Fill This Form To Receive Instant Help

Help in Homework
trustpilot ratings
google ratings


Homework answers / question archive / MENG 213 2021 Short-answer questions (minimal to no calculations; 4 questions total)

MENG 213 2021 Short-answer questions (minimal to no calculations; 4 questions total)

Physics

MENG 213 2021

  1. Short-answer questions (minimal to no calculations; 4 questions total). Each question in this section is worth 4 points.
    1. Wavefunction basics. Suppose we have two different wavefunctions ψ1(x) and ψ2(x) that differ only by a complex phase: ψ2(x)= e(x)ψ1(x) . Here, θ(x) is some real-valued function of x. What could we measure (in general) to try and determine whether we are in state 1 or 2? When is it impossible to distinguish these two states? You don’t need to do any detailed calculations here, just fully explain your reasoning.
    2. Free particle basics. In class, we discussed the evolution of the probability density P(x,t) of a Gaussian wavepacket (Gaussian probability blob) for a free particle (no forces). Suppose this wavepacket starts at t = 0 with an average position x0 and an average momentum p0. In a total of five sentences or less, explain
      1. What aspects of this evolution matched the expectations of classical physics for how a free particle would move?
      2. What aspects of this evolution did not match our classical expectations?
    3. Double slit. In our discussion of the quantum double slit experiment, we saw that quantum particles produced a pattern very reminiscent of classical wave interference. It is tempting to conclude that we should thus treat particles like electrons exactly like we treat classical waves. Explain in three sentences or less why we can’t do this.
    4. Infinite square well. In lecture, we discussed the energy eigenstates of a particle confined to an infinite square well potential in one dimension. If we treated this system classically (i.e. at time t put a classical particle with some energy E in the box), and then measured x or p at a random time, we could also describe the system using probabilities. Let’s call these probabilities Pcl(x) and Pcl(p) . In five sentences of less, discuss:
      1. One feature of the quantum solutions that match the probabilities we’d get classically.
      2. One feature of these quantum solution that is completely different from the classical probabilities.
  2. Short Calculation Questions (5 questions total)
    1. Basic manipulations of a wavefunction (8 points). Consider an electron in one dimension which is described at t = 0 by a wavefunction

 

       if L/2 x < L/2

 

ψ

0            otherwise

where ψ0 and L are constants. Do not worry about the fact that this function is discontinuous at x = L/2 and x =−L/2.

      1. Find the constant ψ0 by insisting the wavefunction is normalized
      2. What is the probability that if you try to measure the particle between x = 0 and x = L/3, you do not find it?
      3. Calculate the average value of x in this state ψ(x) as well as the position uncertainty ?x.
      4. Use the uncertainty principle, derive a minimum possible value on the momentum uncertainty ?p in the state ψ(x).
    1. Tunneling basics (6 points) .
      1. Suppose we are given a potential energy V(x) and told that our particle (mass m) has an energy E. According to classical physics, there are forbidden regions where the particle is not allowed to be. Where are these regions? Explain your reasoning in 2-3 sentences at most.
      2. Consider now a constant potential energy V(x)= V0 where V0 > 0. Suppose we want to find a state ψ(x) for our particle that has a definite energy E that is smaller than V0. Write the general form of the solution to the time-independent Schrodinger equation for this problem.
      3. Explain why even though we can mathematically solve the equation, we can never get a physically reasonable solution, and hence there are no energy eigenstates with E <V0 for this system.
    2. Momentum and energy operators (6 points) .
      1. A particle in one dimension is described (at t = 0) by a wavefunction ψ(x) that is purely real and that is properly normalized. Show that the average momentum in this state must be zero. (Hint: use integration by parts).
      2. A particle in one dimension is described by a wavefunction ψ2(x). One finds that in this state, the particle has a definite, completely certain value of p2 (momentum squared), but an uncertain value of momentum p. Write the most general form for the state ψ2(x) (without worrying about normalization).
    3. Intereference (6 points) . A free particle (no potential energy!) moving in one dimension is described by a wavefunction ψ(x,t) that has the form

ψ(x,t)=ψ1(x,t)+ψ2(x,t)

where ψ1(x,t) describes a particle with a definite momentum p1, and ψ2(x,t) describes a particle with a definite momentum p2.

    1. At t = 0 , one finds that the probability density P(x,0) associated with ψ(x,0) oscillates as a function of x. One finds that P(x,0) is periodic in x with a period d, i.e. P(x+d,0)= P(x,0) . Use this to find p1p2. Explain your reasoning.
    2. One also finds the the probability density at x = 0, P(0,t) oscillates as a funciton of time. Find the period of these oscillations in terms of d.

5. Time-indep Schrodinger equation (6 points). A particle in 1D having a mass m is described by a wavefunction:

ψ(x,t = 0)= Aex2/L2

This wavefunction corresponds to a definite energy E = 0. Using this information, what is the potential energy V(x)? Express your answer using some or all of the constants m,A,L.

Option 1

Low Cost Option
Download this past answer in few clicks

19.99 USD

PURCHASE SOLUTION

Already member?


Option 2

Custom new solution created by our subject matter experts

GET A QUOTE