Math Problem Statement

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The “mass on a spring” is a common example of simple harmonic motion. The quantum harmonic oscillator is a quantum mechanical analog of this scenario, in which a particle is placed in the following potential: V(x) = 1/2mw^2*x^2.

The corresponding solutions to the Schrodinger equation have the following form: ψ_n(x) = (1/sqrt(2^nn!))(((mw)/(πh))^(1/4))e^(-(mwx^2)/2h)H_n(sqrt(mw/h)x), n = 0,1,2,3,... where H_n(x) = (-1)^ne^(x^2)(d^n/dx^n)(e^(-x^2)) are the physicists' Hermite polynomials.

Use the Schrodinger equation to determine expressions for the first three energy levels of the quantum harmonic oscillator in terms of w and h. Use these to determine a general expression for the energy of any state, n.

Solution

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Quantum Mechanics
Simple Harmonic Motion
Quantum Harmonic Oscillator
Schrödinger Equation
Hermite Polynomials

Formulas

V(x) = (1/2) * m * ω^2 * x^2
ψ_n(x) = (1/sqrt(2^n * n!)) * (((m * ω) / (π * ħ))^(1/4)) * e^(-(m * ω * x^2)/(2ħ)) * H_n(sqrt(m * ω / ħ) * x)
H_n(x) = (-1)^n * e^(x^2) * (d^n/dx^n) * (e^(-x^2))
E_n = (n + 1/2) * ħ * ω

Theorems

Quantum Harmonic Oscillator Energy Levels
Physicists' Hermite Polynomials

Suitable Grade Level

University Level (Physics or Quantum Mechanics)