Purchase Solution

Expectation Values For Various States On A Harmonic Oscillator

Not what you're looking for?

Ask Custom Question

See the attached file.

3. (a) Calculate the expectation values < x >, < p >, < x^2 > and < p^2 > for the ground state, | 0 >, and the first excited state, | 1 >, of the harmonic oscillator.
(b) Now compute delta(x)delta(p), does this satisfy the uncertainty principle?

4. Using the results from (3), find the expectation values of kinetic, <K> and potential energies, < V >, for the above states, and then that of the total energy, < E >. Are they what you would have expected?

My biggest problem with this homework problem is that I don't know how to do it with the information provided. I have calculated the expectation values in many problems before, but there was more information provided describing the states. Calculating expectation values doesn't usually take me more than a couple minutes, but I just don't know how to approach the problem with the information provided. Thank you very much for your help with this problem!

Note: I have modified this problem to include number 4, because it follows from problem 3. I increased the number of credits for helping with this problem because of that.

Attachments
Purchase this Solution

Solution Summary

Calculation of expectation values for quantum harmonic oscillator using operator method are presented.

Purchase this Solution


Free BrainMass Quizzes
Basic Physics

This quiz will test your knowledge about basic Physics.

The Moon

Test your knowledge of moon phases and movement.

Introduction to Nanotechnology/Nanomaterials

This quiz is for any area of science. Test yourself to see what knowledge of nanotechnology you have. This content will also make you familiar with basic concepts of nanotechnology.

Classical Mechanics

This quiz is designed to test and improve your knowledge on Classical Mechanics.

Variables in Science Experiments

How well do you understand variables? Test your knowledge of independent (manipulated), dependent (responding), and controlled variables with this 10 question quiz.