefunction move in a one-dimensional infinite potential
for the system with total energy well of width 𝐿. If the particles are known to be
5𝜋 2 ℏ2 in a spin triplet state, the ground state energy of
𝐸= ℏ2 𝜋2
2𝑚𝑎2 the system (in units of 2𝑚𝐿2 ) is
Is [CSIR JUNE 2014]
[CSIR DEC 2019]
2 𝜋𝑥1 2𝜋𝑥2 (a) 8 (b) 2
(a) [sin ( ) sin ( ) (c) 3 (d) 5
𝑎 𝑎 𝑎
2𝜋𝑥1 𝜋𝑥2
− sin ( ) sin ( )] 1
𝑎 𝑎 8. Spin fermions of mass 𝑚 and 4𝑚 are in a
2
1
2 𝜋𝑥1 2𝜋𝑥2 harmonic potential 𝑉(𝑥) = 2 𝑘𝑥 2 . Which
(b) [sin ( ) sin ( ) configuration of 4 such particles has the lowest
𝑎 𝑎 𝑎
2𝜋𝑥1 𝜋𝑥2 value of the ground state energy?
+ sin ( ) sin ( )]
𝑎 𝑎 [CSIR JUNE 2020]
(a) 4 particles of mass 𝑚
(b) 4 particles of mass 4𝑚

89
 (c) 1 particle of mass 𝑚 and 3 particles of mass 1 3
(b) 𝑉0 (𝑟)and − 𝑉0 (𝑟)
4𝑚 2 2
(d) 2 particles of mass 𝑚 and 2 particles of
mass 4𝑚 1 3
(c) 𝑉0 (𝑟)and − 𝑉0 (𝑟)
4 4
9. The energy levels available to each electron in a
system of 𝑁 non-interacting electrons are 𝐸𝑛 =
3 1
𝑛𝐸0 𝑛 = 0,1,2, ⋯. A magnetic field, which does (d) = 𝑉0 (𝑟)and 𝑉0 (𝑟)
4 4
not affect the energy spectrum, but completely
polarizes the electron spins, is applied to the
Common Data for Q. 3 and Q. 4
system. The change in the ground state energy
The one-electron states for non-interacting
of the system is
electrons confined in a cubic box of side 𝑎 are
[CSIR JUNE 2023]
2
𝜀0 < 𝜀1 < 𝜀2 < 𝜀3 < 𝜀4 etc.
𝑛 𝐸0
(a) (b) 𝑛2 𝐸0
2 3. The energy of the lowest state is
[GATE 2004]
𝑛2 𝐸0 𝑛2 𝐸0 2 2
(c) (d) ℏ 𝜋
8 4 (a) zero (b)
2𝑚𝑎2
10. The number density of a mono-atomic gas is
ℏ2 𝜋 2 3ℏ2 𝜋 2
1018 m−3 . The temperature at which the (c) (d)
𝑚𝑎2 2𝑚𝑎2
thermal de Broglie wavelength of the atoms
(which have mass 𝑚 ) equals the average inter-
4. The degeneracy (including spin) of the level 𝜀3
atomic separation, is
is
[CSIR JUNE ASSAM 2019]
[GATE 2004]
ℎ2 12
ℎ2 (a) 2 (b) 4
(a) × 10 𝐾 (b) × 1010 𝐾
2𝜋𝑚𝑘𝐵 2𝜋𝑚𝑘𝐵 (c) 6 (d) 8

ℎ2 ℎ2 5. It is necessary to apply quantum statistics to a

(c) × 109 𝐾 (d) × 1011 𝐾
2𝜋𝑚𝑘𝐵 2𝜋𝑚𝑘𝐵 system of particles if
[GATE 2007]
❖ GATE PYQ (a) there is substantial overlap between the
1. Two particles are said to be distinguishable wavefunctions of the particles
when (b) the mean free path of the particles is
[GATE 2001] comparable to the inter-particle separation
(a) the average distance between them is large (c) the particles have identical mass and charge
compared to their de Broglie wavelengths (d) the particles are interacting
(b) the average distance between them is small
compared to their de Broglie wavelengths 6. A particle of mass 𝑚 is confined in a two
(c) they have overlapping wave packets dimensional square well potential of dimension
(d) their total wave function is symmetric 𝑎. This potential 𝑉(𝑥, 𝑦) is given by
under particle exchange 𝑉(𝑥, 𝑦) = 0 for −𝑎 < 𝑥 < 𝑎 and −𝑎 < 𝑦 < 𝑎
=∞ elsewhere
2. Two spin 𝑆⃗1 and 𝑆⃗2 interact via a potential The energy of the first excited state for this
𝑉(𝑟) = 𝑆⃗1 ⋅ 𝑆⃗2 𝑉0 (𝑟). The contribution of this particle is given by
potential in the singlet and triplet states,
respectively, are
[GATE 2004]
3 1
(a) − 𝑉0 (𝑟)and 𝑉0 (𝑟)
2 2

90
 [GATE 2012] (in eV ) is___________________.
2 2 2 2 [GATE 2015]
𝜋 ħ 2𝜋 ħ
(a) (b)
𝑚𝑎2 𝑚𝑎2
12. A two-dimensional square rigid box of side L
2 2 2 2
5𝜋 ħ 4𝜋 ħ contains six non-interacting electrons at 𝑇 =
(c) (d)
2𝑚𝑎2 𝑚𝑎2 0𝐾. The mass of the electron is 𝑚. The ground
state energy of the system of electrons, in units
7. Consider the wave function Ψ = 𝜓(𝑟⃗1 , 𝑟⃗2 )𝜒𝑠 for 𝜋 2 ħ2
of is____________.
a fermionic system consisting of two spin-half 2𝑚𝐿2

particles. The spatial part of the wave function [GATE 2016]

is given by,
1
1 13. For a spin 2
particle, let | ↑⟩ and | ↓⟩ denote its
𝜓(𝑟⃗1 , 𝑟⃗2 ) = [𝜙1 (𝑟⃗1 )𝜙2 (𝑟⃗2 ) + 𝜙2 (𝑟⃗1 )𝜙1 (𝑟⃗2 )]
√2 spin up and spin down states, respectively. If
Where 𝜙1 and 𝜙2 are single particle states. The 1
|𝑎⟩ = (| ↑⟩| ↓⟩ + | ↓⟩| ↑⟩)
spin part 𝜒𝑠 of the wave function with spin √2
1 1
states 𝛼 (+ 2) and 𝛽 (− 2) should be and
1
[GATE 2012] |𝑏⟩ = (| ↑⟩| ↓⟩ − | ↓⟩| ↑⟩)
1 1 √2
(a) (𝛼𝛽 + 𝛽𝛼) (b) (𝛼𝛽 − 𝛽𝛼) are composite states of two such particles,
√2 √2
which of the following statements is true for
their total spin 𝑆 ?
(c) 𝛼𝛼 (d) 𝛽𝛽
[GATE 2019]
(a) 𝑆 = 1 for |𝑎⟩, and |𝑏⟩ is not an eigenstate of
8. Which one of the following is a fermions?
[GATE 2014] the operator 𝑆ˆ 2
(a) 𝛼 particle (b) 4 Be7 nucleus (b) |𝑎⟩ is not an eigenstate of the operator 𝑆ˆ 2 ,
(c) Hydrogen atom (d) Deuteron and 𝑆 = 0 for |𝑏⟩
(c) 𝑆 = 0 for |𝑎⟩, and 𝑆 = 1 for |𝑏⟩
9. The Pauli matrices for three spin-1/2 particles (d) 𝑆 = 1 for |𝑎⟩, and 𝑆 = 0 for |𝑏⟩
are 𝜎⃗1 , 𝜎⃗2 and 𝜎⃗3 , respectively. The dimension of
Hilbert space required to define an operator 14. Three non-interacting bosonic particles of mass
𝑂ˆ = 𝜎⃗1 × 𝜎⃗2 × 𝜎⃗3 is 𝑚 each, are in a one-dimensional infinite
[GATE 2015] potential well of width 𝑎. The energy of the
ℏ2 𝜋2
third excited state of the system is 𝑥 × 𝑚𝑎2 .
10. Consider a system of eight non-interacting, The value of 𝑥 (in integer) is
identical quantum particles of spin- 3/2 in a one [GATE 2021]
dimensional box of length 𝐿. The minimum
𝜋 2 ħ2
excitation energy of the system, in units of 2𝑚𝐿2 15. For a two-nucleon system in spin singlet state,
is__________________. the spin is represented through the Pauli
[GATE 2015] matrices 𝜎1 , 𝜎2 for particles 1 and 2,
respectively. The value of (𝜎1 ⋅ 𝜎2 ) (in integer)
11. Let the Hamiltonian for two spin 1/2 particles is [GATE 2021]
of equal masses m, momenta 𝑝⃗1 and 𝑝⃗2 and
positions 𝑟⃗1 and 𝑟⃗2 be ❖ JEST PYQ
1 2 1 2 1 1. The ground state energy of 5 identical spin- 1/2
𝐻= 𝑝 + 𝑝 + 𝑚𝜔2 (𝑟12 + 𝑟22 ) + 𝑘𝜎⃗1 particles which are subject to a one-
2𝑚 1 2𝑚 2 2
⋅ 𝜎⃗2 dimensional simple harmonic oscillator
where 𝜎⃗1 and 𝜎⃗2 denote the corresponding Pauli potential of frequency 𝜔 is
matrices, ħ𝜔 = 0.1eV and 𝑘 = 0.2eV. If the [JEST 2012]
ground state has net spin zero, then the energy 15 13
(a) ℏ𝜔 (b) ℏ𝜔
2 2

91
 constant, the ratio of the ground state energy
1 per particle to the Fermi energy is :
(c) ℏ𝜔 (d) 5ℏ𝜔
2 [JEST 2016]
3 7
(a) (b)
2. The spatial part of a two- electron state is 7 3
symmetric under exchange. If | ↑⟩ and | ↓⟩ 3 5
(c) (d)
represent the spin up -and spin - down states 5 7
respectively of each particle, the spin - part of
the two particle state is. 6. Suppose the spin degrees of freedom of a 2-
[JEST 2012] particle system can be described by a 21-
(a) | ↑⟩| ↑⟩ dimensional Hilbert Subspace. Which among
(b) | ↑⟩| ↓⟩ the following could be the spin of one of the
(c) (| ↓⟩| ↑⟩ − | ↑⟩| ↓⟩)/√2 particles?
[JEST 2017]
(d) (| ↓⟩| ↑⟩ + | ↑⟩| ↓⟩)/√2
1
(a) (b) 3
2
3. Two electrons are confined in a one 3
dimensional box of length 𝐿. The one-electron (c) (d) 2
2
states are given by 𝜓𝑛 (𝑥) = √2/𝐿sin (𝑛𝜋𝑥/𝐿)
what would be the ground state wave function 7. Suppose the spin degree of freedom of two
𝜓(𝑥1 , 𝑥2 )f both electrons are arranged to have particles (nonzero rest mass and nonzero spin)
the same spin state? is described completely by a Hilbert space of
[JEST 2013] dimension twenty one. Which of the following
could be the spin of one of the particles?
1 2 𝜋𝑥1 2𝜋𝑥2 [JEST 2018]
(a)𝜓(𝑥1 , 𝑥2 ) = [ sin ( ) sin ( )
√2 𝐿 𝐿 𝐿 (a) 2 (b) 3/2
2 2𝜋𝑥1 𝜋𝑥2 (c) 1 (d) ½
+ sin ( ) sin ( )]
𝐿 𝐿 𝐿
8. Consider a system of 15 non-interacting spin-
1 2 𝜋𝑥1 2𝜋𝑥2 polarized electrons. They are trapped in a two
(b)𝜓(𝑥1 , 𝑥2 ) = [ sin ( ) sin ( )
√2 𝐿 𝐿 𝐿 dimensional isotropic harmonic oscillator
2 2𝜋𝑥1 𝜋𝑥2 potential
1
𝑉(𝑥, 𝑦) = 2 𝑚𝜔2 (𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 ). The
− sin ( ) sin ( )]
𝐿 𝐿 𝐿
angular frequency 𝜔 is such that ℏ𝜔 = 1 in
2 𝜋𝑥1 2𝜋𝑥2 some chosen unit. What is the ground state
(c)𝜓(𝑥1 , 𝑥2 ) = sin ( ) sin ( ) energy of the system in the same units?
𝐿 𝐿 𝐿
[JEST 2019]
2 2𝜋𝑥1 𝜋𝑥2
(d)𝜓(𝑥1 , 𝑥2 ) = sin ( ) sin ( ) 9. The smallest dimension of the Hilbert space in
𝐿 𝐿 𝐿
which we can find operators 𝑥ˆ, 𝑝ˆ that satisfy
4. The lowest quantum mechanical energy of a [𝑥ˆ, 𝑝ˆ] = 𝑖ℏ is
particle confined in a one-dimensional box of [JEST 2021]
size 𝐿 is 2eV. The energy of the quantum (a) 1 (b) 3
mechanical ground state for a system of three (c) 4 (d) ∞
non-interacting spin-1/2 particles is
[JEST 2014] 10. A one-dimensional box contains three identical
(a) 6eV (b) 10eV particles in the ground state of the system. Find
(c) 12eV (d) 16Ev the ratio of total energies of these particles if
1
they were spin- 2 fermions, to that if they were
5. Consider 𝑁 non-interacting electrons (𝑁 ∼ 𝑁𝐴 )
bosons.
in a box of sides 𝐿𝑥 , 𝐿𝑦 , 𝐿𝑧 Assume that the
dispersion relation is 𝜖(𝑘) = 𝐶𝑘 4 where 𝐶 is a

92
 [JEST 2021] [TIFR 2011]
14 (a) 2𝜖0 (b) 5𝜖0 /4
(a) 1 (b)
3 (c) 3𝜖0 /2 (d) 𝜖0
1
(c) 2 (d)
3
2. 1000 neutral spinless particles are confined in a
one-dimensional box of length 100 nm. At a
11. Consider eight electrons confined in a 1D box of
given instant of time, if 100 of these particle
length 𝑑. What is the minimum total energy for
have energy 4𝜖0 and the remaining 900 have
the system allowed by Pauli's exclusion
energy 225𝜖0, then the number of particles in
principle?
the left half of the box will be approximately
[JEST 2022]
[TIFR 2015]
30ℎ2 15ℎ2
(a) (b) (a) 625 (b) 500
𝑚𝑑2 4𝑚𝑑2
(c) 441 (d) 100
15ℎ2 15ℎ2
(c) (d) 3. Consider two spin-1/2 identical particles A and
2𝑚𝑑2 8𝑚𝑑2
B, separated by a distance 𝑟, interacting through
𝑉
12. A quantum mechanical particle of mass 𝑚 is a potential𝑉(𝑟) = 0 𝑆⃗𝐴 ⋅ 𝑆⃗𝐵
𝑟
confined in a one dimensional infinite potential where 𝑉0 is a positive constant and the spins
well whose walls are located at 𝑥 = 0 and 𝑥 = are 𝑆⃗𝐴,𝐵 = 𝜎⃗ = (𝜎𝑥 , 𝜎𝑦 , 𝜎𝑧 ) in terms of the Pauli
1. The wave function of the particle inside the spin matrices. The expectation values of this
well is 𝜓(𝑥) = 𝒩[𝑥ln 𝑥 + (1 − 𝑥)ln (1 − 𝑥)] for potential in the spin singlet and triplet states
some normalization constant 𝒩. An are
experimentalist measures the position of the [TIFR 2016]
particle on an ensemble of a large number of 𝑉0 𝑉0
identical systems in the same state. The mean of (a) Singlet ∶ − , Triplet ∶
3𝑟 𝑟
1
the outcomes is found to be 𝑛, where 𝑛 is an
3𝑉0 𝑉0
integer. What is 𝑛 ? (b) Singlet ∶ − , Triplet ∶
[JEST 2024] 𝑟 𝑟

3𝑉0 𝑉0
13. Consider 5 identical spin 1/2 particles moving (c) Singlet ∶ , Triplet ∶ −
𝑟 𝑟
in a 3 -dimensional harmonic oscillator
potential, 𝑉0 3𝑉0
1 1 (d) Singlet ∶ − , Triplet ∶
𝑉(𝑟) = 𝑚𝜔2 𝑟 2 = 𝑚𝜔2 (𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 + 𝑧 2 ) 𝑟 𝑟
2 2
The degeneracy of the ground state of the 4. A quantum mechanical system consists of a
system is [JEST 2022] one-dimensional infinite box, as indicated in the
(a) 20 (b) 7 figures below.
(c) 5 (d) 32

❖ TIFR PYQ
1. Two identical non-interacting particles, each of
1
mass 𝑚 and spin 2
, are placed in a
onedimensional box of length 𝐿. In quantum 3 (three) identical non-interacting spin- 1/2
mechanics, the lowest possible value of the total particles, are first placed in the box, and the
energy of these two particles is 𝜖0 . If, instead, ground state energy of the system is found to be
four such particles are introduced into a similar 𝐸0 = 18eV. If 7 (seven) such identical particles
one-dimensional box of length 2𝐿, then the are placed in the box, what will be the ground
lowest possible value of their total energy will state energy, in units of eV?
be [TIFR 2017]

93
5. A system was formed of three spin −1/2 ❖ Answers key
particles A, B and C, respectively and it was CSIR-NET
prepared in an initial state 1. a 2. b 3. d 4. a 5. c
|𝜓⟩ = 𝑐1 | ↑↑↑⟩ + 𝑐2 | ↑↑↓⟩ + 𝑐3 | ↑↓↑⟩ + 𝑐4 | ↑↓↓⟩ +
6. b 7. d 8. d 9. d 10. b
𝑐5 | ↓↑↑⟩ + 𝑐6 | ↓↑↓⟩ + 𝑐7 | ↓↓↑⟩ + 𝑐8 | ↓↓↓⟩ where
GATE
the symbols | ↑⟩ and | ↓⟩ indicate states with
𝑆𝑧 = +1/2 (spin-up) and 𝑆𝑧 = −1/2 (spin- 1. a 2. d 3. d 4. c 5. a
down) respectively. 6. d 7. b 8. b 9. 8 10. 5
A measurement was made on the system in the 11. -0.2 12. 24 13. d 14. 6 15. -3
initial state and this identified the spin state of JEST
the particle A to be | ↓⟩ (spin-down). Now the 1. b 2. c 3. b 4. c 5. a
expectation value of ⟨𝑆𝑧 ⟩ for the particle C could
6. d 7. c 8. 55 9. d 10. c
be calculated as
[TIFR 2022] 11. c 12. 2 13. a
𝑐5 + 𝑐7 − 𝑐6 − 𝑐8 TIFR
(a)
|𝑐5 |2 + |𝑐7 |2 + |𝑐6 |2 + |𝑐8 |2 1. 2. b 3. b 4. 132 5. b
6. b
|𝑐5 |2 + |𝑐7 |2 − |𝑐6 |2 − |𝑐8 |2
(b)
|𝑐5 |2 + |𝑐7 |2 + |𝑐6 |2 + |𝑐8 |2

(𝑐5∗ + 𝑐7∗ − 𝑐6∗ − 𝑐8∗ )(𝑐5 + 𝑐7 − 𝑐6 − 𝑐8 )

(c)
|𝑐5 |2 + |𝑐7 |2 + |𝑐6 |2 + |𝑐8 |2

(𝑐5 + 𝑐7 )∗ (𝑐5 + 𝑐7 ) − (𝑐6 + 𝑐8 )∗ (𝑐6 + 𝑐8 )

(d)
|𝑐5 |2 + |𝑐7 |2 + |𝑐6 |2 + |𝑐8 |2

6. Three noninteracting particles whose masses

are in the ratio 1: 4: 16 are placed together in
the same harmonic oscillator potential 𝑉(𝑥).
The degeneracies of the first three energy
eigenstates (ordered by increasing energy) will
be
[TIFR 2017]
(a) 1,1,1 (b) 1,1,2
(c) 1,2,1 (d) 1,2,2

94
 ➢ Scattering Theory & Relativistic QM
❖ CSIR-NET PYQ’s
➢ has any internal structure. The energy of the
1. A free particle described by a plane wave and electron for this must be at least
moving in the positive z-direction undergoes [CSIR DEC 2014]
9
scattering by a potential 𝑉(𝑟) = { 0
𝑉 if 𝑟 ≤ 𝑅 (a) 1.25 × 10 eV (b) 1.25 × 1012 eV
0 if 𝑟 > 𝑅 (c) 1.25 × 106 eV (d) 1.25 × 108 eV
If 𝑉0 is changes to 2𝑉0, keeping 𝑅 fixed, then the
differential scattering cross-section, in the Born 5. The differential cross-section for scattering by a
approximation, target is given by
[CSIR JUNE 2012] 𝑑𝜎
(a) increases to four times the original value (𝜃, 𝜑) = 𝑎2 + 𝑏 2 cos 2 𝜃.
𝑑Ω
(b) increases to twice the original value If 𝑁 is the flux of the incoming particles, the
(c) decreases to half the original value number of particles scattered per unit time is
(d) decreases to one fourth the original value [CSIR JUNE 2015]
4𝜋 1
2. In the Born approximation, the scattering (a) 𝑁(𝑎2 + 𝑏 2 ) (b) 4𝜋𝑁 (𝑎2 + 𝑏 2 )
3 6
amplitude f(𝜃) for the Yukawa potential
𝛽e−𝜇𝑟 1 1 1
𝑉(𝑟) = (c)4𝜋𝑁 ( 𝑎2 + 𝑏 2 ) (d) 4𝜋𝑁 (𝑎2 + 𝑏 2 )
r 2 3 3
is given by: (in the following
𝜃 6. The Dirac Hamiltonian 𝐻 = 𝑐𝛼⃗ ⋅ 𝑝⃗ + 𝛽𝑚𝑐 2 for a
b = 2ksin , E = ℏ2 k 2 /2 m)
2 free electron corresponds to the classical
[CSIR JUNE 2013] relation 𝐸 2 = 𝑝2 𝑐 2 + 𝑚2 𝑐 4. The classical
2𝑚𝛽 2 m𝛽 energy-momentum relation of a particle of
(a) − 2 2 2 2
(b) 2 2
ℏ (𝜇 + 𝑏 ) ℏ (a + b 2 ) charge 𝑞 in a electromagnetic potential (𝜙, 𝐴⃗) is
𝑞 2
2 m𝛽 2𝑚𝛽 (𝐸 − 𝑞𝜙)2 = 𝑐 2 (𝑝⃗ − 𝐴⃗) + 𝑚2 𝑐 4
(c) (d) − 𝑐
ℏ2 √𝜇2 + b 2 ℏ2 (𝜇2
+ 𝑏 2 )3 Therefore, the Dirac Hamiltonian for an
electron in an electromagnetic field is
3. The scattering amplitude 𝑓(𝜃) for the potential [CSIR JUNE 2015]
𝑉(𝑟) = 𝛽𝑒 −𝜇𝑟 , where 𝛽 and 𝜇 are positive 𝑒
(a)𝑐𝛼⃗ ⋅ 𝑝⃗ + 𝐴⃗ ⋅ 𝐴⃗ + 𝛽𝑚𝑐 2 − 𝑒𝜙
constants, is given, in the Born approximation 𝑐
by
𝑒
(in the following 𝑏 = 2𝑘sin
𝜃
and (b)𝑐𝛼⃗ ⋅ (𝑝⃗ + 𝐴⃗) + 𝛽𝑚𝑐 2 + 𝑒𝜙
2 𝑐
ℏ2 𝑘 2
𝐸= ) 𝑒
2𝑚 (c)𝑐 (𝛼⃗ ⋅ 𝑝⃗ + 𝑒𝜙 + |𝐴⃗|) + 𝛽𝑚𝑐 2
[CSIR JUNE 2014] 𝑐
4𝑚𝛽𝜇
(a) − 𝑒
ℏ2 (𝑏 2
+ 𝜇 2 )2 (d)𝑐𝛼⃗ ⋅ (𝑝⃗ + 𝐴⃗) + 𝛽𝑚𝑐 2 − 𝑒𝜙
𝑐
4𝑚𝛽𝜇
(b) − 7. A particle of energy 𝐸 scatters off a repulsive
ℏ2 𝑏2 (𝑏2+ 𝜇2 ) spherical potential
𝑉 for 𝑟 < 𝑎
4𝑚𝛽𝜇 𝑉(𝑟) = { 0
(c) − 0 for 𝑟 ≥ 𝑎
ℏ2 √𝑏2 + 𝜇2 where 𝑉0 and 𝑎 are positive constants. In the
low energy limit, the total scattering, cross-
4𝑚𝛽𝜇 section is
(d) − 2
ℏ2 (𝑏 2 + 𝜇2 )3 1
𝜎 = 4𝜋𝑎2 ( tanh 𝑘𝑎 − 1) ,
𝑘𝑎
4. In deep inelastic scattering electrons are where
scattered off protons to determine if a proton

95
 2𝑚 [CSIR DEC 2016]
𝑘2 = (𝑉 − 𝐸) > 0
ℏ2 0 2𝑖𝑐
In the limit 𝑉0 → ∞ the ratio of 𝜎 to the classical (a) (𝑐𝑝⃗ − 𝛼⃗𝐻) (b) 2𝑖𝑐 2 𝛼⃗𝛽
ℏ
scattering cross-section off a sphere of radius 𝑎
is 𝑖𝑐 2𝑖𝑐
(c) 𝐻𝛼¨ (d) − (𝑐𝑝⃗ + 𝛼⃗𝐻)
[CSIR JUNE 2015] ℎ ℏ
(a) 4 (b) 3
(c) 1 (d) 1/2 12. Consider the potential
3 (3) (𝑟
𝑈(𝑟⃗) = ∑𝑖 𝑉0 𝑎 𝛿 ⃗ − 𝑟⃗𝑖 )
8. In the scattering of some elementary cross where 𝑟⃗𝑐 are the position vectors of the vertices
section 𝜎 is found to depend on the total energy of a cube of Length ' 𝑎 ' centred at origin
𝐸 and the fundamental constants ℎ and 𝑐 using and 𝑉0 is constant. If
2
dimensional analysis, the dependence of 𝜎 on ℏ
𝑉0 𝑎2 ≪
these quantities is given by 𝑚
[CSIR DEC 2015] , the total scattering cross - section, in the low
energy limit is
ℎ𝑐 ℎ𝑐 2
(a)√ (b) 𝑚𝑣0 𝑎2
2
16𝑎2 𝑚𝑣0 𝑎2
𝐸 𝐸 3/2 (a)16𝑎 ( ) (b) ( )
ℏ2 𝜋2 ℏ2

ℎ𝑐 2 ℎ𝑐 2
(c) ( ) (d) 64𝑎2 𝑚𝑉0 𝑎2 64𝑎2 𝑚𝑉0 𝑎2
𝐸 𝐸 (c) ( ) (d) ( 2 )
𝜋 ℏ 𝜋2 ℏ
9. A particle is scattered by a central potential
𝑉(𝑟) = 𝑉0 𝑟𝑒 −𝜇𝑟 , where 𝑉0 and 𝜇 are positive 13. A phase shift of 30∘ is observed when a beam of
constants. particles of energy 0.1MeV is scattered by a
If the momentum transfer 𝑞⃗ is such that 𝑞 = target. When the beam energy is changed, the
|𝑞⃗| ≫ 𝜇, the scattering cross-section in the Born observed phase shift is 60∘ . Assuming that only
approximation, as 𝑞 → ∞, depends on 𝑞 as 𝑠-wave scattering is relevant and that the cross-
[CSIR DEC 2016] section does not change with energy, the beam
𝑑𝑛 energy is
[You may use∫ 𝑥 𝑛 𝑒 𝑎𝑥 𝑑𝑥 = 𝑛 ∫ 𝑒 𝑎𝑥 𝑑𝑥] [CSIR DEC 2017]
𝑑𝑎
(a) 𝑞 −8 (b) 𝑞 −2 (a) 0.4MeV (b) 0.3MeV
(c) 𝑞 2 (d) 𝑞 6 (c) 0.2MeV (d) 0.15MeV

10. After a perfectly elastic collision of two identical 14. The differential scattering cross section 𝑑𝜎/𝑑Ω
𝛽
balls, one of which was initially at rest, the for the central potential 𝑉(𝑟) = 𝑟 𝑒 −𝜇𝑟 , where 𝛽
velocities of both the balls are non-zero. The and 𝜇 are positive constants, is calculated in the
angle 𝜃 between the final velocities (in the lab first Born approximation. Its dependence on the
frame) is scattering angle 𝜃 is proportional to ( 𝐴 is a
𝜋
(a)𝜃 = (b) 𝜃 = 𝜋 constant below).
2
[CSIR JUNE 2018]
𝜋 𝜋 𝜃 𝜃 −1
(c)0 < 𝜃 < (d) <𝜃≤𝜋 (a) (𝐴2 + sin2 ) (b) (𝐴2 + sin2 )
2 2 2 2

11. The dynamics of a free relativistic particle of 2

𝜃 −2
2 2
𝜃 2 2
(c) (𝐴 + sin ) (d) (𝐴 + sin )
mass 𝑚 is governed by the Dirac Hamiltonian 2 2
𝐻 = 𝑐𝛼⃗ ⋅ 𝑝⃗ + 𝛽𝑚𝑐 2 , where 𝑝⃗ is the momentum
operator and 𝛼⃗ = (𝛼𝑥 , 𝛼𝑦 , 𝛼𝑧 ) and 𝛽 are four 15. In the particle wave expansion, the differential
4 × 4 Dirac matrices. The acceleration operator scattering cross-section is given by
can be expressed as

96
 2 scattering cross-section, calculated in the first
𝑑𝜎
= |∑ (2𝑙 + 1)𝑒 𝑖𝛿𝑙 sin 𝛿𝑙 𝑃𝑙 (cos 𝜃)| Born approximation, depends on 𝑞 = |𝑘⃗⃗ − 𝑘⃗⃗ ′ |,
𝑑(cos 𝜃)
𝑙
as [CSIR JUNE 2020]
where 𝜃 is the scattering angle. For a certain
(a) 1/𝑞 2 (b) 1/𝑞 4
neutron-nucleus scattering, it is found that the
(c) 1/𝑞 (d) 1/𝑞 3/2
two lowest phase shifts 𝛿0 and 𝛿1
corresponding to 𝑠-wave and 𝑝-wave,
19. In an elastic scattering process at an energy 𝐸,
respectively, satisfy 𝛿1 ≈ 𝛿0 /2. Assuming that
the phase shift 𝛿0 ≈ 30∘ , 𝛿1 ≈ 10∘, while the
the other phase shifts are negligibly small, the
other phase shifts are zero. The polar angle at
differential cross-section reaches if minimum
which the differential cross section peaks is
for cos 𝜃 equal to
closest to
[CSIR JUNE 2019]
[CSIR JUNE 2021]
(a) 0 (b) ±1 ∘
(a) 20 (b) 10∘
2 1 (c) 00 (d) 30∘
(c) − cos2 𝛿1 (d) cos2 𝛿1
3 3
20. The phase shifts of the partial waves in an
16. The elastic scattering of a charged particle of elastic scattering at energy 𝐸 are 𝛿0 = 120 , 𝛿1 =
mass 𝑚 off an atom can be approximated by the 40 and 𝛿𝑙≥2 = 00 . The best qualitative depiction
𝛼 of 𝜃 dependence of the differential scattering
poten tial 𝑉(𝑟) = 𝑟 𝑒 −𝑟𝑖ℏ , where 𝛼 and 𝑅 are
𝑑𝜎
positive constants. If the wave number of the cross-section 𝑑cos (𝜃) is [CSIR JUNE 2023]
incoming particle is 𝑘 and the scattering angle
is 2𝜃, the differential cross-section in the Born
approximation in:
[CSIR JUNE 2019]

𝑚2 𝛼 2 𝑅4
(a)
4ℏ4 (1 + 𝑘 2 𝑅2 sin2 𝜃)

𝑚2 𝛼 2 𝑅4
(b)
ℏ4 (2𝑘 2 𝑅2 + sin2 𝜃)2

2𝑚2 𝛼 2 𝑅4 21. An incident plane wave with wavenumber 𝑘 is

(c)
ℏ4 (2𝑘 2 𝑅2 + sin2 2𝜃) scattered by a spherically symmetric soft
potential. The scattering occurs only in 𝑆 - and
4𝑚2 𝛼 2 𝑅4 𝑃 - waves. The approximate scattering
(d) 𝜋 𝜋
ℏ4 (i + 4𝑘 2 𝑅 2 sin2 𝜃)2 amplitude at angles 𝜃 = and 𝜃 = are
3 2
𝜋 1 5 𝜋
17. The range of the inter-atomic potential in 𝑓 (𝜃 = ) ≃ ( + 3𝑖) and 𝑓 (𝜃 = )
3 2𝑘 2 2
gaseous hydrogen is approximately 5 A. In 1 3𝑖
≃ (1 + ).
thermal equilibrium, the maximum 2𝑘 2
temperature for which the atom-atom Then the total scattering cross-section is closest
scattering is dominantly 𝑠-wave, is to [CSIR DEC 2023]
[CSIR JUNE 2019] 37𝜋 10𝜋
(a) 2 (b) 2
(a) 500 K (b) 100 K 4𝑘 𝑘
(c) 1 K (d) I mk
35𝜋 9𝜋
(c) (d)
4𝑘 2 𝑘2
18. A particle with incoming wave vector 𝑘⃗⃗, after
𝑐
being scattered by the potential 𝑉(𝑟) = 2 , goes 22. In a scattering experiment, a beam of 𝑒 − with an
𝑟
out with wave vector 𝑘⃗⃗ ′ . The differential energy of 420 MeV scatters off an atomic

97
 nucleus. If the first minimum of the differential amplitude calculated with 𝑈(𝑟) for a
cross section is observed at a scattering angle of (wavevector) momentum transfer 𝑞 and 𝛼 → 0,
45∘ , the radius of the nucleus (in fermi) is is proportional to
closest to ∞ 𝑞
(Useful integral: ∫0 sin (𝑞𝑟)𝑒 𝛼𝑟 𝑑𝑟 = 2 )
[CSIR JUNE 2024] 𝛼 + 𝑞2
(a) 0.4 (b) 8.0 [GATE 2021]
−2 −1
(a) 𝑞 (b) 𝑞
(c)2.5 (d) 0.8
(c) 𝑞 (d) 𝑞 2

❖ GATE PYQ’s
4. Consider an elastic scattering of particles in 𝑙 =
1. If 𝜎 is the total cross-section and 𝑓(𝜃), 𝜃 being
0 states. If the corresponding phase shift 𝛿0 is
the angle of scattering, is the scattering
90∘ and the magnitude of the incident wave
amplitude for a quantum mechanical elastic
vector is equal to √2𝜋fm−1. Then the Total
scattering by a spherically symmetric potential,
scattering cross section in unit of fm2 is
then which of the following is true? Note that 𝑘
is the magnitude of the wave vector along the 𝑧ˆ
5. A particle is scatted by a spherical symmetric
direction.
potential. In the centre of mass (cm) frame the
[GATE 2002]
2 wavefunction of particle is 𝜓 = 𝐴𝑒 𝑖𝑘𝑧 where 𝑘 is
(a) 𝜎 = |𝑓(𝜃)|
the wavefunction &𝐴 is canst.
4𝜋 (i) If 𝑓(𝜃) is the angular wavefunction then in
(b)𝜎 = |𝑓(𝜃 = 0)|2 the asymptotic region the scattered
𝑘
coavefunction has the form
𝑖𝑘𝑟 −𝑖𝑘𝑟
4𝜋 𝐴𝑓(𝜃)𝑒 𝐴𝑓(𝜃)𝑒
(c)𝜎 = × Imaginary part of [𝑓(𝜃 = 0)] (a) (b)
𝑘 𝑟 𝑟

4𝜋 𝐴𝑓(𝜃)𝑒 𝑖𝑘𝑟 𝐴𝑓(𝜃)𝑒 −𝑖𝑘𝑟

(d)𝜎 = |𝑓(𝜃‾ )|2 (c) (d)
𝑘 𝑟2 𝑟2

2. The scattering of particles by a potential can be 6. A particle is scatted by a spherical symmetric

analyzed by Born approximation. In particular, potential. In the centre of mass (cm) frame the
if the scattered wave is replaced by an wavefunction of particle is 𝜓 = 𝐴𝑒 𝑖𝑘𝑧 where 𝑘 is
appropriate plane wave, the corresponding the wavefunction & 𝐴 is canst.
Born approximation is known as the first Born The differential scattering cross section in CM
approximation. Such an approximation is valid frame is
for. |𝑓(𝜃)|2

[GATE 2016] (a)𝜎(𝜃) = |𝐴|2

𝑟2
(a) large incident energies and the weak
scattering potentials (b)𝜎(𝜃) = |𝐴|2 |𝑓(𝜃)|2
(b) Large incident energies and strong
scattering potential (c)𝜎(𝜃) = |𝑓(𝜃)|2
(c) Small incident energies & weak scattering
potential (a)𝜎(𝜃) = |𝐴||𝑓(𝜃)|
(d) Small incident particle energies and strong
scattering potential 7. A particle is scattered by a central potential. If
the dominant contribution to the scattering
3. Consider the potential 𝑈(𝑟) defined as is from the 𝑝-wave, the differential cross section
𝑒 −𝛼𝑟 is
𝑈(𝑟) = −𝑈0
𝑟 (a) isotropic
where 𝛼 and 𝑈0 are real constants of (b) proportional to cos2 𝜃
appropriate dimensions. According to the first (c) stabilized the magnetization
Born approximation, the elastic scattering (d) Cause critical magnetic fluctuations

98
❖ JEST PYQ’s Electrons that scatter from the Xe atoms get
1. In a fixed target elastic scattering experiment, a deviated from their path and hit the shield S,
projectile of mass 𝑚, having initial velocity 𝑣0 , which is a conducting envelope that transports
and impact parameter 𝑏, approaches the the electrons back to ground potential (see
scatterer. It experiences a central repulsive figure on the right). The rest of the electrons
𝑘 strike the plate and contribute to
force 𝑓(𝑟) = 𝑟2 (𝑘 > 0). What is the distance of
the closest approach 𝑑 ?
[JEST 2019]
1 1
𝑘 2
2 𝑘 2
2
(a)𝑑 = (𝑏 + ) (b) 𝑑 = (𝑏 − )
𝑚𝑣𝜃2 𝑚𝑣02

𝑘
(c)𝑑 = 𝑏 (d) 𝑑 = √ 2
𝑚𝑣0

2. In a fixed target elastic scattering experiment, a

projectile of mass 𝑚, having initial velocity 𝑣0 ,
and impact parameter 𝑏, approaches the
scatterer. It experiences a central repulsive
force
𝑘
𝑓(𝑟) = 2 (𝑘 > 0) the plate current 𝑖𝑃 .
𝑟
Which of the following graphs of the variation
What is the distance of the closest approach 𝑑 ?
of the plate current 𝑖𝑃 with increase in the
[JEST 2019]
1 1 accelerating voltage 𝑉 could indicate the wave
𝑘 22
𝑘 2
2 nature of the electron?
(a)𝑑 = (𝑏 + ) (b) 𝑑 = (𝑏 − )
𝑚𝑣𝜃2 𝑚𝑣02 [TIFR 2022]

𝑘
(c)𝑑 = 𝑏 (d)𝑑 = √ 2
𝑚𝑣0

❖ TIFR PYQ’s
1. In a Rutherford scattering experiment, the
number 𝑁 of particles scattered in a direction 𝜃,
i.e. 𝑑𝑁/𝑑𝜃, as a function of the scattering angle
𝜃 (in the laboratory frame) varies as

[TIFR 2016]
𝜃 𝜃 𝜃
(a) csc 4 (b) csc 2 𝑐𝑜 𝑡
2 2 2

𝜃 𝜃 𝜃
(c) csc 2 tan2 (d) sec 4
2 2 2

2. A thyratron consists of a tube filled with Xenon

gas which can be used as a high power electrical
switch. Electrons are emitted from a cathode K
heated by a filament F, and made to accelerate
to some energy 𝐸 by a voltage 𝑉 applied across
the anode plate P.

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 ❖ Answer Key
CSIR-NET
1. a 2. b 3. a 4. a 5. d
6. d 7. a 8. c 9. a 10. a
11. a 12. c 13. b 14. c 15. c
16. d 17. c 18. a 19. c 20. b
21. a 22. c
GATE
1. c 2. a 3. a 4. 2 5. a
6. c 7. b
JEST
1. a 2. a
TIFR
1. b 2. a

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