Quantum Mechanics-I (PHYS-0402) Problem Set 1

1. Using the expression for the Planck distribution function ( d) derived in class find the equiv-
alent function in terms of wavelength. Show that we obtain the Stephan-Boltzmann law when we
integrate the Planck distribution function over all frequencies. Obtain Weins displacement law
from the Planck formula.

2. Read Section 9.5 from Beiser and work out the Rayleigh-Jeans formula. We discussed in
class about the Planck formula. What is the key difference between the two?

3. A 600 Hz tuning fork can be considered as a harmonic oscillator with vibrational energy 0.04 J.
Now consider an atomic oscillator that emits light of frequency 2 1014 Hz. In which case do you
think energy quantization is important and why?

4. We discussed that classical physics failed to explain the stability of an atom. We shall now
estimate the time of collapse of the H atom. As we discussed, Bohr quantization and subsequently
quantum mechanics came and solved the problem.
a) Consider the electron in the H atom to be under a central potential (electrostatic force field) and
write down the force equations for a central potential. Using the central force equations find out
the velocity of the electron. You can assume a circular orbit for simplicity.
b) As we discussed in class and you will learn in your ENM course that moving charges radiate
2 2
and so the electron will radiate too. The rate of loss of energy is given by dE/dt = 2e3c3v in ergs/s
with terms being usual. From part a) substitute the expression for v.
c) According to the virial theorem (I am sure you know it) the K.E of the electron will be half the
P.E of the electron. Write down the expression for energy and take its time derivative. Equate it to
the expression in part b)
d) Now integrate the equation in part c) from r = a (about 108 cm, size of an atom) to r=0. You
should get a time of collapse of the order of 1010 second. (The electron will also radiate gravity
waves and eventually collapse. The time scale of collapse would be many billions of years. Hence
we can safely stay for a long time without quantizing gravity!!! Sagnick Mukherjee take a note.
For solar system we can not come up with quantized orbits because we do not know how to quan-
tize gravity. )

5. Kaustav and Agniva are two aspiring astrophysicists. Kaustav wants to work with the Giant
Meter Wave Radio Telescope and Agniva wants to work with the Astrosat X-ray telescope. Who
do you think should revise classical electromagnetism and who should plunge into the quantum
world when they will be characterizing the detectors? Justify your answer.