1.

The wavefunction of a particle of mass m in a unidimensional potential field U(x)=kx^(2)//2 has in the ground state the form Psi(x)=Ae^(-alphax^(2)), where A is a normalization factor and alpha is positive constant. Making use of a Schrodinger equation, find the constant alpha and the energy E of the particle in this state.

Answer»

Solution :The Schrodinger equation is `(d^(2)Psi)/(dx^(2))+(2m)/( ħ^(2))(E-(1)/(2)kx^(2))Psi=0`
we are GIVEN `Psi=Ae^(-alphax^(2)//2)`
Then `Psi''= -alphaxAe^(-alphax^(2)//2)`
Substituting we find that following equation must hold
`[(alpha^(2)x^(2)-prop)+(2m)/( ħ^(2))(E-(1)/(2)kx^(2))]Psi=0`
since `Psi!=0`, the bracket must vanish identicall. This means that the cofficient of `x^(2)` as well the term independent of `x` must vanish. we get
`prop^(2)=(mk)/( ħ^(2))` and `prop=(2ME)/( ħ^(2))`
Putting `k//m= OMEGA^(2)`, this LEADS to `prop=(m omega)/( ħ^(2))`and `E=( ħ^(2)omega)/(2)`


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