Quantum

Physics 751 & 752: Quantum Mechanics I & II
Russell Bloomer1
University of Virginia
Note: There is no guarantee that these are correct, and they should not be copied
1
email: rbloomer@virginia.edu
Contents
1 751: Problem Set 1 1

1.1 Problem 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
1.2 Problem 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
1.3 Problem 3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
1.4 Problem 4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
1.5 Problem 5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

2.1 Problem 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
2.2 Problem 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
2.3 Problem 3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
2.4 Problem 4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
2.5 Problem 5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

3.1 7.3.1 Principles of Quantum Mechanics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

4.1 Problem 1: Sakurai 5.13 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
4.2 Problem 2: Sakurai 5.15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
4.3 Problem 3: Sakurai 5.28 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
4.4 Problem 4: Sakurai 5.29 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
4.5 Problem 5: Sakurai 5.30 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

5.1 Problem 1: Shankar 18.2.2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
5.2 Problem 2: Shankar 18.2.3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
5.3 Problem 3: Shankar 18.2.4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
5.4 Problem 4: Shankar 18.2.5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
5.5 Problem 5: Shankar 18.2.6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
i
5.6 Problem 6: Shankar 18.4.4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

6.1 Problem 1: Sakuari 5.35 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
6.2 Problem 2: Sakuari 5.40 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
6.3 Problem 3: Shankar 18.5.1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
6.4 Problem 4: Shankar 18.5.2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
6.5 Problem 5: Shankar 19.3.1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
6.6 Problem 6: Shankar 19.3.2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
A 511: Problem Set 5 43

A.1 Merzbacher Exercise 10.9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
A.2 Merzbacher Problem 10.3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
A.3 Merzbacher Problem 14.6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
B Special Harmonics 49
B.1 Legendre Polynomials . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
B.2 Associated Legendre Polynomials . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
B.3 Spherical Harmonics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
ii
Chapter 1
751: Problem Set 1
1.1 Problem 1
a
What is the rate an electron orbits a hydrogen atom in its circular Bohr orbit with n = 30?
In Bohr’s Model the electron has angular momentum of L = n~, where n is the first quantum number. The ki-
netic energy of an orbiting electron is
1 1 e2
mv 2 = (1.1)
2 8πεo r
The combination of the two equations and solve for r
2
1 e2

1 1 n~
mv 2 = m =
2 2 mr 8πεo r
4πεo ~2 2
rn = n
me2
Lets define
4πεo ~2
ao =
me2
Look back to the definition of angular momentum, the orbital frequency can be found by dividing by mr2 . Then
v n~ ~
f= = →
r mr2 ma2o n3
Entering the correct values for the constants
1
f = 1.53 × 1012 X
s
b
What is the frequency of a photon emitted from the transition from n = 30 to n = 29?
The energy level for state n is
me4 1
En = − (1.2)
32π 2 ε2o ~2 n2
The transition is then is ∆E, so the frequency is
me4

∆E 1 1
ν= → − 2
h 64π 3 ε2o ~3 n229 n30
1
Inserting the proper constants
(9.109x10−31 )(1.602x10−19 )4

1 1
ν= −
64π 3 (8.85x10−12 )2 (1.0546x10−34 )3 (29)2 (30)2
= 2.56x1011 HzX
c
Comment on the answers from (a) and (b).
The two values are different. The value for part b classically should be the difference the rate at which the electron
orbits the nucleus between n = 30 and n = 29. The difference is do to the electron does not actually orbit the nucleus.
X
1.2 Problem 2
Does the inverse-square repulsion hold true if the α’s hit the gold nucleus? Find an approximate size of the nucleus
and the minimum energy to show deviation.
No, it would not hold true. The amount of energy to hit the nucleus by the inverse-square repulsion is infinite.
The approximate size of the nucleus is

R = 1.2A1/3 × 10−15 m (1.3)
1
The size of the gold nucleus is then R = 6.98 fm. The path of closest approach is
zZe2
K= (1.4)
4πεo p
where K is the kinetic energy and p is the point of closest approach. The distance would be the nucleus radius.
2
2(79) 1.602 × 10−19
K= = 32.6 MeVX
4π (8.85 × 10−12 ) (6.98 × 10−15 )
1.3 Problem 3
a
For a nucleus of charge Ze, what is the the n = 1 µ orbit compared to the electron orbit.
From equation 13.3.142 , the orbit of the electron in the Hydrogen is

~2
r = n2 (1.5)
me2
To modify this for an electron in an atom with charge Ze is
~2 ~2
re = n2 2
→
mZe mZe2
For the muon, the electron mass has to be replaced by the reduced mass of the muon and the nucleus. For larger
nucleus, the reduce mass is approximately the mass of the reduce mass. In general though,
~2 (207m + M ) ~2 (207m + M )
rµ = n2 →
207mM Ze2 207mM Ze2
So rµ /re
~2 (207m+M )
rµ 207mM Ze2 (207m + M )
= ~2
= X
re 207
mZe2
1 Williams. Nuclear and Particle Physics
2 Shankar Principles of Quantum Mechanics
2
b
What is the frequency of a photon emitted for the muon transition from n = 2 to n = 1
The transition is defined as
∆E = E2 − E1 = 2π~ν
The energy is defined as
µZ 2 e4 1
En = −
3π 2 2ε2o ~2 n2
where µ is the reduced mass. For the transition
µZ 2 e4

E2 − E1 1 1
ν= 3 2 3
= −
64π εo ~ 64π 3 ε2o ~3 12 22
2 4 2 4

3Z e 3Z e 207mM
= µ = X
256π 3 ε2o ~3 256π 3 ε2o ~3 207m + M
c
What is the frequency of the photon in the transition n = 2 to n = 1 for a gold atom?
Using the result from the previous problem
3Z 2 e4

207mM
ν= = 3.19 × 1021 HzX
256π 3 ε2o ~3 207m + M
1.4 Problem 4
What is the uncertainty in the measurement of the height of a helium atom at rest above the table?
The helium atom is at rest on the table. If the atom is at rest the momentum is at 0. This means that the
uncertainty in the momentum measurement is 0. The Uncertainty Principle states that
~
∆x∆p ≥ (1.6)
2π
From this, the uncertainty in the measurement in the position is infinite. If the helium is not known to be at rest,
then the position measurement can be more certain. X
1.5 Problem 5
How long would the Bohr atom last if it obeyed classical physics?
Classically the velocity of a particle is

√
v= 2mK
where K is the kinetic energy. For the electron in the Bohr orbit, the kinetic energy is
1 e2
K=
8πεo r
The distance an object travels in a circular orbit is
d = 2πr
The the period of the rotation is

√
1 16π 3 εo mr3
=
ν e
3
The Bohr atom has allowed orbits of
4πεo ~2 2
rn = n
me2
The classical period would be
1 32π 3 ε2o ~3 n3
=
νn me4
In the time of one period, the electron will decay out of orbit, so the time for the n = 1 orbit is
3 3
1 4 8.85 × 10−12 6.626 × 10−34 1
= = 4.52 × 10−16 sX
ν (9.109 × 10−31 ) (1.602 × 10−19 )2
4
Chapter 2
751: Problem Set 2
2.1 Problem 1
a
Define the derivative of the delta function by
d 1 2 2
δ 0 (x) = lim ∆ → 0 e−x /4∆ (2.1)
dx (4π∆2 )1/2
Sketch this function for small ∆. See Attached Sheet What is the value of < δ 0 (x − a)|ψ(x) >
The value for < δ 0 (x − a)|ψ(x) > is

Z ∞ ∞
δ 0 (x − a)ψ(x)dx = δ(x − a)ψ(x)

−∞ −∞
Z ∞
− δ(x − a)ψ 0 (x)dx
−∞
by integration by parts. The value of ψ at infinity is zero by the boundary conditions, so

Z ∞ Z ∞
δ 0 (x − a)ψ(x)dx = − δ(x − a)ψ 0 (x)dx
−∞ −∞
= −ψ 0 (a)X
b
What function has the delta function for its derivative? Explain
The step function, which steps up, has the delta function as its derivative. The step function has the property
that every where but one value has slope of 0. The one value is discontinuous at that point the derivative value there
is then infinite. X
2.2 Problem 2
On the interval (-1,1) the polynomials 1, x, x2 , x3 , . . . construct the first four orthonormal basis of these polynomials.
First the interproduct is
Z 1
< f (x)|g(x) >= f (x)g(x)dx (2.2)
−1
For this problem (and next) the following convention will be used: ui is the ith basis, ψi is the ith orthogonal basis,
and ϕi is the ith orthonormal basis.
5
In Gram-Schmidt u1 ≡ ψ1 , ψ1 = u1 = 1. Now to normalize this base
Z 1
< ψ1 |ψ1 >= dx = x|1−1 = 2 = a1
−1
The orthonormal base is then

ψ1
ϕ1 = =c
a1
The second basis is u2 = x. Now compare to ϕ1
Z 1
< u2 |ϕ1 >= xdx = x2 |1−1 = 0
−1
Then u2 = ψ2 . Normalizing
1
x3 1
Z
2
< ψ2 |ψ2 >= x2 dx = |−1 = = a1
−1 3 3
Then
r
ψ2 x 3
ϕ2 = p = p = x
2/3 2/3 2
The third base is u3 = x2 . Now to create linear independence

Z 1 2 √
x x3 1 2
< u3 |ϕ1 >= √ dx = √ |−1 = = b1
−1 2 3 2 3
Z 1 r r
3 3 3 x4 1
< u3 |ϕ2 >= x dx = |−1 = 0
−1 2 2 4
Then ψ3 = u3 − b1 ϕ1 . Normalizing
1 2 5
2x3
Z
1 x x 1
< ψ3 |ψ3 > = x2 − dx = − + |−1
−1 3 5 9 9
8
= = a1
45
Then
x2 − 1
r
ψ3 51
ϕ3 = √ = q 3 = 3x2 − 1

a1 8 22
45
The fourth base is u4 = x3 . Forming linear independent base

Z 1 3
x x4
< u4 |ϕ1 > = √ dx = √ |1−1 = 0
−1 2 4 2
Z 1 r r 4 r
3 5 3x 1 2 3
< u4 |ϕ2 > = x dx = |−1 = = b2
−1 2 2 5 5 2
Z 1 r
51
3x5 − x3 dx

< u4 |ϕ3 > =
−1 2 2
r
51
3/6x6 − 1/4x4 |1−1 = 0

=
22
So the base is ψ4 = u4 − b2 ϕ2 = x3 − 53 x. Normalizing
Z 1 2
3
< ψ4 |ψ4 > = x3 − x dx
−1 5
7 5
9x3 1

x 6x 8
= − + |−1 = = a1
7 25 75 175
6
So
x3 − 3 x
r
ψ4 71
ϕ4 = √ = q 5 = 5x3 − 3x

a1 8 22
175
The first four basis are

1
ϕ1 = √ (2.3)
2
r
3
ϕ2 = x (2.4)
2
1
3x2 − 1

ϕ3 = (2.5)
2
r
71
5x3 − 3x X

ϕ4 = (2.6)
22
2.3 Problem 3
Suppose the inner product for real functions is defined as

Z ∞
2
< f |g >= f (x)g(x)e−x dx (2.7)
−∞
For the polynomials 1, x, x2 , x3 , . . ., find the first four orthonormal basis
Again u1 ≡ ψ1 . Normalizing
Z ∞ 2
e−x dx =
p
< ψ1 |ψ1 >= pi = a1
−∞
Then
ψ1 1
ϕ1 = √ = 1/4
π π
The second base is u2 = x. Forming linear independent base
Z ∞
x −x2
< u2 |ψ1 >= 1/4
e dx = 0
−∞ π
So the orthogonal base is psi2 = u2 = x. Normalizing
Z ∞ √
2 pi
< ψ2 |ψ2 >= x2 e−x dx = = a1
−∞ 2
Then
√
ψ2 2 2x
ϕ2 = √ = 1/4 x = √
a1 π 2π 1/4
The third base is u3 = x2 . Forming a linear independent base
Z ∞
x2 −x2 π 1/4
< u3 |ψ1 > = 1/4
e dx = = b1
−∞ π 2
Z ∞
2x3 2
< u3 |ψ2 > = √ e−x dx = 0
2π 1/4
−∞
Then psi3 = u3 − b1 ϕ1 = x2 − 21 . Normalizing

Z ∞
2 √
1 2 2 pi
< ψ3 |ψ3 >= x2 e−x dx = = a1
−∞ 2 4
7
Then
x2 1

ψ3 2 1
ϕ3 = √ = q √2 = √ x2 −
a1 2 π π 1/4 2 2
4
1
√ 4x2 − 2

=
π 1/4 8
The fourth base is u4 = x3 . Forming a linear independent base

Z ∞
x3 −x2
< u4 |ψ1 > = 1/4
e dx = 0
−∞ π
Z ∞
2x4 2 3π 1/4
< u4 |ψ2 > = √ e−x dx = √ = b2
2π 1/4 2 2
−∞
Z ∞
1 2
4x − 2x3 e−x dx = 0
5
< u4 |ψ3 > = √
1/4 12
−∞ π
The orthogonal base is ψ4 = u4 − b2 ϕ2 = x3 − 23 x. Normalizing

Z ∞ 2 √
3 2 3 pi
< ψ4 |ψ4 >= x3 − x e−x dx = = a1
−∞ 2 4
Then
ψ4 x3 − 3 x 1
ϕ4 = √ = q √2 = √ 2x3 − 3x

a1 3 pi π 1/4 3
4
1
2x3 − 3x

= √
π 1/4 12
The four basis are
1
ϕ1 = (2.8)
π 1/4
√
2 2x
ϕ2 = 1/4 x = √ (2.9)
π π 1/4 2
1 2
ϕ3 = √ 4x − 2 (2.10)
π 1/4 8
1
2x3 − 3x X

ϕ4 = √ (2.11)
π 1/4 12
2.4 Problem 4
Solve the time-independent Schrödinger equation in one dimension for an attractive potential V (x) = λδ(x) for a
bound state. Can there be more than one bound state? Explain.
The time-independent Schrödinger equation is
~2 d2 ψ
− − λδ(x)ψ = Eψ (2.12)
2m dx2
For a state to be bound E < 0. First consider the region for x < 0. By the definition of the delta function V (x) = 0.
The Schrödinger equation reduces to
d2 ψ 2mE
=− 2 ψ
dx2 ~
√
−2mE
This can be simplified by κ ≡ ~2
. The solution is then
ψ(x) = Ae−κx + Beκx
8
The wave equation must behave properly, so A = 0, because at x = −∞ blows up. Now when x > 0 needs to be
considered. Again, V (x) = 0. The Schrödinger equation is again
d2 ψ 2mE
=− 2 ψ
dx2 ~
So the wave equations is then
ψ(x) = Ce−κx + Deκx
For the wave equation to behave properly, D = 0, because at x = ∞ it blows up. The wave equation must be
continuous, but because of the potential is infinite, the first derivative will be discontinuous at that point. To be
continuous B = C. Now integrate Schrödinger equation a small distance, , from 0
Z 2 2 Z Z
~ d ψ
− 2
dx − λδ(x)ψ(x)dx = Eψ(x)dx
− 2m dx − −
The term on the right integrates to 0, when → 0 and the first term is just the derivative of the wave function about
0. In the middle term, apply the limit to find.

dψ 2mλ
∆ = − 2 ψ(0)
dx ~
Because the derivative is discontinuous, it must be approached from both sides. On the left, dψ dx
= Bκ and from the
right dψ
dx
= −Bκ. Now as the limit approaches 0, the left is subtracted from the right to yield

dψ 2mλ
∆ = −Bκ = − 2 B
dx ~
Then the energy is
~ 2 κ2 mλ2
E=− →− 2
2m 2~
Lastly, normalizing the wave function.
Z ∞ ∞
|B|2
Z
|ψ(x)|2 dx = 1 → 2|B|2 = =1
−∞ 0 κ
The wave equation is then

√
mλ −mλ|x|
ψ(x) = e ~2 (2.13)
~
The allowed energy is again
mλ2
E=− (2.14)
2~2
No, there is only one bound state. There is nothing that can be changed that does not changed the problem,
such as the quantum number n. X
2.5 Problem 5
For a one-dimensional general time-dependent solution of the Schrödinger equation, prove:

a
Z ∞
d
|Ψ(x, t)|2 dx = 0 (2.15)
dt −∞
How would the result change if the limits were finite? Can you write an equation for this case?
9
So taking the derivative inside the integral
Z ∞ Z ∞
d ∂
|Ψ(x, t)|2 dx = |Ψ(x, t)|2 dx
dt −∞ −∞ ∂t
the partial time derivative is
∂Ψ∗

∂ ∂ i~ ∂Ψ
|Ψ|2 = Ψ∗ −
∂t ∂x 2m ∂x ∂x
Then
∞
∂Ψ∗ ∞
Z
d i~ ∂Ψ
|Ψ(x, t)|2 dx = Ψ∗ − |−∞
dt −∞ 2m ∂x ∂x
Because the functions must vanish at infinity to behave properly the integral is 0.
Z ∞
d
|Ψ(x, t)|2 dx = 0
dt −∞
The value would not be 0, but some finite value, because the particle could leave the space between a and b. The
equation would look like
∂Ψ∗ b
Z b
d 2 i~ ∗ ∂Ψ
|Ψ(x, t)| dx = Ψ − |a X
dt a 2m ∂x ∂x
b

If < x >= x|Ψ|2 dx, show that d
R
dt
< x >= 2m
The term on the left is
Z
d ∂
<x>= x |Ψ|2 dx
dt ∂x
∂Ψ∗
Z
i~ ∂ ∂Ψ
= x Ψ∗ − Ψ dx
2m ∂x ∂x ∂x
∗
Z
i~ ∂ ∂Ψ ∂Ψ
=− Ψ∗ − Ψ dx
2m ∂x ∂x ∂x
∗

∂Ψ ∂Ψ
− x Ψ∗ − Ψ |∞∞
∂x ∂x
Because the wave function must vanish at |x| = ∞, it reduces to
∂Ψ∗
Z
d i~ ∂ ∂Ψ
<x>=− Ψ∗ − Ψ dx
dt 2m ∂x ∂x ∂x
Z
i~ ∂Ψ
=− Ψ∗ dx
m ∂x

This is just < v >, which is < v >= m
, ie
Z
d i~ ∂Ψ 
< x >= − Ψ∗ dx = X
dt m ∂x m
c
Prove

d dV
= − (2.16)
dt dx
d
Start by writing out dt

∂Ψ∗ ∂Ψ
Z
d ∂ ∂Ψ
= −i~ + Ψ∗ dx
dt ∂t ∂x ∂x ∂t
10
Integrating by parts
Z 2 ∗
~2 2

d ∂ Ψ ∂Ψ ∗ ∂ ∂Ψ
=− − Ψ
dt 2m ∂x2 ∂x ∂x2 ∂x
Z
∂Ψ ∂(V Ψ)
+ V Ψ∗ − Ψ∗ dx
∂x ∂x
The first term vanishes because the function vanishes at 0. This reduces to
Z
d ∂V
= − Ψ∗ Ψdx
dt ∂x
Finally

d dV
= − X
dt dx
11
12
Chapter 3
751: Problem Set 6
3.1 7.3.1 Principles of Quantum Mechanics
Find the recursion relationship for 7.3.8
Equation 7.3.8
ψ 00 + (2ε − y 2 )ψ = 0 (3.1)
The power series to solve the differential equation used will be

∞
X
u(y) = Cn y n
n=0
The second derivative of the power series is

∞ ∞
d2 u X X
2
= n(n − 1)Cn y n−2 → n(n − 1)Cn y n−2
dy n=0 n=2
The base can be change to start at 0

∞
d2 u X
= (n + 2)(n + 1)Cn+2 y n
dy 2 n=0
The last term is

∞
X ∞
X
y 2 u(y) = y 2 Cn y n → Cn y n+2
n=0 n=0
Reducing the power to just n

∞
X
y 2 u(y) = Cn−2 y n
n=2
The differential becomes

∞
X ∞
X ∞
X
(n + 2)(n + 1)Cn+2 y n + 2εCn y n − Cn−2 y n
n=0 n=0 n=2
The y-terms can be collected by the same power. Then
(n + 1)(n + 2)Cn+2 + 2εCn − Cn−2 = 0

↓
Cn−2 − 2εCn
Cn+2 =
(n + 1)(n + 2)
So C0 and C2 are arbitrary. X
13
Verify that H3 (y) and H4 (y) obey the relation, Eq. (7.3.15)
Equation (7.3.15) states that
(2n + 1 − 2ε)
Cn+2 = Cn (3.2)
(n + 2)(n + 1)
Lets consider H3 (y) first. In this case, n = 3, so
(2n + 1 − 2ε) (7 − 2ε)

Cn+2 = Cn → C5 = C3
(n + 2)(n + 1) (5)(4)
From Equation 7.3.18,

2n + 1
ε= (3.3)
2
where this n comes from the polynomial number. From this, C5 = 0. Now finding C3 in terms of C1
(3 − 2ε) (3 − (2n + 1)) −2

C3 = C1 = C1 = C1
(3)(2) (3)(2) 3
The coefficient C1 is the lowest, because there in no negative powers of y. So the recursion relationship becomes

2
u(y) = C1 y + C3 y 3 + C5 y 5 + . . . = C1 y − y 3 + 0
3
Because C1 is arbitrary, it can be defined as C1 = −12. With that definition

2 2
u(y) = C1 y − y 3 = −12 y − y 3 + 0 = H3 (y)
3 3
Now the case of H4 (y). Again using equations 7.3.15 and 7.3.18 to find
9 − 2ε
C6 = C4 =0
(6)(5)
Now to find C4 in terms of C2

5 − 2ε −1
C4 = C2 = C2
(4)(3) 3
Again finding C2 in terms of C0

1 − 2ε
C2 = C0 = C0 (−4)
(2)(1)
The recursion relationship becomes
u(y) = C0 + C2 y 2 + C4 y 4 + C6 y 6 + . . .

4
= C0 1 − 4y 2 + y 4 + 0
3
Here C0 is arbitrary, so define C0 = 12, then

4
u(y) = 12 1 − 4y 2 + y 4 = H4 (y)X
3
See Attached Sheets
14
See Attached Sheets

Using the symmetry arguments from exercise 7.3.3, show that nX n = nP big >= 0 and thus show that
2 2 2
2

X = (∆X) and P = (∆P ) in these states. Show that 1X 1 = 3~/2mω and 1P 2 1 = 3mω~/2. Show

2
that ψ(x) saturates the uncertainty bound ∆X · ∆P ≥ ~/2

For nX n , the coefficients can be set to 1 for simplicity of the argument below.
Z
ψn∗ (x)xψn (x)dx

nX n =
Z
2
= xn e−x/2 x xn e−x /2 dx
Z
2
= x2n+1 e−x dx
R

From exercise 7.3.3, odd powers of x lead to = 0. For nP n , again, the coefficients are set to 1.
Z
d
ψn∗ (x)

nP n = (ψ(x)) dx
dx
Z
2 d n −x2 /2
= xn e−x /2 x e dx
dx
Z
2 2 2
= xn e−x /2 nxn−1 e−x /2 − xn+1 e−x /2 dx
Z
2 2
= nx2n−1 e−x − x2n+1 e−x dx

2
From exercise 7.3.3, odd powers of x are 0, so = 0. So the (∆O)2 is defined as (∆O)2 = O2 − O . Now for
R
= 0, then (∆X)2 = X 2 and (∆P )2 = P 2 . These are defined as

both X and P the
(∆X)2
1/2 Z 2
mω mω 1/2 2
= 2 x2
H n x e−mωx /~
2n
π~2 (n!) ~
and
(∆P )2
1/2 Z 2
2
mω 2 d mω 1/2 2
= 2 ~ 2
H n x e−mωx /~
2n
π~2 (n!) dx ~

For 1X 2 1 ,
1/2 Z 2
mω mω 1/2 2
e−mωx /~

2 2
1X 1 = x 2 x
π~22 (1!)2 ~
mω 1/2 mω Z 2
= 4 x4 e−mωx /~
4π~ ~
mω 1/2 mω 3π 1/2 ~ 5/4
= 4
4π~ ~ 4 mω
3~
=
2mω
15

Now for 1P 2 1
1/2

2 mω mω
1P 1 = ~2 4 ×
π~22 (1!)2 ~
d2
Z
2
x xe−mωx /~ dx
dx2
1/2
mω mω
= ~2 2 4 ×
2
π~2 (1!) ~
Z 2 !
~ ~ 2 2
x4 − 3 x e−mωx /~ dx
mω mω
3
= mω~
2

Finally for ψ0 (x). First 0X 2 0
Z

2 mω 1/2 2
0X 0 = x2 e−mωx /~ dx
π~
mω 1/2 ~ π~ 1/2 ~
= =
π~ 2mω mω 2mω

Next 0P 2 0
mω 1/2 Z 2 d2 2
e−mωx /2~ 2 e−mωx /2~ dx

2
0P 0 = ~2
π~ dx
1/2 Z mω 2
2 mω mω
2
=~ 2
x − e−mωx /~ dx
π~ ~ ~
mω~
=
2
Finally ∆X · ∆P
~ mω~ ~2
(∆X)2 · (∆P )2 = =
2mω 2 4
p
Then (∆X)2 · (∆P )2 = ~
2
= ∆X · ∆P X
See Attached Sheets

Compute the matrix elements of X and P in the n basis compare with the results of 7.3.4
The matrix elements of X and P can be found from the raising and lowering matrices. These matrices can be
constructed from equations 7.4.26 and 7.4.27. Combining with equation 7.4.28 and 7.4.29, to find the matrix elements.
From 7.4.26

0
n an = n1/2 δn,n−1 (3.4)
The lowering matrix can be found then to be
0 11/2 0 0 ...
 
1/2
 0 0 2 0 
a=
 
 0 0 0 31/2 

.. ..
. .
16
Now for the raising operator
0 0 0 ...
 
1/2
 1 0 0 
21/2
 
a = 0
† 0
 

 0
 0 31/2 

.. ..
. .
1/2
Equation 7.4.28 defines X = ~
2mω
(a + a† ), then as a matrix
 
0 11/2 0 0 ...
 1/2 21/2
1/2  1 0 0 

~  0 21/2 0 3 1/2
 
X= 
2mω  0

31/2 0


.. ..
 
. .
mω~ 1/2
(a† − a), then as a matrix

From 7.4.29, P = i 2
 
0 −11/2 0 0 ...
 1/2 −21/2
1/2  1 0 0 

mω~  0

21/2 0 −31/2

P =i 
2  0

31/2 0


.. ..
 
. .
So n0 X n is then

1/2
~
n0 . . .

... ·
2mω
 
0 11/2 0 0 ... 
 11/2 0 21/2 0

 ..
 .
 
 0 21/2 0 31/2
 
  n
1/2
 0 3 0
  
 ..

.. ..
 .
. .
1/2 h i
~
= (n + 1)1/2 δn0 ,n+1 + n1/2 δn0 ,n−1
2mω
Lastly for n0 P n

1/2
mω~
n0 . . .

... ·
2
 
0 −11/2 0 0 ... 
 11/2 0 −21/2 0

 ..
 .
 
 0 21/2 0 −31/2
 
  n
1/2
 0 3 0
  
 ..

.. ..
 .
. .
1/2 h
mω~ i
=i (n + 1)1/2 δn0 ,n+1 − n1/2 δn0 ,n−1
2
This is identical to exercise 7.3.4 X
17

2
2
Find X , P , X , P , and ∆X · ∆P in the state n
The X and P operator are defined as the following, respectively.

1/2
~
X= a + a†
2mω
1/2
mω~
P =i a† − a
2
So from this,
1/2
~
n(a + a† )n

nX n =
2mω
1/2
~
†
†
= na n + na n
2mω
1/2
~
n1/2 nn − 1 +

=
2mω
(n + 1)1/2 nn + 1

By orthogonality of the n ,
1/2
~
n1/2 δn,n−1 +

nX n =
2mω

(n + 1)1/2 δn,n+1 = 0
Now, for the momentum operator

1/2

mω~
†
nP n = i n(a − a)n
2
1/2
mω~
†
†
=i na n − na n
2
1/2
mω~
(n + 1)1/2 nn + 1 −

=i
2
n1/2 nn − 1

By orthogonality of the n ,
1/2
~
(n + 1)1/2 δn,n+1 + n1/2 δn,n−1 = 0

nP n = i
2mω
Next, the square of the position operator
~
2
n| a + a† n

2
nX n =
2mω
~
2
= n| a2 + aa† + a† a + a† n
2mω

~
= n1/2 (n − 1)1/2 δn+1,n−1 + (n + 1)δn+1,n+1 +
2mω

1/2 1/2
nδn−1,n−1 + n (n − 1) δn−1,n+1
~ ~
= (0 + n + 1 + n + 0) = (n + 1/2)
2mω mω
18
Next, the square of the momentum operator

2 mω~
† 2
nP n = − n| a − a n
2
mω~
2
=− n| a2 − aa† − a† a + a† n
2

mω~
=− n1/2 (n − 1)1/2 δn+1,n−1 −
2

(n+1)δn+1,n+1 − nδn−1,n−1 + n1/2 (n − 1)1/2 δn−1,n+1
mω~
=− (0 − n − 1 − n + 0) = mω~ (n + 1/2)
2
By definition (∆φ)2 = φ2 − ( φ )2 where φ is some operator. Then (∆X)2 =

~
mω
(n + 1/2) − 0, so ∆X =
q p
~
mω
(n + 1/2). This can be repeated to so that ∆P = mω~ (n + 1/2). Then
r
~ p
∆X∆P = (n + 1/2) mω~ (n + 1/2) = ~ (n + 1/2) X
mω
In classical mechanics, the viral theorem states that the average kinetic and potential energy, which is V (r) = ark in
an orbit is related by
T̄ = c(k)V̄ (3.5)
where c(k) depends only on k. Show that c(k) = k/2. Using the previous exercise to show that for the oscillator

T = U (3.6)
To show the viral theorem is true, there is no frictional force. The other important detail is this is in a circular
orbit. In this case,
1
T̄ = F·r
2
1
= ∇V · r
2
1
= ∇r V r
2
Recalling that V = ark

1
T̄ = ∇r V r
2
1
= kark−1 r
2
k k
= ark = V̄
2 2
Now, for the oscillator k = 2
2
P 1
mω 2 X 2

T = U → =
2m 2

mω~ (n + 1/2) 1 ~
= mω 2 (n + 1/2)
2m 2 mω

~ω ~ω
(n + 1/2) = (n + 1/2) X
2 2
19
Show that
2

4 ~
nX n = [3 + 6n(n + 1)] (3.7)
2mω
First lets define X 4 ,
4/2
~
X4 = ×
2mω
a4 + a3 a† + a2 a† a + a2 a† a† + aa† a2 + aa† aa† +
aa† a† a + aa† a† a† + a† a3 + a† aaa† + a† aa† a+
a† aa† a† + a† a† aa + a† a† aa† + a† a† a† a + a† a† a† a†

From the orthogonality, if there are not equal raising and lower operators, the expectation value would be 0. Then
2

4 ~
nX n =
×
2mω
n aaa† a† + aa† aa† + aa† a† a + a† aaa† +

a† aa† a + a† a† aa n

Which reduces to
2

4 ~
nX n = (n + 1)(n + 2) + (n + 1)2 +
2mω
n(n + 1) + n(n + 1) + n2 + n(n − 1)

2
~
= [3 + 6n(n + 1)] X
2mω

At t = 0 a particle starts out in ψ(0) = 1/2(0 + 1 )
(1)

Find ψ(t)
The time dependent part of the harmonic oscillator is e−iEn t/~ . For n = 0, E0 = ~ω/2, and for n = 1, E1 = 3~ω/2
so
1 −iE0 t/~
0 + e−E1 t/~ 1

ψ(t) = e
21/2
1
= 1/2 e−iωt/2 0 + e−3ωt/2 1 X

2
(2)

Find X(0) = ψ(0)X ψ(0) , P (0) , X(t) , P (t)
20

For X(0)

X(0) = ψ(0)X ψ(0)
1/2
1 ~ 1
(a + a† ) 1/2 0 + 1

= 0 + 1
21/2 2mω 2
1/2
~

= 0 + 1 a + a† 0 + 1
8mω
1/2
~

†

= 0a0 + 0a 0 + 0a1 +
8mω

†

†

†
0a 1 + 1a0 + 1a 0 + 1a1 + 1a 1
1/2
~
= (0 + 0 + 1 + 0 + 0 + 1 + 0 + 0)
8mω
1/2
~
=
2mω

Likewise for P (0)

P (0) = ψ(0)P ψ(0)
1/2
1 mω~ 1
(a† − a) 1/2 0 + 1

= 0 + 1 i
21/2 8 2
1/2
mω~

†
=i 0 + 1 a − a 0 + 1
8
1/2
mω~
− 0a0 + 0a† 0 − 0a1 +

=i
8

†

†

†
0a 1 − 1a0 + 1a 0 − 1a1 + 1a 1
1/2
mω~
=i (0 + 0 + 1 + 0 + 0 − 1 + 0 + 0) = 0
8

Next for X(t)

X(t) = ψ(t)X ψ(t)
1/2
1
~
= 1/2 eiωt 0 + e3iωt/2 1

×
2 2mω
1
(a + a† ) 1/2 0 e−iωt + e−3iωt/2 1
2
1/2
~

†
= 0a0 + 0a 0 +
8mω

−iωt
† −iωt
iωt
0a1 e + 0a 1 e + 1a0 e +

† iωt

†
1a 0 e + 1a1 + 1a 1
1/2
~
= eiωt + e−iωt
8mω
1/2
~
= cos ωt
2mω
21

Finally for P (t)

P (t) = ψ(t)P ψ(t)
1/2
1
mω~
= 1/2 eiωt 0 + e3iωt/2 1 i

×
2 2
1
(a† − a) 1/2 0 e−iωt + e−3iωt/2 1

2
1/2
mω~
− 0a0 + 0a† 0 −

=i
8

−iωt
† −iωt
iωt
0a1 e + 0a 1 e − 1a0 e +

† iωt

†
1a 0 e − 1a1 + 1a 1
1/2
mω~
=i −eiωt + e−iωt
8
1/2
mω~
=− sin ωtX
2
(3)

Find Ẋ(t) and Ṗ (t) using Ehrenfest’s theorem and solve for X(t) and P (t) and compare to part 2

For Ẋ(t) ,

−i

Ẋ(t) = [X, H]
~
P2

−i

= X, + [X, V (x)]
~ 2m

−i

= P [X, P ] + [X, P ]P
4m2 ~

P (t)
=
m

For Ṗ (t)

−i
Ṗ (t) = [P, H]
~
P2

−i

= P, + [P, V (x)]
~ 2m

dV
= −mω 2 X(t)

= −i~
dx

For this to be true, the time dependent X(t) has to contain the momentum term. With that some initial value
needs to be chosen. In this case, t = 0. So

P (t = 0)
X(t) = X(t = 0) cos ωt + sin ωt
m
Likewise
P (t) = P (t = 0) sin ωt − mω 2 X(t = 0) cos ωt

Show that a(t) = e−iωt a(0) and that a† (t) = eiωt a† (0)

22
First lets define how the operator a varies in time.
da
i~ = [a(t), H] = i~(a(t)H − Ha(t)) =
dt
† 1 † 1
~ω a(t)(a (t)a(t) + ) − (a (t)a(t) + )a(t) =
2 2
h i
†
~ω a(t), a (t) a(t) = ~ωa(t)
Solving this differential equation

da da
i~ = ~ωa(t) → = −iωdt → ln a(t) = −iωt + C
dt a(t)
ln a(t) = −iωt + C → a(t) = C 0 e−iωt
In this case, C 0 is an integration constant. So this initial condition is when a(t = 0) = a(0). Substituting that into
the previous equation to find
a(t) = C 0 e−iωt → a(t) = a(0)e−iωt
Now the expectation value would be
ψ a(t)ψ = ψ a(0)e−iωt ψ

Because the operator is changing with time, the basis are constant, so
ψ a(0)e−iωt ψ = e−iωt ψ a(0)ψ = e−iωt a(0)

For the raising operator, the fact that a† is the adjoint to a can be used.
†
a(t) = a(0)e−iωt → a† (t) = a† (0)eiωt
Here to the basis are constant with time

†
†
ψ a (t)ψ = ψ a (0)eiωt ψ = eiωt ψ a† (0)ψ

= eiωt a† (0) X

23
24
Chapter 4
752: Problem Set 6
4.1 Problem 1: Sakurai 5.13

2 2
p
The Hamiltonian for the Stark effect is H = 2m − er +ezε, where the last term is a perturbation. Now the Hamiltonian
matrix is
o
E2s + hs|ezε|si hs|ezε|pi
H= o
hp|ezε|si E2p + hp|ezε|pi
o o
From parity and Wigner-Eckart Theorem hs|z|si = hp|z|pi = 0. When considering relativistic effects, E2s + δ = E2p .
o o
For convenience E = E2s = E2p . Then

E+δ hs|ezε|pi
H=
hp|ezε|si E
√
From the text, eεhs|z|pi = eεhp|z|si = 3eao ε. So the Hamiltonian becomes
√ √
diag. E + δ − λ
H= √E + δ 3eao ε
⇒ √
3eao ε
= 0 ⇒ (E − λ)2 + δ (E − λ) − 3e2 a2o ε2 = 0
3eao ε E 3eao ε E−λ
√ √ 2
−δ ± δ 2 + 12e2 a2o ε2 δ δ + 12e2 a2o ε2
E−λ= ⇒λ=E+ ±
2 2 2
√
The mean energy is E 0 = E + δ/2 with shifts of ∆E = 21 δ 2 + 12e2 a2o ε2 . Now examining the shifts in energy for the
two cases of δ eao ε and δ eao ε.
The case of δ eao ε. Using the binomial expansion

δ 12 δ 6
∆E = 1 + 2 e2 a2o ε2 ⇒ ∆E = 1 + 2 e2 a2o ε2
2 2δ 2 δ
So in leading order in ε, it is quadratic.

For the case δ eao ε
√
δ2 √ δ2

12
∆E = eao ε 1 + ⇒ ∆E = 3eao ε 1 +
2 24e2 a2o ε2 24e2 a2o ε2
So in leading order in ε, it is linear. As it has been shown in the text the unperturbed Hamiltonian are time invariant,
but the dipole term hα0 l0 m0 |z|αlmi = 0, so there is no time invariance for the dipole term from page 280. X
Suppose an electron has an intrinsic electric dipole moment µel , which is proportional to σ. This dipole causes a
small perturbative potential, −µel · E. Discuss qualitatively how the energy levels of a Na atom would be altered
in the absence of any external electromagnetic field. Are the energy shifts first or second order? State which states
get mixed with each other. Obtain an expression for the energy shifts of the lowest level that is affected by the
25
perturbation.
In the absence of an external electromagnetic field H = H o + V , where V = −µel · E. The electric field can be defined
q
as E = Eo r. The potential becomes −µel · E = −Eo µel · r. The electric dipole can be changed to µel = ek 4π 3
σ,
where k is some constant. Then
r r
4π 4π
−µ · E = −ekEo σ · r = −ekEo |σ||r| cos θ
3 3
q
From spherical harmonics −ekEo 4π 3
|σ||r| cos θ = −ekEo z. This is similar to the Stark effect. The correction will be
first order, because z affects the states in first order. The valence electron in Na is in the 3s state, so then the states are
|3, 0, 0i, |3, 1, 0i, |3, 2, 0i, |3, 1, ±1i, |3, 2, ±1i, and |3, 2, ±2i. When the potential acts on these state, the selection rules
are ∆m = 0 and ∆l = ±1. The states |3, 2, ±2i are unaffected. Now for the mixed states, h3, 2, ±1|z|3, 1, ±1i 6= 0, so
the states |3, 2, 1i and |3, 1, 1i are mixed together, and |3, 2, −1i and |3, 1, −1i are mixed together. Now for the state
m = 0 would be simple, but because the s-state can go to the p-state and the d-state can go down to the p-state, the
three have to be mixed together. The lowest state will be a m = 0 mixture. The matrix for m = 0 is1
   
h320|z|320i h320|z|310i h320|z|300i 0 h320|z|310i 0
V = ekEo  h310|z|320i h310|z|310i h310|z|300i  = ekEo  h310|z|320i 0 h310|z|300i 
h300|z|320i h300|z|310i h300|z|300i 0 h300|z|310i 0
 √   
0
√ −3 3ao 0
√ √ 0 1 √0
= ekEo  −3 3ao 0
√ −3 6ao  = −3 3ao ekEo  1 √0 2 
0 −3 6ao 0 0 2 0
Now diagonalizing the matrix

−λ 1 √0 √

= 0 ⇒ −λ3 + 3λ = λ(λ2 − 3) = 0 ⇒ λ = 0, ± 3

1
−λ
√ 2
0 2 −λ
The eigenvectors are the

 √     
2 √ 1
√ √ 1
√
1 1 1
λ = 0; √  0  λ = 3; √  √3  λ = − 3; √  −√ 3 
3 −1 6 2 6 2
√ √
√1

The energy shift of the lowest level, which is 6
|320i + 3|310i + 2|300i is then
√ √
∆ = −3 3ao ekEo 3 = −9ao ekEo
For hydrogen atom in its ground state is placed in an uniform electric field

0 t<0
E= (4.1)
Eo e−t/τ t>0
Find the probability for the transitions 2p (each state) and 2s.
The perturbation becomes V = −ex·E = −eEz. So looking at the transition to the 2p states with magnetic moments
of ±1.
h2, 1, ±|V |1, 0, 0i = kh2, 1, ±1|z|1, 0, 0i = 0
1 The integrals are found in Griffiths. Quantum. p 254
26
from parity and Wigner-Eckart Theorem. Because of this the probability of the transitions to |2, 1, ±1i is 0. First
order time dependent theory for 2, 1, 0i state.
i t iω21 t0
Z Z t
ieEo 0 0
h2, 1, 0|V (t0 )|1, 0, 0idt0 = eiω21 t e−t /τ dt0
(1)
c210 (t) = − e h2, 1, 0|z|1, 0, 0i
~ 0 ~ 0
ieEo 1 − eiω21 t−t/τ

=− h2, 1, 0|z|1, 0, 0i
~ 1/τ − iω21
So ω21 = (E2 − E1 )/~ = 3e2 /8ao ~ and t τ , then
(1) e2 Eo2 h2, 1, 0|z|1, 0, 0i2

|c210 (t → ∞)|2 =

~2 /τ 2 2
+ (3e /8ao )2
Now for the transition from the ground state to 2s state. This can be quick found by looking at h2, 0, 0|z|1, 0, 0i.
Under parity an even state has to go to an odd state for this potential. Therefore the probability is 0. X

4∆
For two spin 1/2 particle are in the following Hamiltonian t > 0 H = S
~2 1
· S2 and at t < 0 H = 0. The particles
are initial state | + −i
(a) Find the exact solution

First finding the product of S1 and S2 .
~2

S1 · S2 = S1x S2x + S1y S2y + S1z S2z = (|+ih−| + |−ih+|)1 (|+ih−| + |−ih+|)2 + i2 (−|+ih−| + |−ih+|)1 (−|+ih−| + |−ih+|)2
4

= (|+ih+| − |−ih−|)1 (|+ih+| − |−ih−|)2
~2

| + +ih− − | + | + −ih− + | + | − +ih+ − | + | − −ih+ + |
4
+ i2 (| + +ih− − | − | + −ih− + | − | − +ih+ − | + | − −ih− − |)

+ | + +ih+ + | − | + −ih+ − | − | − +ih− + | + | − −ih− − |
So the Hamiltonian becomes

 
1 0 0 0
 0 −1 2 0 
H = ∆ 
 0 2 −1 0 
0 0 0 1
Only the center of the 2 × 2 matrix has to be diagonalized

−1 − λ 2 = 0 ⇒ (−1 − λ)2 − 4 = 0 ⇒ λ = 1, −3

2 −1 − λ
For λ = 1 is the symmetric state √12 (| + −i + | − +i). For λ = −3 is the anti-symmetric state √1
2
(| + −i − | − +i).
So in diagnonlized space the energy splitting becomes
∆ | + +i, | − −i, √12 (| + −i + | − +i)
−3∆ √1 (| + −i − | − +i)
2
i
Because the Hamiltonian is time-independent the time evolution operator is U (t, to ) = e− ~ H(t−to ) . Here to = 0.
Then the time evolution operator becomes U (t, 0)| + −i = √12 U (t, 0) (|3i + |4i), where |1i = | + +i, |4i = | − −i,
|3i = √12 (| + −i + | − +i), and |4i = √12 (| + −i − | − +i). Now the final state is
1 i 1 h i
|f, ti = U (t, 0)|i, 0i = √ e− ~ Ht (|3i + |4i) = √ e−i∆t/~ |3i + e3i∆t/~ |4i
2 2
1 −i∆t/~ 1
= e + e3i∆t/~ | + −i + e−i∆t/~ − e3i∆t/~ | − +i
2 2
27
To find the probability that the particle are in each of the final possible states
|h+ + |f, ti|2 = 0

|h− − |f, ti|2 = 0
1 1
|h+ − |f, ti|2 = 2 + e4i∆t/~ + e−4i∆t/~ = (1 + cos (4∆t/~))
4 2
1
−4i∆t/~
1
|h− + |f, ti|2 = 2−e 4i∆t/~
−e = (1 − cos (4∆t/~)) X
4 2
(b) Solve using first order time dependent perturbation theory.
For first order time dependent perturbation theory,
Z t
i 0
c(0)
n = δni c(1)
n (t) = − dt0 eiωni t Vni (t0 )
~ 0
o 4∆
So here H = 0 and V = S
~2 1
· S2 , and the initial state is |ii = | + −i and the final state is |f i = | − +i. From the
E −E
undiagonalized matrix Vf i = 2∆, and the other two basis Vni = 0. Now ωf i = f ~ i = 0. So
i t 0
Z
(0) (1)
ci = 1 cf = − dt 2∆ = −2i∆t/~
~ 0
Then the probability for each state is
(0)
P (|ii) = |ci |2 = 1
2
(1) ∆t
P (|f i) = |cf |2 = 4
~
2∆t 2
∆t ~
This holds true for 1⇒ 1⇒ ∆ X
~ ~
t
For the two level system E1 < E2 . There is a time dependent potential that connects the two levels as follows:
V11 = V22 = 0 V12 = γeiωt V21 = γe−iωt (4.2)
and at t = 0, c1 (0) = 1 and c2 (0) = 0.

(a) Find |c1 (t)|2 and |c2 (t)|2 for t > 0 by exactly solving the coupled differential equations
2
X
i~ċk = Vkn (t)eiωkn t cn for n = 1, 2 (4.3)
n=1
The potential is
eiωt

0
V =γ
e−iωt 0
E2 −E1
and ω21 = ~
. So
i~ċ1 = γeiωt e−iω21 t c2 ; i~ċ2 = γe−iωt eiω21 t c1

i~c̈1 = γc2 i(ω − ω21 )ei(ω−ω21 )t + γei(ω−ω21 )t ċ2
Then
h i γ2
i~c̈1 = i(ω − ω21 ) γc2 ei(ω−ω21 )t + ei(ω−ω21 )t e−i(ω−ω21 )t c1
i~
γ2
c̈1 = − 2 c1 + i(ω − ω21 )ċ1 ⇒ c1 (t) = ψei(ω−ω21 )t/2
~
28
Then the differential equation becomes
(ω − ω21 )2 γ2 (ω − ω21 )2
ψ̈ − ψ + i(ω − ω21 )ψ̇ = − 2 ψ + i(ω − ω21 )ψ̇ − ψ
4 ~ 2
r r
γ2 (ω − ω21 )2

γ2 (ω − ω21 )2 γ2 (ω − ω21 )2
ψ̈ = − 2 − ψ ⇒ ψ = A sin 2
+ t + B cos 2
+ t
~ 4 ~ 4 ~ 4
r
γ2 (ω − ω21 )2
For simplicity Ω ≡ + , so
~2 4
c1 (t) = ei(ω−ω21 )t/2 [cos Ωt + B sin Ωt]

c2 (t) = e−i(ω−ω21 )t/2 A sin Ωt

Then from the boundary conditions i~ċ1 t=0 = 0 and i~ċ2 t=0 = γ. From the second condition i~AΩ = γ →
γ i(ω−ω21 ) −i(ω − ω21 )
A= and the first condition now 2
+ BΩ = 0 → B = . Therefore
i~Ω 2Ω

i(ω − ω21 )
c1 (t) = ei(ω−ω21 )t/2 cos Ωt − sin Ωt
2Ω
h γ i
−i(ω−ω21 )t/2
c2 (t) = e sin Ωt
i~Ω
So
r !
γ2 γ 2 /~2 γ2 (ω − ω21 )2
|c2 (t)|2 = 2 2
sin2 Ωt ⇒ |c2 (t)|2 = 2 2 sin2 + t X
~ Ω γ /~ + (ω − ω21 )2 /4 ~ 2 4
And
(ω − ω21 )2 sin2 Ωt (ω − ω21 )2 sin2 Ωt γ 2 (ω − ω21 )2 (ω − ω21 )2

|c1 (t)|2 = cos2 Ωt + sin2
Ωt = 1 − Ω 2
− = 1 − + −
4Ω2 Ω2 4 Ω2 ~2 4 4
2
2
sin Ωt γ
=1− ⇒ |c1 (t)|2 = 1 − |c2 (t)|2 X
Ω2 ~2
(b) Now use time dependent perturbation theory for small values of γ and look at two cases (i) ω very different from
ω21 and (ii) ω very close to ω21
The lowest order term would be first order term
iγ t −i(ω−ω21 )t0 0 γ2
Z
−iγ 1 ω − ω
21
e−i(ω−ω21 )t − 1 =
(1)
c2 = − e dt = sin t
~ 0 ~ −i(ω − ω21 ) ~(ω − ω21 ) 2
So the probability is
4γ 2 ω − ω
21
|c2 (t)|2 = sin2 t
~2 (ω − ω21 )2 2
Ifγ is small and ω is very different from ω21 , the term γ 2 /~2 + (ω − ω21 )2 /4 becomes (ω − ω21 )2 /4, so the real term
becomes
r !
2 γ 2 /~2 2 γ2 (ω − ω21 )2 4γ 2 ω − ω
21
|c2 (t)| = 2 2 sin + t ≈ 2 sin2 t
γ /~ + (ω − ω21 ) /4
2 ~ 2 4 ~ (ω − ω21 )2 2
So the |c2real (t)|2 ≈ |c2pert (t)|2 . So in the case ∆ω/2 γ/~ is approximately true. In the second case of ω very close
to ω21 , perturbation theory starts to breakdown. The ratio of the two is
4γ 2
sin2 ω−ω 21

|c2pert (t)|2 ~2 (ω−ω21 )2 2
t
= q X
|c2real (t)|2 γ 2 /~2 2 γ2 (ω−ω21 )2
γ 2 /~2 +(ω−ω21 )2 /4
sin ~2
+ 4
t
29
30
Chapter 5
752: Problem Set 7
5.1 Problem 1: Shankar 18.2.2

2 2
A hydrogen atom is in the ground state at t = −∞. An electric field E(t) = (kE)e−t /τ is applied until t = ∞.
Show that the probability that the atom ends up in any of the n = 2 states is, to first order,
2 15 2
eE 2 ao 2 2
P (n = 2) = πτ 2 e−ω τ /2 (5.1)
~ 310
where ω = (E2lm − E100 )/~. Does the answer depend on whether or not we incorporate spin in the picture?
2 2
The perturbation is H 1 = ezEe−t /τ . Using the selection rules for the z operator, which are ∆l = ±1 and ∆m = 0,
the only state that the ground state can transition to is |210i. Now for the transition
Z∞ Zπ Z2π
1 2 r 4 −3r/2ao
eEh210|z|100i = eE √ sin θ cos θ e dφdθdr
32πa3o ao
0 0 0
2ao 5 215/2 ao

1 2 4!
= eE √ (2π) = eE
32πa3o 3 ao 3 35
Now for the time dependent term

Z∞
i 02
/τ 2 −iωt0 i √ 2 −ω2 τ 2 /4
et e dt0 = πτ e
~ ~
−∞
The transition coefficient is

i √ 2 −ω2 τ 2 /4 215/2 ao
cf (t) = πτ e eE
~ 35
The transition probability is the coefficient squared
2
215 a2o 2 −ω2 τ 2 /2

eE
|cf |2 = P (n = 2) = πτ e X
~ 310
For a changing electric field, there is an induced magnetic field. This magnetic field interacts with spin of the electron
which would be Hm = −µ · B
Consider a particle in the ground state of a box of length L. Argue on semiclassical grounds that the natural time
period associated with it is T ' mL2 /~π. If the box expands symmetrically to double its size in time τ T what is
the probability of catching the particle in the ground state of the new box?
The time for a particle to move across the box can be found from the kinetic energy, E = 21 mv 2 . Then
~2 π 2 1 ~π
E= = mv 2 ⇒ v =
2mL2 2 mL
31
2
The time to cross is v = L/T → T = mL √1 πx √1 πx

. The initial state is ψ1 =
~π L
sin L
. In the new volume ψ2 = L
cos L
.
The new ground state is ψ = √12L sin πx
2L
. Then
3L/2
Z
1 πx πx 8
cf (t) = √ sin cos dx =
L 2 2L L 3π
L/2
So the probability is
2
8
P = |cf |2 = X
3π
In the β decay H 3 , the emitted electron has a kinetic energy of 16 keV. Argue that the sudden approximation may
be used to describe the response of an electron that is initially in the 1s state of H 3 . Show that the amplitude for it
to be in the ground state of (He)+ is 16(2)1/2 /27. What is the probability for it to be in the state
|n = 16, l = 3, m − 0i of (He)+ ? (5.2)
The time for the emitted electron,qτ is much less than one orbit time, T , of electron in the ground state. So
q 32000eV 27.2eV
τ ∼ ao m
, where T ∼ 2ao m
∴ τ T . The ground state of H
1/2
1
|100i = e−r/ao
πa3o
The ground state of (He)+

1/2
8
|100i∗ = e−2r/ao
πa3o
The amplitude is
Z∞ Zπ Z2π √
2 2 −3r/ao 2
h100|100i∗ = e r sin θdφdθdr
πa3o
0 0 0
Z∞ √ √ √
8 2 −3r/aO 2 8 2 2a3o 16 2
= e r dr = =
a3o a3o 27 27
0
Now for the state |16, 3, 0i (He)+ . The integral over spherical harmonics
Zπ Z2π √
7
−3 cos θ + 5 cos3 θ sin θdφdθ = 0

8π
0 0
Because each term is multiplied be the spherical harmonics, the amplitude is 0 ∴ P (|16, 3, 0i∗ ) = 0
An oscillator is in the ground state of H = H o + H 1 , where the time-independent perturbation H 1 is the linear
potential (−f x). If at t = 0, H 1 is abruptly turned off, show that the probability that the system is in the nth
eigenstate of H o is given by the Poisson distribution
e−λ λn f2
P (n) = , where λ = (5.3)
n! 2mω 3 ~
32
Because the perturbation is sudden, the particle is still in the initial state of H = H o + H 1 . From Eq. 17.2.10
2
|ni = e−i(f /mω ~)P
|no i (5.4)
f2
Using λ = 2mω 3 ~
√
2 λ λ(a† −a)
e−i(f /mω ~)P
|no i ⇒ e |no i
Using the hint and that the ground state is wanted

√ √ † √
λ(a† −a)
e |0i = e−λ/2 e λa − λa
e |0i
√ √
Now let’s expand the exponential e− λa
= 1− λ + . . .. Any lowering operator will be 0 when acting on the ground
state, so only the first term remains.
√ † √ √ †
e−λ/2 e λa − λa
e |0i → e−λ/2 e λa
|0i
Using Eq. 21.1.115, Eq. 21.1.116, and Eq. 21.1.117

√ n
√ † ∞
X λa†
λa
e = (5.5)
n=0
n!
So the state becomes

∞
√
λa†
X λn/2 a†n e−λ/2 λn/2
e−λ/2 e |0i ⇒ e−λ/2 |0i ⇒ √ |ni
n=0
n! n!
The probability to be in the nth state
e−λ/2 λn/2 2 e−λ λn

P (n) = hn|
√ |ni = X
n! n!
Consider a system subject to a perturbation H 1 (t) = H 1 δ(t). Show that if at t = 0− the system is in the state |io i,
the amplitude to be in a state |f o i at t = 0+ is, to first order,
−i o 1 o
df = hf |H |i i (f 6= i) (5.6)
~
From Eq. 18.2.9
Z0−
i
df = δf i − hf o |H 1 δ(t)|io ieiωf i t dt
~
−∞
i
= − hf o |0|io i = 0
~
Therefore there is no transition. Now for t = 0+
Z0+
i
df = δf i − hf o |H 1 δ(t)|io ieiωf i t dt
~
−∞
i
= − hf o |H 1 |io i
~
33
(1) Write H for a particle in the potentials (A, φ).

The Lagrangian is
1 e
L= mv 2 − eφ + v · A
2 c
The canonical momentum is
∂L e
p= = mv + A
∂v c
The Hamiltonian is
1
H =p·v−L= mv 2 + eφ
2
2
p − ec A
H= + eφ X
2m
(2) Write down HΛ , the Hamiltonian obtained by gauge transforming the potentials.
The Lagrangian is
1 e ∂Λ e
L= mv 2 − eφ − + v · (A − ∇Λ)
2 c ∂t c
The canonical momentum is
∂L e
p= = mv + (A − ∇Λ)
∂v c
The Hamiltonian is
1 e ∂Λ
H =p·v−L= mv 2 + eφ +
2 c ∂t
e
2
p− c
(A − ∇Λ) e ∂Λ
H= + eφ + X
2m c ∂t
34
(3) Show that if ψ(r, t) is a solution to Schrödinger’s equation with the Hamiltonian H, then ψΛ (r, t) given in Eq.
(18.4.33) is the corresponding solution with H → HΛ
Let’s first look at the following relations (position, then momentum)
eieΛ/~c xe−ieΛ/~c = x
h i h i e∇Λ
eieΛ/~c pe−ieΛ/~c = eieΛ/~c p, e−ieΛ/~c + p = −eieΛ/~c i~∇ e−ieΛ/~c + p = p + (5.7)
c
Let’s look at the original Hamiltonian
" 2 #
d p − ec A
i~ |ψi = H|ψi = + eφ |ψi
dt 2m
So for the second Hamiltonian

" 2 #
d p − ec (A − ∇Λ) e ∂Λ
i~ |ψΛ i = HΛ |ψΛ i = + eφ + |ψΛ i
dt 2m c ∂t
d h −ieΛ/~c i e∂Λ −ieΛ/~c
i~ e |ψi = e |ψi + e−ieΛ/~c H|ψi
dt c∂t
Now the exponential part on the last term needs to be moved to the other side of the Hamiltonian. This does not
commute though. Using eq. 7 twice on p
" e
2 #
d h −ieΛ/~c i e∂Λ −ieΛ/~c e∂Λ −ieΛ/~c p− (A − ∇Λ)
i~ e |ψi = e |ψi + e−ieΛ/~c H|ψi = e |ψi + c
+ eφ e−ieΛ/~c |ψi
dt c∂t c∂t 2m
" 2 #
e∂Λ p − ec (A − ∇Λ)
= |ψΛ i + + eφ |ψΛ i = HΛ |ψΛ i X
c∂t 2m
35
36
Chapter 6
752: Problem Set 8
6.1 Problem 1: Sakuari 5.35
The ground state of a hydrogen (n = 1, l = 0) is subjected to a time-dependent potential as follows:
V(x, t) = Vo cos(kz − ωt). (6.1)
Using time-dependent perturbation theory, obtain an expression for the transition rate at which the electron is emitted
with momentum p. Show, in particular, how you may compute the angular distribution of the ejected electron (in
terms of θ and φ defined with respect to the z-axis). Discuss briefly the similarities and the differences between this
problem and the (more realistic) photoelectric effect. (Note: For the initial wave function see Problem 34. If you
have a normalization problem, the final wave function may be taken to be

1
ψf (x) = eip·x/~ (6.2)
L3/2
with L very large, but you should be able to show that the observable effects are independent of L.)
The initial state is

1/2
1
ψi (x) = e−r/ao
πa3o
The final state is

1
ψf (x) = eip·x/~
L3/2
Now the perturbation in exponential form

V = Vo eikz−iωt + e−ikz+iωt = Veiωt + V † e−iωt
From Equation 5.6.44 the transition rate is
2π † 2
wi→n = V δ(En − Ei − ~ω)
~ ni
† 2 Vo2
hn|eikz |ii2 .

where Vni =
4
Now finding the matrix value
Z r
ikz 1 −ikf ·x ikz 1 −r/ao 3
hn|e |ii = e e e d r
L3/2 πa3o
Z
1
= √ 3/2
e−i(kf ·x−kz)−r/ao d3 r
πL3/2 ao
37
Now from the text k · x − kz = q, so the integral becomes
8π 1
hn|eikz |ii = 5/2
L3/2 ao (1/a2o + q2 )2
8π 1
= 5/2 2
L3/2 ao 1/a2o + (kf − kz)2
Using Equation 5.7.31 but converting to momentum space
dn L3 p2f
n2 dΩ dpf = dpf dΩ
dpf (2π~)2
The rate is
2π † 2
wi→pf = V δ(En − Ei − ~ω)
~ ni
2π Vo2 64π 2 1 L3 p2f
= 4 dpf dΩ
~ 4 L ao 1/a2o + (kf − kz)2 (2π~)3
3 5
4Vo2 p2f dpf dΩ

=
~4 a5o 1/a2o + (kf − kz)2 4

The angular dependence is in the denominator

2
(kf − kz)2 = kf sin θ (cos ϕêx + sin ϕêy ) + kf cos θ − k êz

2
= kf cos2 θ + k2 − 2kkf cos θ + |kf |2 sin2 θ

= kf2 + k2 − 2kkf cos θ

The rate is
4Vo2 p2f dpf dΩ

wi→pf = 4 5 4
~ ao

1/a2o + kf2 + k2 − 2kkf cos θ
There is no azimuthal dependence, but that is to be expected, because the perturbation is defined in the z direction.
This is very similar to the photoelectric effect except that there is no polarization taken into account and no dipole
approximation. X
6.2 Problem 2: Sakuari 5.40
Obtain an expression for τ (2p → 1s) for the hydrogen atom. Verify that it is equal to 1.6 × 10−9 s.
The initial state is |2lmi ⊗ |0i and the final state is |100i ⊗ |k~i. Now Fermi’s golden rule
2
2π o e o
Ri→f = hf | A · P|i i δ(E100 + ~ω − E2lm )
~ mc
Because of the spin of the photon, ∆l = 1. The matrix term

!1/2 Z
~c2 ∗ k·r 3
h100|h~k|A|0i · P|21mi = ψ100 e εψ21m d r
4π 2 ω
Applying the dipole approximation
~c2
Z
∗
hf o |A · P|io i = imω ψ100 ε · rψ21m d3 r
4π 2 ω
where
ε · r = −ε11 r1−1 + ε01 r10 − ε−1 1

1 r1
38
The integral becomes
1/2 Z
4π
Z
2 0 1 −1 0 0 −1 1 m
R10 rR21 r dr Y0 −ε1 Y1 + ε1 Y1 − ε1 Y1 Y1 dΩ
3
The radial integral

Z r
2 128 2
√ r4 e−3r/2ao dr = ao
24a7o 81 3
Using orthogonality for the spherical harmonics the integral becomes

256 1
hf o |A · P|ii = √ ao ε11 δm,1 + ε01 δm,0 + ε−1

1 δm,−1
243 2
Then
15
hf |A · A|io i2 = 2 a2 ε1 2 δm,−1 + ε0 2 δm,0 + ε−1 2 δm,1
o
310 o 1 1 1
Averaging all three polarizations

15
hf |A · A|io i2 = 2 a2o
o
311
The rate becomes

2π e 2 ~2 c4 2 2 2 215
Ri→f = m ω ao 11 δ (E100 + ~ω − E21m )
~ mc 4π 2 ω 3
The momentum of the outgoing photon
4πk2
Z
δ (E100 + ~ω − E21m ) k2 dkdΩ =
~c
E21m −E100 e2 1 3e2

where k = ~c
= 2ao ~c
1− 4
= 8ao ~c
. Then the rate is
2
2π e 2 ~2 c2 2 2 2 215 3e2

4π
Ri→f = m ω ao 11
~ mc 4π 2 ω 3 8ao ~c ~c
8 2 5 2
8
2 e mc 2 mc2
= ⇒ Ri→f = α5
3 mc ~ 3 ~

2 8
5 (.511×106 )(3×1018 )
1
= .61 × 109 s−1 . The lifetime is

The rate is Ri→f = 3 137 1973.3
1
τ = 1/R = = 1.6 × 10−9 s X
.61 × 109
(1) By going through the derivation, argue that we can take the eik·r factor into account exactly, by replacing pf
by pf − ~k in Eq. 18.5.19
Looking at Eq. 18.5.5
s
e 1 1
Z
1 −ipf ·r/~ ik·r −r/ao 3
Hf i = e e Ao · (−i~∇) e d r
2mc (2π~)3/2 πa3o
s
e 1 1
Z
−i pf −~k ·r/~ −r/ao 3
= e Ao · (−i~∇) e d r
2mc (2π~)3/2 πa3o
s
e 1 1 −ip0f ·r/~
Z
−r/ao 3
= e Ao · (−i~∇) e d r
2mc (2π~)3/2 πa3o
39
where p0f = pf − ~k. Because of the spherical symmetry of the system and all of the vectors are defined with respect
to pf (so p0f would be a rotation, which has no affect on this system) all of the following steps are the same so
Z
H 1 = N e−i(pf −~k)·r/~ A · (i~∇) e−r/ao d3 r
fi o
q
e 1 1

where N = 2mc (2π~)3/2 πa3
X
o
(2) Verify the claim made above about the electron momentum distribution.
Integrating by parts of the previous problem (remembering that p0f = pf − ~k)
Z
0
Hf1i = N Ao · p0f e−ipf ·r/~ e−r/ao d3 r
Z ∞ Z 1 Z 2π
0
0
= N Ao · pf e−ipf ·r/~ e−r/ao r2 drd(cos θ)dφ
0 −1 0
0 0
!
e−ipf ·r/~ − eipf ·r/~
Z ∞
0
= 2πN Ao · pf e−r/ao r2 dr
0 −ipf r/~
8π/ao 0
= 2 N Ao · pf
(1/ao )2 + (p0f /~)2
Now for the δ-function

p2f p2f
!
o o m o 1/2

= Ei + ~ω ⇒ δ − Ei − ~ω = δ pf − (2mEi + ~ω)
2m 2m pf
The rate becomes

0 2 2

2π Ao · pf (8π/ao ) e 2 1 1
Ri→dΩ = 4 mpf 3 πa3
2mc (2π~)

~ 0 o
(1/ao )2 + (pf /~)2
2
4a3o e2 pf Ao · pf − ~k
= h 2 2 i 4 X
mπ~4 c2 1 + a~o pf − ~k
(1) Estimate the photoelectric cross section when the ejected electron has a kinetic energy of 10 Ry. Compare it to
the atom’s geometric cross section ' πa2o .
√
Looking at Eq. 18.5.30 and pf = 2mE 1
2
128π 1 e2 pf c 1
σ = 4
p2 c2

3 ~ω c~ m~c
f
1 +
2 2 a2
o

~ c
128π 1 √ 3/2 c 1 a3
3/2 m o
= α 8E 4
3 E + 13.6 m ~c 1 + 2mc2 Ea2 1
o ~2 c2
√ 1/2
128π 8 (136)3/2 1 .511 × 106 (.511)3
=
2(.511×106 )(136)(.511)2 4

3 149.6 137 1973.3
1+
(1973.3)2
−4 2
= 1.4 × 10 Å
This is much smaller than the geometrical cross section of the atom. X
(2) Show that if we consider photoemission from the 1s state of a charge Z atom, σ ∝ Z 5 , in the limit pf ao /Z~ 1.
~2 ao
The Bohr radius is inversely proportional to Z, then a = Zme2
= Z
. Looking at Eq. 18.5.30
128πa3 e2 p3f 1 Z5
σ= 3 6 6 6
∝ 5 = 5 ∝ Z5 X
3m~ ωcpf a /~ a ao
1 All values from Shankar p. 669
40
Show that
gµr 2 1
o
σY ukawa = 16πro2 (6.3)
~2 1 + 4k2 ro2
where ro = 1µo is the range. Compare σ to the geometrical cross section associated with this range.
4µ2 g 2 dΩ
dσ =
~4 ((1/ro )2 + 4k2 sin2 (θ/2))2
4µ2 g 2
Z π Z 2π
sin θdθdφ
σ=
~ 4
0 0 ((1/ro )2 + 4k2 sin2 (θ/2))2
8πµ2 g 2
Z 1
dx
= 2
~4 2 2
−1 ((1/ro ) + 2k − 2k x)
2
16πµ2 g 2 ro4
2
2 gµro 1
= 4
⇒ σ = 16πro
~ 1 + 4k2 ro2 ~2 1 + 4k2 ro2
In comparison with the geometrical cross section, which is roughly σ ≈ 4πro2 = 4πfm2 ,
g 2 µ2 ro2
4πro2

σY ≈ 4
~4
e4 m2 c4
= 4ro2 4 4 ~4 4πro2

~ c
2
2
−5 2 α 109
~4 4πro2

= 4 10
(2000)2
= 5 × 10−3 ~4 4πro2

So the Yukawa cross section is much smaller the the geometrical cross section. X
(1) Show that if V (r) = −Vo θ(ro − r),
2
µVo ro2 (sin qro − qro cos qro )2

dσ
= 4ro2 (6.4)
dΩ ~2 (qro )6
Z
µ 0 0
f (θ, φ) = − 2
e−iqr cos θ V (r0 )d(cos θ0 )dφ0 r2 dr0
2π~
2µVo ro r0 sin qr0 0
Z
= dr
~2 q
0
2µVo sin qro − qro cos qro
=
~2 q3
µVo ro2 (sin qro − qro cos qro )
= 2ro
~2 (qro )3
Finally dσ
dΩ
= |f |2
2
µVo ro2 (sin qro − qro cos qro )

dσ
= 2ro
dΩ ~2 (qro )3
2

= 4ro2 2
X
~ (qro )6
(2) Show that as kro → 0, the scattering becomes isotropic and
41
2
16πro2 µVo ro2

σ∼
= (6.5)
9 ~2
From Eq. 19.3.6 q = 2k sin(θ/2)

2
π 2π
Z Z
σ= 4ro2
2
sin θdθdφ
0 0 ~ (qro )6
2
(sin qro − qro cos qro )2
Z π
µVo ro2

= 8πro2 sin θdθ
0 ~2 (qro )6
(qro )3 (qro )3 (qro )3
So expanding using small angle approximation sin qro − qro cos qro ≈ qro − 6
− qro + 2
= 3
. Then
3 2

2 Z (qro ) 2
π
µVo ro2 µVo ro2

3 16π 2
σ = 8πro2 sin θdθ = ro X
~2 (qro )6 9 ~2
|0 {z }
2/9
42
Appendix A
511: Problem Set 5
A.1 Merzbacher Exercise 10.9
Find the eigenvalues for kinetic and potential energy for the harmonic oscillator. Explain why they do not add up to
the energy eigenvalues for the total energy.
The energy eigenvalues for total energy :
1

E n = ~ω n + 2
The Hamiltonian for the harmonic oscillator :

p2 1
H= + mω 2 q 2
2m 2
If we define a new operator as
r
mω p
a= q+i (A.1)
2~ mω
It then follows that
1
H = ~ω a† a +
2
where a† is the Hermitian adjoint of a. Now we can use this to solve for the p and q.
r
~ †
q= a +a (A.2)
2mω
r
m~ω †
p=i a −a (A.3)
2
We can now apply kinetic and potential operators to |ni.
p2
K|ni = |ni
2m
Now we can apply Equation 3 and replace p.
2
q
†
i m~ω a − a
p2 2
|ni = |ni
2m 2m
~ω
=− a† − a a† − a |ni
4
~ω
=− a†2 + a2 − a† a − aa† |ni
4
~ω h i
=− a†2 + a2 |ni − a† a + aa† |ni
4
43
From Equation 10.75 in Merzbacher, we know a† a|ni = λo |ni, then :
~ω h †2 i
=− a + a2 |ni − aa† |ni − λo |ni
4
From Equation 10.72 in Merzbacher, we know aa† = a† a + 1
~ω h †2 i
=− a + a2 |ni − 1|ni − 2λo |ni
4

~ω †2 n 1
K|ni = − a + a2 |ni + ~ω + (A.4)
4 2 4
Now we can proceed to the potential energy.
1
U |ni = mω 2 q 2 |ni
2
Using the same mathematical procedure, we find:

~ω †2 2
n 1
U |ni = a + a |ni + ~ω + (A.5)
4 2 4
It would appear that we can add (4) and (5) to find the total energy eigenvalues, but they are not eigenvalues for
the kinetic and potential energies so we must find those eigenvalues instead.
p2
K|pi = |pi (A.6)
2m
1
U |qi = mω 2 q 2 |qi (A.7)
2
The total energy is the kinetic energy plus the potential energy, so we think that we may add them as :
p2
2
1 p 1
K|pi + U |qi = |pi + mω 2 q 2 |qi = + mω 2 q 2 |p, qi
2m 2 2m 2
That is true, if the p and q commuted when in fact we know that they do not commute.
p2
2
1 p 1
|pi + mω 2 q 2 |qi 6= + mω 2 q 2 |p, qi
2m 2 2m 2
Therefore,
K|pi + U |qi 6= H|niX
A.2 Merzbacher Problem 10.3
Find ∆x∆p for a linear harmonic oscillator nth energy eigenstate.
We know
(∆x)2 = hn|x2 |ni − hn|x|ni2

(∆p)2 = hn|p2 |ni − hn|p|ni2
44
Let us begin with hn|x|ni :
We recall from the previous problem,
r
~ †
x= a +a
2mω
We replace x with this new definition.
r r
~ † ~
hn| a + a |ni = hn| a† + a |ni
2mω 2mω
r
~
= hn|a† |ni + hn|a|ni
2mω
r
~
= (hn|n + 1i + hn|n − 1i)
2mω
Because eigenstates n, n-1 and n+1 are orthonormal
hn|n + 1i = 0
hn|n − 1i = 0
Then hn|x|ni = 0.
Now for the term hn|p|ni :
We recall from the previous problem,
r
m~ω †
p=i a −a
2
We replace p with this new definition.
r r
m~ω † m~ω
hn|i a − a |ni = i hn| a† − a |ni
2 2
r
m~ω
=i hn|a† |ni − hn|a|ni
2
r
m~ω
=i (hn|n + 1i − hn|n − 1i)
2
hn|n + 1i = 0
hn|n − 1i = 0
Then hn|p|ni = 0.
We move to the term hn|x2 |ni :
~ 2
x2 = a + a†2 + aa† + a† a
2mω
So
~ 2
hn|x2 |ni = hn| a + a†2 + aa† + a† a |ni
2mω
~ h i
= hn|a2 |ni + hn|a†2 |ni + hn| aa† + a† a |ni
2mω
~ h i
= hn|n − 2i + hn|n + 2i + hn| 1 + 2a† a |ni
2mω
45
~ h i
= 0 + 0 + hn| 1 + 2a† a |ni
2mω
~ 1
= hn|a† a + |ni
mω 2

~ 1
hn|x2 |ni = n+ (A.8)
mω 2
Finally for the last term hn|p2 |ni :
m~ω 2
p2 = − a + a†2 − aa† − a† a
2
So
m~ω 2
hn|p2 |ni = hn| − a + a†2 − aa† − a† a |ni
2
m~ω h i
=− hn|a2 |ni + hn|a†2 |ni − hn| aa† + a† a |ni
2
m~ω h i
=− hn|n − 2i + hn|n + 2i − hn| 1 + 2a† a |ni
2
m~ω h i
=− 0 + 0hn| 1 + 2a† a |ni
2
1
= m~ω hn|a† a + |ni
2

1
hn|p2 |ni = m~ω n + (A.9)
2
Then

~ 1
(∆x)2 = hn|x2 |ni − hn|x|ni2 = n+ (A.10)
mω 2

1
(∆p)2 = hn|p2 |ni − hn|p|ni2 = m~ω n + (A.11)
2
Then the uncertainty for the linear harmonic oscillator

1
∆x∆p = ~ n + X
2
A.3 Merzbacher Problem 14.6
A linear harmonic oscillator, with energy eigenstates |ni, is acted upon by a time dependent interaction between the
|0i and |1i :
V (t) = F (t) |1ih0| + F ∗ (t) |0ih1| (A.12)
a.
46
Find the coupled equations of motion for the probability amplitudes hn|Ψ (t)i
We know
d|Ψ (t)i
i~ = H|Ψ (t)i
dt
where
H = Ho + V (t)
= Ho + F (t) |1ih0| + F ∗ (t) |0ih1|
with this substitution

d|Ψ (t)i
i~ = (Ho + F (t) |1ih0| + F ∗ (t) |0ih1|) |Ψ (t)i
dt
so then hn|Ψ (t)i would be follow.
d|Ψ (t)i
hn|i~ = hn| (Ho + F (t) |1ih0| + F ∗ (t) |0ih1|) |Ψ (t)i
dt
d
i~ hn|Ψ (t)i = hn|Ho |Ψ (t)i + hn|F (t) |1ih0|Ψ (t)i + hn|F ∗ (t) |0ih0|Ψ (t)iX
dt
b.
√
Find the energy eigenvalues and stationary states for t>0, if F (t) = 2~ωη (t)
En |ni = H|ni
= Ho |ni + V |ni
We know from the earlier problem that

1
Ho |ni = ~ω n + |ni
2
For the definition of the Heaviside function η (t) = 1 for t>0. Then
V |ni = F (t) |1ih0|ni + F ∗ (t) |0ih1|ni

√ √
= 2~ω|1ih0|ni + 2~ω|0ih1|ni
For the interaction term then

√
= 2~ω (|1iδ0n + |0iδ1n )
Therefore
√

1
En |ni = ~ω n + |ni + 2~ω (|1iδ0n + |0iδ1n ) (A.13)
2
This means that the stable states are form when n>1.X
c.
Find hn|Ψ (t)i for t>0 with the initial condition of it in the ground state.
d|Ψ (t)i √ √
i~ = Ho |Ψ (t)i + 2~ω|1ih0| + 2~ω|0ih1| |Ψ (t)i
dt
d|Ψ (t)i √ √
i~ = Ho + 2~ω|1ih0| + 2~ω|0ih1| dt
|Ψ (t)i
Now integrate both sides
Z
d|Ψ (t)i
Z √ √
i~ = Ho + 2~ω|1ih0| + 2~ω|0ih1| dt
|Ψ (t)i
√ √
i~ln (|Ψ (t)i) = Ho + 2~ω|1ih0| + 2~ω|0ih1| t + C
i √ √
ln (|Ψ (t)i) = − Ho + 2~ω|1ih0| + 2~ω|0ih1| t + C
~
i
√ √
|Ψ (t)i = Ce− ~ (Ho + 2~ω|1ih0|+ 2~ω|0ih1|)t
47
Now we apply the condition that the function is in the ground state at t=0.
|Ψ (0)i = C = |0i
So
i
√
|Ψ (t)i = |0ie− ~ Ho e−i 2ω(|1ih0|+|0ih1|)t
(A.14)
Therefore
i
√
hn|Ψ (t)i = hn|0ie− ~ Ho e−i 2ω(|1ih0|+|0ih1|)t
(A.15)
If this is a probability the sum over hn| should be 1. We notice that coefficient will be 0 other than n = 0, where it
will equal 1. This means that the exponent must equal 1 there, too. The first term is the transpose of the unitary
matrix. We must check if the second term is a unitary matrix.
If
√
e−i 2ω(|1ih0|+|0ih1|)t
= U (t)
then
√
U † (t) = ei 2ω(|1ih0|+|0ih1|)t
and
UU† = 1
So
√ √
U U † = e−i 2ω(|1ih0|+|0ih1|)t i 2ω(|1ih0|+|0ih1|)t
e
√ √
−i 2ω(|1ih0|+|0ih1|)t+i 2ω(|1ih0|+|0ih1|)t
=e
= e0 = 1
Since this term is a unitary matrix and the other term was a transpose of a unitary matrix, the probability will
always equal 1 and equation (15) is correct.X
48
Appendix B
Special Harmonics
B.1 Legendre Polynomials
The spherical harmonics are developed from the associated Legendre Polynomials. Why do we care? The simple case
of electrostatic potentials:
∞
q 1 q X a n
ϕ= 1/2
= Pn (cos θ) (B.1)
4πo (r2 + a2 − 2ar cos θ) 4πo n=0 r
where Pn (cos θ) are the Legendre Polynomials. What are these polynomials, they are a set of orthogonal polynomials.1
The first nine terms are
P0 (x) = 1
P1 (x) = x
P2 (x) = 21 3x2 − 1

P3 (x) = 12 5x3 − 3x
P4 (x) = 18 35x4 − 30x2 + 3

1 5 3
P5 (x) = 8 63x − 70x + 15x
1
231x6 − 315x4 + 105x2 − 5

P6 (x) = 16
1
P7 (x) = 16 429x7 − 693x5 + 315x3 − 35x
1
6435x8 − 12012x6 + 6930x4 − 1260x2 + 35

P8 (x) = 128
Now the recurrence relation
(2n + 1) xPn (x) = (n + 1) Pn+1 (x) + nPn−1 (x) (B.2)
Some of the differential relations
0 0
(2n + 1)Pn (x) = Pn+1 (x) − Pn−1 (B.3)
0
Pn+1 (x) = (n + 1)Pn (x) + xPn0 (x) (B.4)
0
Pn−1 (x) = xPn0 (x) − nPn (x) (B.5)
1−x 2
Pn0 (x) = nPn−1 (x) − nxPn (x) (B.6)
1−x 2
Pn0 (x) = (n + 1)xPn (x) − (n + 1)Pn+1 (x) (B.7)
The parity is
Pn (−x) = (−1)n Pn (x) (B.8)
As same as before, these functions are orthogonal, so
Z 1
Pn (x)Pm (x)dx = δn,m (B.9)
−1
Z π
Pn (cos θ)Pm (cos θ) sin θdθ = δn,m (B.10)
0
1 See Arfken and Weber. Mathematical Methods for Physicists 5th ed. 2001. pg. 596. on Gram-Schmidt Orthogonalization
49
B.2 Associated Legendre Polynomials
Now for the Associated Legendre Polynomials. The first ten are in the following polynomials
1/2
P11 (x) = 1 − x2 = sin θ
1/2
P21 (x) = 3x 1 − x2 = 3 cos θ sin θ
P22 (x) = 3 1 − x2 = 3 sin2 θ
1/2
P31 (x) = 23 5x2 − 1 1 − x2 = 32 5 cos2 θ − 1 sin θ

P32 (x) = 15x 1 − x2 = 15 cos θ sin2 θ

3/2
P33 (x) = 15 1 − x2 = 15 sin3 θ
1/2
P4 (x) = 2 7x − 3x 1 − x2
1 5 3
= 25 7 cos3 θ − 3 cos θ sin θ

P42 (x) = 15
2
7x2 − 1 1 − x2 = 15 2
7 cos2 θ − 1 sin2 θ
3 2 3/2
= 105 cos θ sin3 θ

P4 (x) = 105x 1 − x
4 2 2
= 105 sin4 θ

P4 (x) = 105 1 − x
The recurrence relations here are
(2n + 1)xPnm = (n + m)Pn−1
m m
+ (n − m + 1)Pn+1 (B.11)
1/2 m0 1 1
1 − x2 Pn = Pnm+1 − (n + m)(n − m + 1)Pnm−1 (B.12)
2 2
1/2 m
(2n + 1) 1 − x2 m+1
Pn = Pn+1 m+1
− Pn−1 (B.13)
The parity of the associated polynomials
Pnm (−x) = (−1)n+m Pnm (x) (B.14)
The orthogonality of the functions
Z 1
n(n − m!)
Pnm (x)Pnk (x) (1 − x)−1 dx = δm,k (B.15)
(n + m)! −1
B.3 Spherical Harmonics
Now combining the Associated Legendre Polynomials with the azimuthal dependence to find the Spherical Harmonics.
Spherical Harmonics are defined as
s
m m 2n + 1 (n − m)! m
Yn (θ, ϕ) = (−1) Pn (cos θ)eimϕ (B.16)
4π (n + m)!
The first nine are

Y00 (θ, ϕ) = √1
4π
q
Y11 (θ, ϕ) = − 8π3
sin θeiϕ
q
Y10 (θ, ϕ) = 4π3
cos θ
q
Y1−1 (θ, ϕ) = 8π 3
sin θe−iϕ
q
Y22 (θ, ϕ) = 96π
5
3 sin2 θe2iϕ
q
Y21 (θ, ϕ) = − 24π5
3 sin θ cos θeiϕ
q
Y20 (θ, ϕ) = 4π5 3
cos2 θ − 12

q 2
Y2−1 (θ, ϕ) = 24π 5
3 sin θ cos θe−iϕ
q
Y2−2 (θ, ϕ) = 96π 5
3 sin2 θe−2iϕ
The orthogonality function is

Z 2π Z π
Ynm1 1 ∗ (θ, ϕ)Ynm2 2 (θ, ϕ) sin θdθdϕ = δn1 ,n2 δm1 ,m2 (B.17)
0 0
50
Index
dipole moment, 25
Stark Effect, 25
51

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Physics 751 & 752: Quantum Mechanics I & II

1 751: Problem Set 1 1

2 751: Problem Set 2 5

3 751: Problem Set 6 13

4 752: Problem Set 6 25

5 752: Problem Set 7 31

6 752: Problem Set 8 37

A 511: Problem Set 5 43

The energy level for state n is

The approximate size of the nucleus is

From equation 13.3.142 , the orbit of the electron in the Hydrogen is

The transition is defined as

The energy is defined as

Using the result from the previous problem

Classically the velocity of a particle is

The the period of the rotation is

The value for < δ 0 (x − a)|ψ(x) > is

by integration by parts. The value of ψ at infinity is zero by the boundary conditions, so

First the interproduct is

The orthonormal base is then

The third base is u3 = x2 . Now to create linear independence

The fourth base is u4 = x3 . Forming linear independent base

The first four basis are

Suppose the inner product for real functions is defined as

For the polynomials 1, x, x2 , x3 , . . ., find the first four orthonormal basis

Then psi3 = u3 − b1 ϕ1 = x2 − 21 . Normalizing

The fourth base is u4 = x3 . Forming a linear independent base

The orthogonal base is ψ4 = u4 − b2 ϕ2 = x3 − 23 x. Normalizing

ψ(x) = Ae−κx + Beκx

ψ(x) = Ce−κx + Deκx

Then the energy is

The wave equation is then

For a one-dimensional general time-dependent solution of the Schrödinger equation, prove:

the partial time derivative is

Because the wave function must vanish at |x| = ∞, it reduces to

3.1 7.3.1 Principles of Quantum Mechanics

Find the recursion relationship for 7.3.8

The power series to solve the differential equation used will be

The second derivative of the power series is

The base can be change to start at 0

The last term is

Reducing the power to just n

The differential becomes

The y-terms can be collected by the same power. Then

(n + 1)(n + 2)Cn+2 + 2εCn − Cn−2 = 0

Equation (7.3.15) states that

Lets consider H3 (y) first. In this case, n = 3, so

(2n + 1 − 2ε) (7 − 2ε)

From Equation 7.3.18,

(3 − 2ε) (3 − (2n + 1)) −2

Because C1 is arbitrary, it can be defined as C1 = −12. With that definition

Now to find C4 in terms of C2

Again finding C2 in terms of C0

The recursion relationship becomes

Here C0 is arbitrary, so define C0 = 12, then

3.3 7.3.3 Principles of Quantum Mechanics

See Attached Sheets

See Attached Sheets

3.5 7.3.5 Principles of Quantum Mechanics

that ψ(x) saturates the uncertainty bound ∆X · ∆P ≥ ~/2

= 0, then (∆X)2 = X 2 and (∆P )2 = P 2 . These are defined as

3.6 7.3.6 Principles of Quantum Mechanics

See Attached Sheets

ψ a(0)e−iωt ψ = e−iωt ψ a(0)ψ = e−iωt a(0)

(1) e2 Eo2 h2, 1, 0|z|1, 0, 0i2