To determine the energy quantization condition

Short Answer

Expert verified

The energy quantization condition is Ecot2mEhL=U0E.

Step by step solution

01

Formula used to determine the energy quantization condition.

For the infinite and finite square well

U(x<0)=

y(x<0)=0

Inside of the well, where0<x<L and the potential is zero

ψ(x)=Asin(kx)+Bcos(kx)

Here, k=2mEh, Eis the energy, mis the mass, and is the reduced Planck's constant.

For outside of the well where there is potential energyU0 and wherex>L

ψ(x)=Ceαx

Here α=2m(U0E)h

Ignore the Ceαxcomponent since it diverges asx goes to infinity.

02

Calculation of the energy quantization condition.

The wave functionψmust be continuous at the edges of the well atX=0and L.

For the case of x=0, find thatBmust be zero for the function to be continuous.

0=Asin(0)+Bcos(0)

B=0

In the case ofx=L

Asin(kL)=CeαL …… (1)

Here, dxmust also be continuous at x=L

dx(Asin(kL))=dx(CeαL)

kAcos(kL)=aCeαL …… (2)

Divide the equation (2) with the equation (1) and simplify it

kAcos(kL)Asin(kL)=αCeaLCeaL

kcot(kL)=α

Substitute 2m(U0E)h for α and 2mEhfor kin the above equation and si.

2mEhcot2mEhL=2m(U0E)h

Ecot2mEhL=U0E.

Hence, the energy quantization condition is Ecot2mEhL=U0E.

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