Quantum Mechanics Homework Solutions Meg Noah

1.5 (page 16) Show that the z component of angular momentum for a point particle
Lz  xp y  ypx when expressed in spherical coordinates becomes Lz  p  mr 2 sin 2  .

x  r cos  sin 
y  r sin  sin 
x  r (cos  sin  )  r ( sin  ) sin   r cos  cos 
y  r (sin  sin  )  r (cos  ) sin   r sin  cos 
xp y  ypx  xmy  ymx


 mr cos  sin  r (sin  sin  )  r (cos  ) sin   r sin  cos   

mr sin  sin  r (cos  sin  )  r (  sin  ) sin   r cos  cos  

 mr 2 (cos 2  ) sin 2   (sin 2  ) sin 2  
 mr 2 sin 2 

pr2 L2
1.7 (p 18) Show that the energy of a free particle may be written H   where
2m 2mr 2
L  r  p . Hint: Use the vector relation L2   r  p   r 2 p2   r  p  together with the
2 2

definition pr   r  p  r .

Start with the Hamiltonian for a free particle in spherical coordinates:

1
pr  rˆ  p  r  p  r  p  rpr
r
m 2 p2
H v 
2 2m
L2
L2   r  p   r 2 p 2   r  p   r 2 p 2  r 2 pr2  2  p 2  pr2
2 2

r
2
L
 p 2  2  pr2
r
2
p L2
H r 
2m 2mr 2

1.8 (p 18) Show that angular momentum of a free particle obeys the relation
p2
L2  L2x  L2y  L2z  p2  .
sin 2 

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Quantum Mechanics Homework Solutions Meg Noah

pr2 L2
H  (from last problem)
2m 2mr 2
p2 p2 p2
H  r  2  2  2 (from book)
2m r r sin 
L2 p 2 p2 p2
subtract  2  2  2  2  L2  p2  2
r r r sin  sin 

1.21 (p. 26) Use the expression ei  cos   i sin  to derive the following relations:
ei1 2   cos 1   2   i sin 1   2   ei1  ei2    cos 1   i sin 1    cos  2   i sin  2  
ei1 2   cos 1   2   i sin 1   2   ei1 ei2    cos 1   i sin 1     cos  2   i sin  2  
e2i   cos 2  i sin 2   cos   i sin  
2

a) cos 1   2   cos 1 cos  2  sin 1 sin  2 (from real part )

b) sin 1   2   cos 1 sin  2  sin 1 cos  2 (from imaginary part )
c) sin 1   2   sin 1   2   2sin 1 cos  2 (from Im +Im )
d) cos 1   2   cos 1   2   2 cos 1 cos  2 (from Re +Re )
e) cos 1   2   cos 1   2   2sin 1 sin  2 (from Re -Re )
f) 2cos 2  1  cos 2 (from Re )
g) 2sin 2  1  cos 2 (from f with identity sin 2 +cos 2 =1)

h) ei  1  2iei 2 sin  2

ei  ei / 2i / 2  cos   i sin    cos  2  i sin  2  cos  2  i sin  2 
ei  cos 2  2  sin 2  2  2i sin  2 cos  2  2sin 2  2
1

e  1  2i sin  2  cos  2  sin  2   2i sin  2 ei 2

i

e  e  e   1  cos 
i 2 *
 2 
2
i) 1
2 ei1  ei2  1
2
i1
 ei2 i1
1

 1
2 e i1
 ei2  e  i1
 e  i2   e  e    e 
1
2
0 i  2 1 i 1  2 
 e0 
 1
2 2  e  i  2 1 
 ei1 2  
 1
2  2  2 cos  1   2   i sin 1   2   i sin 1   2  
 1  cos 1   2 

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Quantum Mechanics Homework Solutions Meg Noah

j) 2 Re z  z  z * z  ei
ei  e  i  cos   i sin   cos   i sin   2 cos   2 Re z
k) 2i Im z  z  z *
ei  e  i  cos   i sin   cos   i sin   2i sin   2 Im z

e 
*
l) z
 e z*
 exp(cos   i sin  )  *  exp(cos   i sin  )  exp(ei )  e z*
m) exp z  exp  2 Re z 
2

 
e z e z *  e z e z*  e z  z*  e 2Re z 

n) i i  e  2 , e 5 2 , e 9 2 ,...i  e i 1 4 n

2 
ei  cos 
i where    124 n n  0,1, 2,...
sin 
sin   sin 2  sin 52  sin 92   1
cos   cos 2  cos 52  cos 92  0
i  e i 1 4 n
2 

i i   e i    e 2
1 4 n
i  14 n
2

2.23 (page 50) Show that the de Broglie wavelength of an electron of kinetic energy E
1.23 108 0.29 108
(eV) is e  cm and that of a proton is  p  cm .
E1 2 E1 2
h
deBroglie 
p
p  E 2m
h2 h2
 2
deBroglie  2 
p 2 Em
h2 h2c 2
  where rest mass in eV
2 Em 2 Em


  12 4.1257 107 eVs 3 108 ms -1
1 1
m E
 
1.227 10 7 cm
e  1
2  4.1257 10 7

eVs 3 10 cms 10 -1
 1 1

0.511 106 eV E E
2.86 109 cm
 p  12  4.1257 107 eVs  3 1010 cms -1 
1 1

938.27 106 eV E E

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Quantum Mechanics Homework Solutions Meg Noah

Give a proof that the Hamiltonian and the linear momentum operators for a free
particle have common eigenfunctions.

This proof shows that the contrary assumption leads to contradiction.

Let  be the eigenfunction of the Hamiltonian operator and  be the eigenfunction of the
linear momentum operator.

Hamiltonian Linear Momentum

2

Operator Hˆ    
2
p̂  i
2m
2 2

E k p  k
Eigenvalus for
Free Particle 2m
Eigenvalue
equation Hˆ   E pˆ   p
 i  k
  ik
   k 
2 2

 2  ik
   k
2
Solution 2

  2  ik (ik )
   k
2
2


ikx ikx
  Be   Ce  De
ikx ikx
Eigenfunction Ae
Combining the eigenfunctions both = -k2:

 2   2  0

    constant

Show the constant is equal to 0, by substituting the eigenfunctions and their derivatives:
    ikACeikx  ikBDe ikx  ikAD  ikBC

 

 
Integrate to get ln( )  ln( )  constant. This is   constant  . Therefore  and 
represent the same state vector according to the statistical interpretation of the
wavefunction.

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Quantum Mechanics Homework Solutions Meg Noah

3.6 Establish the following properties of (y):

(a) (y) = (-y)

(y)=0 when y≠0 and when y=0, y=-y therefore (y) = (-y)

Note: This is also seen from the symmetry in the delta function plot. This is a special
case of part (d), which in turn is a special case of part (i). In part (d), setting a = -1, (ay)
= (-y) = |a|-1(y) = (y)

(b) ’(y) = -'(-y)

’(y) = -'(y)

y ’(y) = y '(y)

(y) = y '(y)

(y) = y '(y)

    
d d df


f ( y)( y) '( y)dy   

dy
( fy )dy    ( fy)dy    ( y  f )dy   yf ( y)dy

dy 
dy 

therefore:

(y) = y '(y) and ’(y) = -'(y)

( c) y (y) = 0

when y=0, y (y) = 0 when y≠0, (y) = 0, so y (y) = 0

(d) (ay)=|a|-1(y)

let x = ay then dx=ady

  xdx  1
  ayady  1

  ay dy  a
1

Since (y) = (-y) if a<0,   ay dy     ay dy 

1 1

a a

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Quantum Mechanics Homework Solutions Meg Noah

(e) (y2-a2)=|2a|-1[(y-a) + (y+a)]

For the LHS, let x = y2-a2 = (y-a)(y+a). x=0 at two places a and –a
dx = 2ydy

Note: factor of 2 from the two roots.

  y 
 a 2 dy  2  x   x dx 
dx 1 1
2
 
 2y x  a2 a

For the RHS:

  

   y  a     y  a dy     y  a dy     y  a dy 2

  

 
1
2 

  y  a     y  a dy 1  a   y 2  a 2 dy 


 

 2 a   y  a     y  a dy   y  a dy

1 2 2

 y 2  a 2     y  a     y  a 
1
2a


(f )    a  y    y  b  dy    a  b 


let f(y) = (a-y) then use  f  y   y  bdy 

f (b)


  a  y   y  bdy 

f ( y  b)   a  b 

(g) f(y)(y-a) = f(a)(y-a)

 

 f  y   y  ady   f a  y  a dy

 

f (a)  f (a)    y  a dy

therefore f  y   y  a   f a   y  a 

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Quantum Mechanics Homework Solutions Meg Noah

(h) y’(y) = -(y)

    
 df 
f  y y  y dy           y  f  y dy
d d



  dy
fy dy   dy

 yf dy     dy 

 y    f  dy  


This establishes y  y     y 

3.7 Show that the following are valid representations of (y):


(a) 2  y   e
iky
dy


use the Fourier Transform definition of the dirac function

substitute k = 2  f

lim  sin y  

(b)   y    
    y 

 
 sin y  
   y dy   
  y 
dy


 sin my     
 sin my  
0  y dy  2 if m  0; 0 if m  0; - 2 if m  0 so  
 y 
dy   for m  


    y dy  


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Quantum Mechanics Homework Solutions Meg Noah

3.11 Calculate the uncertainty Δp for a particle in the state ψ given by (3.37). Do you
find your answer to be consistent with the uncertainty principle? (In this problem one
must calculate p̂ . The operator: pˆ 2  i 
2
2 .)
2
x

p  pˆ 2  p
2 2

p  pˆ 2  p
2

Using equations 3.37, 3.38, and 3.39

 ( x  x0 ) 2   ip0 x 
 ( x, t )  A exp   exp   exp( i0t )
 
2
 4a 
1
A2 
a 2
introduce dummy variables  and 0
( x  x0 )

a
x  a (  0 )
x0
0 
a
Done in book, equation (3.44)
  
    i   2
2

p     pˆ dx      i  dx  A 2
a   0 2a  d
p   e
   x   
  2
 p0 A2 a  e 2
d  p0 A2 a 2  p0


Now find <p2>

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Quantum Mechanics Homework Solutions Meg Noah

 
    
p 2     pp
ˆ ˆ dx      i  i  dx
   x  x 

 2 
     x  dx
2
2 
 

 2   ( x  x0 ) 2   ip0 x 
     x  exp(i0t )dx
2
2 
A exp   exp 
 
2
   4 a 

  2
  ( x  x0 ) 2
  ip0 x 
  2 exp(i0t )     2  A exp   exp   dx
   x   4 a 2
  

    ( x  x0 ) ip0   ( x  x0 ) 2   ip0 x 
  2 A exp(i0t )         exp   exp   dx
 x     
2 2

2a  4a 

    ( x  x0 ) ip0 
     x     dx
2


2a 2 

 1   ( x  x0 ) ip0    
     2a    
2
2   dx
   2a 2   x 

 1   ( x  x0 ) ip0   ( x  x0 ) ip0 
     2a         dx
2
2
   2a 2  2a 2 

 1  ( x  x0 ) ip0 2 
   2a 2   2a 2     dx
2

  

 1  ( x  x0 ) ip0 2   ( x  x0 ) 2 
  2 A2    2       exp   dx
 2a   
2 2
 
2a  2a 

 1  ( x  x0 )  2 ip0 ( x  x0 )  p0  
2
 ( x  x0 ) 2 
  2 A2    2     2     exp   dx
 2a  2a    
2 2 2
 
2a  2a 
 1  1 
2
p 
2

  2 A2   2 2 a   2  2 a 3  0   0  2 a 
 2a  2a    
 1  1 
2
p 
2

  2 A2   2 2 a   2  2 a 3  0   0  2 a 
 2a  2a    
 1 1 p  
2

 2
 2  2  0  
 2a 4a   
2
  p02
4a 2
p  p0
 p02
2
p
2
p2   p02
4a 2
2
p  p2  p   p02  p02 
2

4a 2 2a
x  x2  x  a 2  x02  x02  a
2

x p  a 
2a 2
This is consistent with Heisenberg’s uncertainty principle.

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Quantum Mechanics Homework Solutions Meg Noah

4.1 What are the energy eigenfunctions and eigenvalues for the one-dimensional box
problem described above if the ends of the box are at –a/2 and +a/2? [Check you answer
with (6.100).]
2
a a
2m 
Hˆ 1     for   x or x   
2

2 2
2
 a a
2m 
Hˆ 2   for  -  x   
2

 2 2
boundary conditions from regions outside the well are:
a  a
       0
 
2 2  
Hˆ 2  E
n  A sin kn x  B cos kn x
a a a
n    A sin kn  B cos kn  0
2 2 2
 a -a -a a a
n     A sin kn  B cos kn   A sin kn  B cos kn  0
 2 2 2 2 2

repeating
a a a
 n    A sin kn  B cos kn  0
2 2 2
 a -a -a a a
 n     A sin kn  B cos kn   A sin kn  B cos kn  0
 2 2 2 2 2
where
2mE
k2  2

kn x  n
kn x n

2 2
x a n
sin kn  sin kn  sin kn  0 when n  2,4,6,...
2 2 2
x a n
cos kn  cos kn  cos kn  0 when n  1,3,5,...
2 2 2
n 2mE
kn   2
a
2 2
k  2
2 2
E  n when n  1,3,5,...
2m 2ma 2

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Quantum Mechanics Homework Solutions Meg Noah

Find the amplitude of the energy eigenfunction by normalization

  |  1
 n   2n 
a/2 a/2 a/2
2 1
 dx    B  x  dx  B  1  cos  x  dx 1
2
cos 2 
a / 2 a / 2  a  2 a / 2  a 
1
a 1
2
B
2
2
B
a
The solution looks like this:
  |  1
 n   2n 
a/2 a/2 a/2
2 1
 dx    B  x  dx  B  1  cos  x  dx 1
2
cos 2 
a / 2 a / 2  a  2 a / 2  a 
a/2
integral over cos is zero, integrate 
a / 2
dx a

1
a 1
2
B
2
The energy eigenfunctions are:
2  n 
n  cos  x where n  1,3,5,...
a  a 
similarly, by normalizing to get A, as with (4.13) in book:
2  n 
n  sin  x where n  2, 4, 6,...
a  a 
The energy eigenvalues are:
2
k2  2
2 2
E  n
2m 2ma 2

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Quantum Mechanics Homework Solutions Meg Noah

 
†
ˆˆ
4.11(b) Show that AB ˆ†
 Bˆ † A
ˆ † of O
Definition of hermitian adjoint O ˆ:
ˆ † |   | O
O ˆ
n n

 AB
ˆ ˆ   |  
† †
Show that ˆ † |  to prove that AB
 Bˆ † A ˆˆ ˆ†
 Bˆ † A

In Dirac Notation:

 AB
ˆ ˆ   |  
†
ˆˆ 
  | AB

ˆ † | Bˆ 
 A
ˆ † | 
 Bˆ † A
In Integral Notation:
 

 
†
ˆ ˆ   dx  ˆ ˆ  dx


AB 

  AB

ˆ † Bˆ  dx
 

A


ˆ †  dx
Bˆ † A
 


4.14. If  is Hermitian, show that A is real; that is, show that A *  A .

This proof uses, from the definition of inner products:  AB   B* A* and the property of
*

ˆ A
Hermitian operators: If  is Hermitian, then A ˆ* .  
*
 ˆ  dx  
  

 
*
A     *A  * A
ˆ   dx  ( A
ˆ  )* dx  ( * A
ˆ * ) dx
  
*

 
     

ˆ ) dx ˆ A
ˆ*
 

( * A since A

 A
Another proof: Start with the definition of a Hermitian operator:
*
ˆ  ( x)   dx * ( x)O
ˆ  ( x) 
 

  
*
dxn ( x )O m m n
  
*
ˆ  ( x)   dx * ( x)O
ˆ  ( x) 
 

  
*
dx (
n x )O n n n
  
*
On   On 

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Quantum Mechanics Homework Solutions Meg Noah

4.17. Consider the operator Ĉ ,

ˆ  ( x)   * ( x)
C
( a) Is Ĉ Hermitian?
This proof shows that the contrary assumption leads to contradiction. Start with definition
of Hermitian operator. An operator is Hermitian if and only if:
*
 
 

dxn ( x)Oˆ  m ( x)   dx m ( x)Oˆ n ( x)

* *

 
ˆ  ( x) 
 dxn* ( x)C  dx ( x)
* *
m n m ( x)
 
* *
 ˆ    

    
     dxn ( x) m ( x)
* * *
dx m ( x )C n ( x ) dx m ( x ) n ( x ) 
      
since
 

 dx ( x) ( x)   dxn ( x) m ( x)

* *
n m
 
*
ˆ  ( x)   dx * ( x)C
ˆ  ( x) 
 

  
*
dx n( x )C m m n
  
C ˆ is not Hermitian

( b) What are the eigenfunctions of Ĉ ? ( c) What are the eigenvalues of Ĉ ?

ˆ  ( x)   * ( x)
C
ˆ  ( x)  c ( x)
C
 c ( x)   * ( x)
ˆ 2 ( x)  CC
C ˆ ˆ  ( x)  C
ˆ  * ( x)   ( x)
ˆ 2 ( x)  c 2 ( x)
C
 c2  1
c  1
since c ( x)   * ( x)
if  ( x)  Re( ), then c  1
if  ( x)  Im( ), then c  i where   complex function in Hilbert Space.

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Quantum Mechanics Homework Solutions Meg Noah

(In Class) Prove that the eigenfunctions of a Hermitian operator are orthogonal to each
other.

Show that the scalar product of two different eigenfunctions is zero.

Start with the definition of a Hermitian operator:

*
ˆ  ( x)   dx * ( x)O
ˆ  ( x) 
 

  
*
dx n( x )O m m n
  
therefore
*
ˆ  ( x)   dx * ( x)O
ˆ  ( x) 
 

  
*
dxn ( x )O m m n
  

And the eigenvalue equations:

ˆ  ( x)  O  ( x)
O n n n

and
ˆ  ( x)  O  ( x)
O m m m

*
ˆ  ( x)   dx * ( x)O
ˆ  ( x) 
 

  
*
dx ( x
m )O n n m
  
*
ˆ  ( x)   dx * ( x)O
ˆ  ( x)   0
 

  
*
dx ( x
m )O n n m
  
 

 
*
ˆ  ( x)  ˆ  ( x)  ( x)  0


dxm* ( x)O n 

dx O m n

 

 dxm* ( x)Onn ( x)   dx  Omm ( x)  n ( x)  0

*

 
 

 dxm* ( x)Onn ( x)   dx  Omm ( x)  n ( x)  0

*

 

[On  Om* ]  dxm* ( x)n ( x)  0


[On  Om ]  0*


  dxm* ( x)n ( x)  0


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Quantum Mechanics Homework Solutions Meg Noah

ˆ , Bˆ , and C
5.12. If A ˆ are three distinct operators, show that:
ˆ  Bˆ , C
(a)  A ˆ   A
ˆ ˆ ˆ ˆ
  , C    B, C 

ˆ ˆ ˆ
A 
ˆ ˆ ˆ ˆ ˆ ˆ
  B, C   A  B C  C A  B  
ˆ ˆ  BC
 AC ˆ ˆ  CA
ˆ ˆ  CB
ˆˆ
ˆ ˆ  CA
 AC ˆ ˆ  BC
ˆ ˆ  CB
ˆˆ
ˆ, C
  A ˆ   Bˆ , C
ˆ
  

ˆ ˆ, C
(b)  AB ˆAˆ Bˆ , C
ˆ   A
ˆ ˆ ˆ
    , C B

ˆ Bˆ , C
ˆ   A
ˆ ˆ ˆ ˆ ˆ ˆ ˆ ˆ ˆˆ ˆˆ ˆ
A    , C  B  A(BC  CB)  ( AC  CA )B
ˆ ˆC
 AB ˆ  ACB
ˆ ˆ ˆ  ACB
ˆ ˆ ˆ  CAB
ˆˆˆ
ˆ ˆ ˆ  CAB
 ABC ˆˆˆ
ˆ ˆ, C
  AB ˆ


ˆ ˆ is Hermitian if  Aˆ , Bˆ   0.
5.13. If  and B̂ are both Hermitian, show that AB
 
ˆ ˆ = B̂A
Using AB ˆ because they commute.

ˆ† A
If A ˆ and Bˆ †  Bˆ :

 AB
ˆ ˆ
†
ˆ †  BA
 Bˆ † A ˆˆ

ˆ ˆ  BA
 If AB ˆˆ

 AB
ˆ ˆ
†
ˆˆ
 AB
ˆ ˆ is Hermitian if AB
ˆ ˆ  BA
ˆ ˆ which is true if  A
ˆ ˆ
AB  , B   0.

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Quantum Mechanics Homework Solutions Meg Noah

6.16 ( a) Show that ̂anticommutes with the momentum operator p̂ . This is, show that:
ˆ , pˆ  
 ˆ pˆ  pˆ
ˆ 0


ˆ  ( x)   ( x)
From the definition of the Parity operator: 
Show that:
ˆ pˆ   pˆ
ˆ
ˆ  i  
ˆ pˆ 

ˆ  i 
 pˆ ˆ
     
ˆ pˆn ( x) 
 ˆ  i  n ( x)   i ˆ n ( x)  i ˆ n ( x)

 x    ( x)  x
ˆ  n ( x)  i 
 pˆ ˆ  n ( x)
ˆ pˆn ( x)   pˆ
 ˆ n ( x)
and
ˆ pˆ   pˆ
 ˆ

( b) Use your answer to part ( a) to show that ̂commutes with the kinetic energy
ˆ pˆ 2
operator T  .
2m

The factor 1/2m is not important, just show that 

ˆ , pˆ 2   0



ˆ , pˆ 2  

ˆ pp
ˆ ˆ  pp
ˆ ˆ ˆ
ˆ pp ˆ)
ˆ ˆ  pˆ (  pˆ
 
ˆ pˆ  pˆ  pˆ
ˆ pˆ
 (  pˆˆ ) pˆ  pˆˆ pˆ
  pˆ ˆ pˆ  pˆˆ pˆ
0

16 of 31
Quantum Mechanics Homework Solutions Meg Noah

Prove the Cauchy-Schwartz Inequality

(from Dr. Shen’s notes…)
0                  dx


vector length

             dx
               dx
   dx      dx      dx     dx

2

              
2

 
Here is the trick:  = and   =
 
Substitute:
     
     
   
  
2 2 2

0     
  
  
2 2 2

0     
  
0       
2

   
2

Prove the Robertson-Schrödinger relation:

Aˆ and Bˆ are Hermetian operators.  Aˆ , Bˆ   Cˆ Prove that  A   B  
2 2 2
1
4 C

A A B B  B A
2

B A  im B A
2 2

im B A  14 2im B A  14 B A  B A *
2 2 2

 14 B A  A B  14 AB   BA 
2 2

 A, B  
2
 14 ( AB  BA)   14 C 
2 2
 14

 A A B B  14 C 
2

 A, B  
2
 A B  14
2 2

17 of 31
Quantum Mechanics Homework Solutions Meg Noah

5.28 (p 143) The TDSE permits the identification E  i  t . Using this identification
together with the rule (5.95), give a formal derivation of the uncertainty relation
E t  2 . Note that in the stationary state (eigenstate H), E  0 . The implication
for this case is that a stationary state may last indefinitely.

From the Robertson-Schrodinger Equation:

 E   t   E, t 
2
 14
2 2

 
 E, t   i t  ti
t t
   
 E , t  g  i tg  ti g  i g  ti g  ti g  i g
t t t t
 E, t   i
 E t  14 i
2 2 2

E t  2

6.1.a.1 (page 165) Find  ( x, t ) and P  En  at t  0 , relevant to a particle in a one-

dimensional box with walls at (0,a) for each of the following states.
(1)   x,0  A1 sin 3 x a  cos  x a 

Find normalization factor:

a a
a
1     x, 0  dx  A12  sin 2  3 x a  cos 2  x a  dx  A12
2
(from wolfram integrator)
0 0
4
2
A1 
a

Now find time dependence:

  x, t   e  Ht   x, 0 
i

  x, t     n e   n   x, 0 
i Ht

  x, 0    cm m
m

  x, t     n e  n c m
i Ht
m
n m

  x, t    cm n e  n m   cm n e  Ht nm   cn e  n
i Ht i i En t

n m n m n

n   x, 0    cm n m   cm nm  cn   dxn*  x, 0 
m m

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Quantum Mechanics Homework Solutions Meg Noah

a
4 4a
c1   sin 2  3 x a  cos 2  x a  dx  1
a0 a4
4
  x, t   e iE t sin  3 x a  cos  x a 
n

a
2
n 2 2
En 
2ma 2

d
6.10 (p 170) Show that A  0 in a stationary state, provided A t  0 , using
dt
commutator relation (6.68).

d A i
 n  H , An
dt

i
 n HAn  n AH n 

i
 H n An  n AH n 
En  n An  n An 0
i


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Quantum Mechanics Homework Solutions Meg Noah

7.4 (page 198) The derivation in the text of the eigenvalues of N̂ is based on the
constraint that there are no states corresponding to the eigenvalues of n < -½. This
constraint was guaranteed by setting aˆ 0  0 . It would appear that it can also be
guaranteed by setting aˆ 1  0 for in the case:
2

aˆ    0
1
2
1
2

Show that for as defined is an eigenfunction of N̂ with the eigenvalue zero; hence
1
2

 is more properly termed  0 .

1
2

aˆ n   n 1
aˆ     0
1
2
1
2

Nˆ  n  n n
aˆ † aˆ n  n n

 
aˆ † aˆ  n 1
2
1
2

aˆ †  0ˆ   n 1 0
2

n  0
   0 1
2

7.5 (page 198) Using the fundamental commutator relation  xˆ, p

ˆ i show that
aˆ, aˆ †  1 .
 aˆ, aˆ †     xˆ 
1
2
i
 pˆ  , 1
2   xˆ  i
 pˆ    12   xˆ,  i pˆ    i pˆ ,  xˆ   12 1  1  1

7.8 (page 207) Show directly from the form of  n given by (7.57)
n  An     e ˆ n   1
that  n where ̂ is the parity operator.
n 2
2 n

ˆ  n   n ( )

 An      e  
n 2
2

 An      e  
n 2
2

 An  1     e 
n n 2
2

  1  n
n

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Quantum Mechanics Homework Solutions Meg Noah

7.9 (page 207) (a) Show that the normalized nth eigenstate  n is generated from the
 0 through n   aˆ  
† n
1
normalized ground state n! 0
.

aˆ †  n  n  1  n 1
n1   n  1
1 2
aˆ †  n
i  2  aˆ † i 1   i  2   i  1 aˆ 
1 2 1 2 †
i

  i  n   i  2   i  1  aˆ † i
1 2 1 2 1 2
i  n  aˆ † i  n1 
i0
n  aˆ † n1   n   2  1  aˆ † 0
1 2 1 2 1 2


n   n! aˆ † 0
1 2

(b) Show that part (a) implies the following relations:

n  1
 aˆ  
n!
† n
0

n!   aˆ  
n
† n
0

aˆ n!  aˆ  aˆ  
n
† n
0

n!aˆ  n  aˆ  
n
† n 1
0

n!aˆ n  n  n  1! n 1

naˆ n  n n 1
aˆ n  n n1

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Quantum Mechanics Homework Solutions Meg Noah

7.10 (page 207) Show that the nth eigenstate of the harmonic oscillator, the average
kinetic energy <T> is equal to the average potential energy <V> - the virial theorem.
That is,
V  k2 x 2  T  21m p 2  12 E  0
2 n  
1
2

Using:  a  n  n  1 n  1 and a n  n n 1

And:
n  aa  n  n  a  n  1 n  1  n n 1 n 1 n 11  n n 1 n  n  1
n  a a  n  n  a  n n  1  n n n n 11  n n n  n
n  a a  n  n  a  n  1 n  1  n n  2 n  1 n  2  0
n  aa  n  n  a  n n  1  n n 1 n n  2  0
a  a m0 k
For the Potential Energy: x  2  02 
2 m
V  n Vˆ n
 n k2 x 2 n
 4 k n  a  a  a  a  n
2

 4 k n aa  aa
2  0 n 1 n
 a a  a a
0
n
 4 k (n  1  n)
2

 2 k 2
2
m0
m02
k (n  12 )
 0
2 (n  12 )
a  a m0
For the Kinetic Energy: p 
2 i
T  n Tˆ n
 n 1
2m p2 n
  m4  n  a  a  a  a  n
2
0
2

  m4  n aa  aa
2
0
2  0 n 1 n
 a a  a a
0
n
 m4  (n  1  n)
2
0
2

 m2  2
(n  12 )
2
0
2 m0

 0
2 (n  12 )
V  T

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Quantum Mechanics Homework Solutions Meg Noah

7.34 (page 221) Show that the current density J may be written
J  21m  * pˆ   * pˆ  * where p̂ is the momentum operator.

Show that it is equivalent to equation 7.107: J  2mi  *   *

Here is the math:
J  2mi  *    *
 2mi  *    *  *  *
 21m  * pˆ   * pˆ  *
 21m  * pˆ   * pˆ  *
 21m  * pˆ   pˆ * *
 21m  *  i      i   * *
 21m  *  i      i   *
 2im  *    *
 2mi  *    *  this is equation 7.107

7.35 (page 221) Show that for a one-dimensional wavefunction of the form [where
  x, t  is real]   x, t   A exp i  x, t  , J  m A 
2
x .

Start with equation 7.107: J  2mi  *   *

J  2mi  *    *
  x, t   A exp i  x, t  
J  2mi  * x    
x  *

 2mi  A * e    x Ae     Ae    x A * e    

  i x ,t  i x ,t  i x ,t    i x ,t 

 2mi A e  i
2
 i  ei   i 
x e x e 

 2mi A i e  i ei x  i ei e  i x 

2 1 1

 
 2mi A 2i x
2


m A
2
x

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Quantum Mechanics Homework Solutions Meg Noah

8.34 (page 323) Construct the eigenstates and eigenenergies of a particle in a two-
dimensional rectangular box of edge lengths a and 2a. Take the origin to be at the corner
of the rectangle. Account geometrically for the removal of most of the degeneracy
present in the case of the square, two-dimensional box described previously. The
degeneracy present for this configuration (e.g., the energy 5E is doubly degenerate) is
sometimes call accidental degeneracy, in that it is neither exchange- nor symmetry-
degenerate.
nxny  x, y   nx  x ny  y  
n y y
2
a sin n a x
x 2
2a sin 2a

nx  x   2
a sin n a x
x

Enx  nx2 E1

 
2
Eny 
ny
2 E1

En  Enx  Eny   nx2     E

ny 2

 2 1

Degeneracy – n2= nx2 +(ny/2)2

1 2 3 4 5 6 ny
2
nx nx 1 4 9 16 25 36 (ny/2)2
1 1 2 5 10 17 26 37
2 4 5 8 13 20 29 40
3 9 10 13 18 25 34 45
4 16 17 20 25 32 41 52

For n=square_root(n2) - Only survivor:

1 2 3 4 5 6 ny
nx nx2 1 4 9 16 25 36 (ny/2)2
1 1
2 4
3 9 5
4 16 5

Double degeneracy at 5E with nx,ny=(4,3) and (3,4).

Degeneracy occurs at Pythagorean triples.

8.35 (page 326) What is the order of degeneracy of the eigenstate ES  0  s  1 of

the two-dimensional harmonic oscillator?

The degeneracy equals the number of ways of writing an integer s as the ordered sum of
two whole integer numbers (starting at 0). There are (s+1) ways to do this.

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Quantum Mechanics Homework Solutions Meg Noah

8.36 (page 326) (a) Write down the Hamiltonians, eigenenergies, and eigenstates for a
two-dimensional harmonic oscillator with distinct spring constants Kx and Ky.

V(x)= Kxx2/2=mx2x2/2 where x2=Kx/m and V(y)= Kyy2/2=my2y2/2 where y2=Ky/m

The Hamiltonian for this 2-D harmonic oscillator:

p 2y K y2 y 2 p 2y m y2 y 2 m y2 y 2
H px2
 K x2 x 2
 2m   px2
 m2 x  2 m    m2 x  2 m   Hx  Hy
2 2 2 2
x  2 2 x
2
2
2m 2 2 2m 2 2 m x 2 y 2 2

The Schroedinger Equation is:

 2
2m   2
x 2 2 
 y  m2  x 2  y 2   E
2 2

Separation of variables can be used to express  as:

 ( x, y, z )  X ( x)Y ( y )
 2
2m   2 X ( x )Y ( y )
x 2
  X (xy)Y ( y ) 
2

2    X ( x)Y ( y)  EX ( x)Y ( y)
m x2 x 2
2 
m y2 y 2
2

 2 1
2 m X ( x )Y ( y )  Y ( y ) 2 X ( x )
x 2     E
X ( x )  2Y ( y )
y 2
m x2 x 2
2
m y2 y 2
2

 2
1
2m X ( x)
2 X ( x )
x 2
 m2 x
2 2
x
    EE E 2
1  Y ( y)
2

2 m Y ( y ) y 2
m y2 y 2
2 x y

Each variable is a 1-D Harmonic oscillator

 2
1
2m X ( x)
2 X ( x )
x 2
 m2 x  Ex
2 2
x

and

 2
1  Y ( y)
2

2 m Y ( y ) y 2 
m y2 y 2
2 E y

Define:
m y
 x2  m ,  y2  x

The eigenstates and eigenenergies of the Hamiltonians H x and H y are:

X n ( x)  An H n (  x x)e   En  x  nx  12   n  12  nx  0,1,2,3,
2 2
xx 2 kx
x x x x m x

En   y  n y  12   n  12  n y  0,1,2,3,
  y2 y 2 2
Yn ( y )  An H n (  y y )e
ky
y y y y m x

Where H are the nth order Hermite polynomials and An are the normalization constants.
The total eigenstate is and eigenenergy is:
 (  x2 x 2   y2 y 2 ) 2
n n ( x, y )  An n H n (  x x)H n (  y y )e
x y x y x y

En n  En  En  x  nx  12    y  ny  12 
x y x y

where
n  nx  n y nx , n y  0,1,2,3,

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Quantum Mechanics Homework Solutions Meg Noah

(b) If Ky=4Kx show that the eigenenergies may be

written: En1n 2  0  n1  2n2  32  where n1 corresponds to x motion and n y to y
motion.
The eigenenergies of the Hamiltonians H x and H y are:
x  kx
m  0

y   20
ky
m  4 kx
m 2 kx
m

En   x  nx  12   0  nx  12  nx  0,1,2,3,
x

En   y  ny  12   0  2ny  1 n y  0,1,2,3,
y

En n  En  En  0  nx  12   0  2ny  1  0  n1  2n2  23 
x y x y

where
n  n1  2n2 +1 n1 , n2  0,1,2,3,

( c) For part (b), what is the order of degeneracy of E2,3? List the corresponding
eigenstates. Account for the absence of symmetry degeneracy among these states.

n  n1  2n2 +1 n1 , n2  0,1,2,3,

n=2+6+1=9

How many ways can we get n=9?

04
23
42
61
80

There are 5 different ways to get n=9. The absence of symmetry degeneracy arises
because of the factor of 2 on n2.

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Quantum Mechanics Homework Solutions Meg Noah

Problem to solve. What is the ground state energy for each of the following 2-Particle
systems?

1.) H2, a deuteron and an electron

2.) He+, a single ionized Helium atom
3.) Positronium, a bound positron and electron
4.) Exciton, with ε=10 (dielectric constant)

ignore CM system
k2 2
Z '2
E0,1,0,0   2
2M n
8.9910 N m C  9.10910 kg 1.602210 C 
-2 2 4

   4 
9 2 -31 -19

  13.6 eV
2  e4
1
21.054610 N m s  1.602210 J eV 
2 2
2 -34 -19 -1

me=9.109∙10-31 kg
mp=1.6726∙10-27 kg
mn=1.675∙10-27 kg

Z'     41  E   Zn  eV
Z m1m 2 2  e4 '2
 m1 m2 m1 m 2 kg 2 2 eV 2

1 1 mn+mp me 9.10652e-031 13.608698 -13.608698

2 2 4mp me 9.10652e-031 13.608698 -54.434782
3 1 me me 4.5545e-03 6.806201 -6.806201
1
4 10 me me 4.5545e-03 6.806201 -0.068062

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Quantum Mechanics Homework Solutions Meg Noah

9.5 p 365 Show that the frequencies of photons due to energy decays between successive
levels of a rotator with moment of inertia I are given by   l  1  l  .
2 2
I or I

Lˆ2
Hˆ 
2I
Lˆ2 1 2
Hˆ n, l  n, l  l (l  1) n, l  Enl n, l
2I 2I
ˆ Lˆ2 1 2
H n, l  1  n, l  1  l (l  1) n, l  1  Enl 1 n, l  1
2I 2I
Lˆ2 1 2
Hˆ n, l  1  n, l  1  (l  1)(l  2) n, l  1  Enl 1 n, l  1
2I 2I
2
1 2 1 2 1 2
E  Enl  Enl 1  l (l  1)  l (l  1)  2l  l
2I 2I 2I I
2
1 2 1 2 1 2
E  Enl 1  Enl  (l  1)(l  2)  l (l  1)  2  l  1   l  1
2I 2I 2I I

9.6 p 365 An HCl molecule may rotate as well as vibrate. Discuss the difference in
emission frequencies associated with these two modes of excitation. Assume that only
l  l 1 transitions between rotational states are allowed. Assume the same for
vibrational levels. For rotational levels assume l  50 . Spring constant and moment of
inertia may be inferred from the equivalent temperature values for HCl:
0 k B  4150 K ; 2 2 Ik B  15.2 K

Lˆ2
Hˆ rotational 
2I
2
Erotational  Enl  Enl 1  l ~ 2k B (15.2 K )l  2(1)(15.2)(8.617 34 10-5K) eV/K=0.0026 eV
I
l 1
2
Erotational  Enl  Enl 1  l ~ 2k B (15.2 K )  2(50)(15.2)(8.617 34 10-5K) eV/K=0.13 eV
I
l 50

Evibrational  0  n  12 
Evibrational  Enl 1  Enl  0  n  1  12   0  n  12   0  4150 K  8.617 34 10-5eV/K=0.36eV

The vibrational energy is orders of magnitude larger than the lowest rotational states, but
around rotational states at l=50 it is only 3x energy.

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Quantum Mechanics Homework Solutions Meg Noah

9.23 (page 385) Assume that a particle has an orbital angular momentum with z
component m and square magnitude 2l  l  1 .
(a) Show that in this state Lx  Ly  0 .

Lx  l , m Lˆx l , m  12 l , m Lˆ l , m  12 l , m Lˆ l , m

 12  l  m  l  m  1 l , m l , m  1  12  l  m  l  m  1 l , m l , m  1  0
Ly  l , m Lˆ y l , m  i
2 l , m Lˆ l , m  2i l , m Lˆ l , m

 i
2  l  m  l  m  1 l , m l , m  1  2i l  m l  m  1 l, m l, m 1  0

(b) Show that Lx 2  Ly 2  0 .

Lˆx 2   L  L  12  L  L   14  L 2  L L  L L  L 2 
1
2

Lˆ y 2  2i  L  L  2i  L  L   41  L 2  L L  L L  L 2   14  L 2  L L  L L  L 2 

 Lˆx 2  Lˆ y 2  Lx 2  Ly 2

Lˆ2  Lˆ2z  Lˆ2x  Lˆ2y  2 Lˆ2x  Lˆ2x  1

2  Lˆ  Lˆ 
2 2
z

L2x  l , m Lˆ2x l , m  l , m 1
2  Lˆ  Lˆ  l , m
2 2
z  1
2  l l  1  m  l , m l , m
2 2 2

9.24 (p 385) The same conditions hold as in Problem 9.23. What is the expectation of the
operator 12  Lx Ly  Ly Lx  in the Yl m ?
1
2 L Lx y  Ly Lx   12  12  L  L  2i  L  L   2i  L  L  12  L  L  
 1 1 i
2 2 2
 L L  L L  L L  L L    L L  L L  L L  L L  
 1 1 i
2 2 2 2  L L  L L   L  L i
4 
2

2

Yl m 1
2 L L x y  Ly Lx  Yl m  Yl m i
4 L  L  Y

2

2
l
m

 Yl m i
4 L cl ,m 1 Yl m 1  Yl m i
4 L dl ,m 1 Yl m 1
 Yl m i
4 cl ,m 1cl ,m  2 Yl m  2  Yl m i
4 dl ,m 1dl ,m  2 Yl m  2
 i
4 cl ,m 1cl ,m  2 Yl m Yl m  2  4i dl ,m 1dl ,m  2 Yl m Yl m  2  0

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Quantum Mechanics Homework Solutions Meg Noah

10.6 (p 413) The current vector J associated with a wavefunction   r , t  is given by

7.107:

J  *   * .
2mi
The wavefunction may be termed source-free if   J  0 .
(a) What is the eigenfunction of pˆ r corresponding to the eigenvalue of k ?

1 
pˆ r  i r
r r
pˆ rk  kk
1 
i r k  k k
r r
1 
r k  ik
r k r
eikr eikr  iEt / A
k  A  k  A e  ei kr t 
r r r

(b) Calculate   J for this eigenfunction.

 A  i kr t  A i kr t  A i kr t  A  i kr t  

J  *   *   e  e  e  e 
2mi 2mi  r r r r 
A 1   A A  
 ei kr t    2 r 2  ei kr t    2  1  ikr  ei kr t  
r  r r r  r  r r 
A   Aik i kr t  
  2  ik  ei kr t    1  ikr  ikei kr t     e 
r   r 
A 1   A A  
 e  i kr t    2 r 2  e  i kr t    2  1  ikr  e  i kr t  
r  r r r  r  r r 
A    Aik  i kr t  
  2  ik  e  i kr t    1  ikr  ike  i kr t     e 
r   r 
 A  i kr t  Aik i kr t  A i kr t   Aik  i kr t  
J  *   *   e e  e e 
2mi 2mi  r r r r 
k A2

m r2

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Quantum Mechanics Homework Solutions Meg Noah

11.45 p 515 (a) For spin corresponding to s=1/2, show that the eigenvectors Sx and Sy
are:
1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
x             
2  1 2  i 
y x y
2 1 2 i 
Obeys the eigenvalues equations for s=1/2.
1 0   1 1 1  1   1 1
S z  x   x                   x  x 
2 0 1  2 1 2  1  2 2  1 2 2 1 2

1 0   1 1 1  1   1 1

S z  y   y                  y y 
2 0 1  2 i  2  i   2 2  i  2 2 i  2

(b) What are the eigenvalues corresponding to these eigenvectors?

0 1 1 1 1
S x x    x
2 1 0 2 1 2 2 1 2

0 1  1  1  1
Sx  x    x
2 1 0 2  1 2 2  1 2
   

i 0 1 1 1 i  i  1

S y y  1 0  i   1 i   2  y
2   2  2 2   2 2 

i 0 1 1  1  i 1 i   1   1  
Syy  1 0   i   2 1   i   i   2  y
2   2   2  2 2   2 2  
( c) Show that the eigenvectors comprise two sets of orthonormal vectors.

1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
x x  1 1 1  (1  1)  1 y y   i  1 i   (1  1)  1
2 2 2 2  2 2
1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
x x  1 1 1  (1  1)  0 y y   i  1 i   (1  1)  0
2 2 2 2  2 2
1
1 1 1 1 1 1 1
x x   1 1 1  (1  1)  0 y y  i  1 i   (1  1)  0
 
2 2 2 2  2 2
1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
x x    1 1  (1  1)  1 y y  i  1 i   (1  1)  1
2  1 2 2 2  2 2

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