Suppose the Hamiltonian H, for a particular quantum system, is a function of some parameter λlet En(λ)and ψn(λ)be the eigen values and

Eigen functions of. The Feynman-Hellmann theorem22states that

Enλ=(ψnHλψn)

(Assuming either that Enis nondegenerate, or-if degenerate-that the ψn's are the "good" linear combinations of the degenerate Eigen functions).

(a) Prove the Feynman-Hellmann theorem. Hint: Use Equation 6.9.

(b) Apply it to the one-dimensional harmonic oscillator,(i)using λ=ω(this yields a formula for the expectation value of V), (II)using λ=ħ(this yields (T)),and (iii)using λ=m(this yields a relation between (T)and (V)). Compare your answers to Problem 2.12, and the virial theorem predictions (Problem 3.31).

Short Answer

Expert verified

(a) The proved that the provided equation is correctEn=ψn0H'λψn0

(b) (i) V=12n+12ħω

(ii)T=12n+12ħω

(iii)T=V

Step by step solution

01

Define Hellmann–Feynman theorem

The Hellmann–Feynman theorem connects the derivative of total energy with respect to a parameter with the expectation value of the Hamiltonian's derivative with respect to the same parameter. All the forces in the system can be estimated using classical electrostatics once the spatial distribution of the electrons has been known by solving the Schrödinger equation, according to the theorem.

02

Prove the equation ∂En∂λ=⟨ψn|∂H∂λ||ψn⟩ let En(λ) and ψn(λ) 

(a)

Show the following relationship:

Enλ=ψnHλ|ψn

Using Equation 6.9, and get En1=ψn0H'ψn0. Inserting this in the first expression, and get

=ψn0λ|H'|ψn0+ψn0H'λψn0+ψn0|H'|ψn0λ

But, that,H'|ψn0>=En|ψn0>and ψn0ψn0=1It follows:

λψn0ψn0=0ψn0λ|ψn0+ψn0|ψn0λ=0

Returning to expression the following:

En1λ=Enψn0λ|ψn0+ψn0|H'λ|ψn0+Enψn0|ψn0λ=ψn0H'λ|ψn0+Enψn0λ|ψn0+ψn0|ψn0λEn=ψn0|(H')λ|ψn0

To prove that the provided equation is correctEn=ψn0|(H')λ|ψn0

03

Apply it to the one-dimensional harmonic oscillator

b) Hamiltonian for 1D a harmonic oscillator is:

H=p22m+mω2x22.xħ2mωa-+a+p=imω2a+-a-a-n>=n|n-1>a+|n>=(n+1)n+1>

(i) λ=ω

localid="1658214254502" Hω=mωx2Enω=n|mωx2|n=mω2mωn|a-+a+a-+a+|n=2n|a-a-+a-a++a+a-+a+a+|n

=2n|a-a++a+a-|n,n|a+a-|n=n=2n(n+n+1)=n+12V=12n+12ω

(ii) λ=ħRewrite Hamiltonian as:

H=-22m22x2+mω2x222x2=-p2/2En=n-m2x2n=1mn|p2|n=-1mmω2n|(a+-a-)(a+-a-)|n=-ω2n|(a+a+-a+a--a-a++a-a-)|n=ω2(2n+1)T=12n+12ω

(iii) λ=mHamiltonian is:H=p22m+mω2x22It follows:

Hm=-p22m2+ω2x22Enm=n-p22m2+ω2x22n=ω222mω(2n+1)-12m2mω2(2n+1)=ω4m(2n+1)-ω4m(2n+1)=0

Hamiltonian isT=VT=V

Unlock Step-by-Step Solutions & Ace Your Exams!

  • Full Textbook Solutions

    Get detailed explanations and key concepts

  • Unlimited Al creation

    Al flashcards, explanations, exams and more...

  • Ads-free access

    To over 500 millions flashcards

  • Money-back guarantee

    We refund you if you fail your exam.

Over 30 million students worldwide already upgrade their learning with Vaia!

One App. One Place for Learning.

All the tools & learning materials you need for study success - in one app.

Get started for free

Most popular questions from this chapter

For the harmonic oscillator[Vx=1/2kx2], the allowed energies areEN=(n+1/2)ħω,(n=0.1.2,..),whererole="math" localid="1656044150836" ω=k/mis the classical frequency. Now suppose the spring constant increases slightly:k(1+ο')k(Perhaps we cool the spring, so it becomes less flexible.)

(a) Find the exact new energies (trivial, in this case). Expand your formula as a power series inο,, up to second order.

(b) Now calculate the first-order perturbation in the energy, using Equation 6.9. What ishere? Compare your result with part (a).

Hint: It is not necessary - in fact, it is not permitted - to calculate a single integral in doing this problem.

Work out the matrix elements of HZ'andHfs'construct the W matrix given in the text, for n = 2.

Find the (lowest order) relativistic correction to the energy levels of the one-dimensional harmonic oscillator. Hint: Use the technique in Example 2.5 .

Question: The exact fine-structure formula for hydrogen (obtained from the Dirac equation without recourse to perturbation theory) is 16

Enj=mc2{1+an-j+12+j+122-a22-12-1}

Expand to order α4(noting that α1), and show that you recoverEquation .

Two identical spin-zero bosons are placed in an infinite square well (Equation 2.19). They interact weakly with one another, via the potential

V(x1,x2)=-aV0δ(x1-x2). (2.19).

(where V0is a constant with the dimensions of energy, and a is the width of the well).

(a)First, ignoring the interaction between the particles, find the ground state and the first excited state—both the wave functions and the associated energies.

(b) Use first-order perturbation theory to estimate the effect of the particle– particle interaction on the energies of the ground state and the first excited state.

See all solutions

Recommended explanations on Physics Textbooks

View all explanations

What do you think about this solution?

We value your feedback to improve our textbook solutions.

Study anywhere. Anytime. Across all devices.

Sign-up for free