Problems 179

complicated wave as it emerges from the screen. The emerging wave function leads to
an interference pattern when it strikes the second screen.
Before concluding this chapter, we summarize our set of postulates:

Postulate 1
The state ofa quantum-mechanical system is completely specified by a function \II (r , t)
that depend<; on the coordinates of the particle and on time. This function, called the
wavefunction or slate function, has the important property that \II * (r , t) \II (r , t )dxd yd z
is the probability that the particle lies in the volume element dxdydz located at r at
time t.

Postulate 2
To every observable in classical mechanics there corresponds a linear, Hermitian
operator in quantum mechanics.

Postulate 3
In any measurement of the observable associated with the operator A, the only values
that will ever be observed are the eigenvalues aw which satisfy the eigenvalue equation

Postulate 4
If a system is in a state described by a normalized wave function \II, then the average
value ofthe observable corresponding lo Ais given by
00

(a)= J W*Awdr
- oo

Postulate 5
The wave function or state function of a system evolves in time according to the time-
dependent Schrodinger equation

Hw (x, z) = in°w
&1

Problerns
4-1. Which of the fol low ing candidates for wave functions are normalizable over the indicated
intervals?

(b) e-x ( - oo. oo)

(c) e;8 (0 , 2rr) (d) cosh x (0, oo)

(e) x e-x (0, oo)

Normalize those that can be normalized . Are the others suitable wave functions?
180 Chapter 4 I The Postu lates and General Principles of Quantum Mechan ics

4-2. Which of the following wave functions are normalized over the indicated two-dimensional
intervals?

(a.) e- (x2 +.v2)/2 Q

x < oo, 0 :::: y < 00

(b) e-<x+y)/ 2 0 :S x < oo, 0 y < oo

2
4 ) l/ . TC X . TC y
(c) ( - SUl - SUl - 0 :=: x a, 0 :=: y :=: b
ab a b
Normalize those that aren't.

4-3. Why does l/f *t/I have to be everywhere real, nonnegative, finite, and of definite value?

4-4. In this problem, we will prove that the form of the Schrodinger equation imposes the
condition that the first derivative of a wave function be continuous. The SchrOdinger
equation is

2
d t/J + 2 m [E - V (x)]t/f (x) = 0
dx2 Ji,2

Ifwe integrate both sides from a - E to a + E, where a is an arbitrary value of x and Eis
infinitesimally small, then we have

-d l/f I - -d l/f I = -2m 1a+E [V(x) - E]if!(x)dx

dx dx x = a-E Ji2 a-€

Now show that dl/f /dx is continuous if V(x) is continuous.

Suppose now that V (x) is not continuous at x = a, as in

----------'-----------
a
x

Show that

so that dt/J/dx is continuous even if V(x) bas afinite discontinuity. What if V (x) has an
infinite discontinuity, as in the problem of a particle in a box? Are the first derivatives of
the wave functions continuous at the boundaries of the box?
Problems 181

4-5. Determine whether the following ftmctions are acceptable or not as state functions over
the indicated intervals.
I
(a) - (0, oo) (b) e- 2x sinh x (0, oo)
x
(c)e-xcosx (0,oo) (d)ex (- 00,00)

(e) e-xsinhx (0,oo)

4-6. Consider the linear differential equation

a(x)y"(x) + b(x)y'(x) + c(x)y(x) = 0

where y"(x ) and y'(x) are standard notation for d 2 y/dx 2 and dy/dx, respectively. Show
that if y 1(x) and y2 (x) are each solutions to the above differential equation, then so is
y(x) = c 1y 1(x) + c2y 2 (x), where c 1 and c2 are constants.

4-7. Calculate the values of a1 = (E 2

} - (E} 2 for a particle in a box in the state described by

ijl(x) = (630) '12

2
x (a - x)
2
0 ::=: x ::=: a

4-8. Consider a free particle constrained to move over the rectangular region 0 ::=: x ::=: a,
0 ::=: y ::=: b. The energy eigenftmctions of this system are

4 1/2 . nx7T:X . y
n rry nx = 1, 2, 3, .. .
1/111 11 .(x,y) = ( - ) Slll - - Slll - -
{
·" ! ab a b ny = I, 2, 3, .. .

The Hamiltonian operator for this system is

Show that if the system is one of its eigenstates, then

(E 2} - (E} 2 = 0

4-9. The momentum operator in two dimensions is

P= - in"("8
A

OX
,0)
1- + J -
ay
Using the wave ftmction given in Problem 4-8, calculate the value of ( p } and then

Compare your result with a; in the one-dimensional case.

182 Chapter 4 I The Postulates and General Pr inciples of Quantum Mechan ics

4- 10. Suppose that a particle in a two-dimensional box (cf. Problem 4- 8) is in the state

Show that 1/1 (x, y) is normalized, and then calculate the value of ( £} associated with the
state described by 1/1 (x, y).

4- 11 . Evaluate the commutator [A, B], where A and Bare given below.
A fJ
d2
(a) x
dx2
d d
(b) - - x - +x
dx dx
(c) lox dx d
dx
d2 d
(d) - 2- x - + x2
dx dx
4- 12 . Referring to Table 4.1 for the operator expressions for angular momentum, show that

[ix, i y]= in.i,

ri),, i,J = in.i x
and

[iz; , ixJ =ihLy

(Do you see a pattern here to help remember these commutation relations?) What do
these expressions say about the ability to measure the components of angular momentum
simultaneously?

4- 13 . Defining

l2 = i2x + L2.v + i2z

show that L2 corrunutes with each component separately. What does this result tell you
about the ability to measure the square of the total angular momentum and its components
simultaneously?

4-14. The operators

and

play a central role in the quantum-mechanical theory of angular momentum. (See the
Appendix to Chapter 5.) Show that
Problems 183

and that

riz, i_J = - Iii_

4- 15. Consider a particle in a two-dimensional box. Determine [X, P1, ] , [X, Px], [Y , !\], and
rr, Pxl
4- 16. Can the position and kinetic energy of an electron be measured simultaneously to arbitrary
precision? (See Problem 4-42.)

4-1 7. Using the result of Problem 4- 15, what are the "uncertainty relationships" b.x b.py and
b.y b.px equal to?

4-18. Which of the following operators is Hermitian: d/ dx , id/ dx , d 2/ dx 2 , id2 / dx 2 , xd/dx,

and x'! Assume that the fonctions on which these operators operate are appropriately well
behaved at infinity.

4- 19. Show that if A is Hermitian, then A- ( a } is Hermitian. Show that the stun of t\vo
Hermitian operators is Hermitian.

4-20. To prove that Equation 4.30 follows from Equation 4.29, first write Equation 4.30 with
f and with g:

Jf* Af dx = Jf A*f* dx and J g* A g dx = J g A*g* dx

Now let 1/1 = ctf + c2g, where c 1 and c2 are .arbitrary complex constants, to write

If we expand both sides and use the first two ·equations, we find that

Rearrange tills into

Notice that the two sides of this equation are complex conjugates of each other. If z = x + i y
and z = z*, then show that this implies that z is real. Thus, both sides of tills equation are
real. But because c 1 and c2 are arbitrary complex constants, the only way for both sides to
be real is for both integrals to equal zero. Show that this implies Equation 4.30.

4-21. Show that if A is Hermitian, then

f A*l/I* 8 1/1 dx = f 1/1* A 8 1/1 dx

Hint : Use Equation 4.30.

184 Chapter 4 I The Postulates and Genera l Pr inciples of Quantum Mechan ics

4-22. Show that

1/lo(x) = rc- l/4e-x2; 2

1/11(x) = (4/rc)lf 4xe-x2; 2

1/12(x) = (47T)-1/4(2x2 - l)e-.x2; 2

are orthonormal over the interval - oo < x < oo.

4-23. Show that the polynomials

I 3
P0 (x) = I, and P3 (x) = - (5x - 3x)
2

satisfy the orthogonality relation

!-1
I
P1(x)P11 (x)dx = - -
2l + 1
28111
I = 0, J, 2, 3

4-24. Show that the set of functions {(2/ a) 112 cos(nrr x /a)}, n = 0, I, 2, ... , is orthonormal
over the interval 0 s x s a.

4-25. Generate an orthogonal set of polynomials (<J>j(x), j = I, 2, 3} over the interval - 1 s

x s 1 starting with f 0 (x) = I, f 1(x) = x, and f2.(x) = x 2.
Instead of normalizing the final
result, choose a multiplicative constant such that <Pj (l) = l. Compare these polynomials to
those in the previous problem.

4- 26. Prove that if 811111 is the Kronecker delta

n= m
n i=m

then
00

L cn8,, 111 = c111 and.

11 = 1 fl 111 II

These results will be used often.

4-27. Express the orthonormality of the set of functions {l/f11 (x)} in Dirac notation. Express the
eigenfunction expansion <P (x) = L e,.'ljr,, (x) and the coefficients e in Dirac notation.11
II

4-28. A general state function, expressed in the form of a ket vector I <P ), can be written as a
superposition of the eigenstates I I), 12) , ... of an operator A with eigenvalues a" a 2 , ...
(in other words, Al n ) = a11 I n )):

I <I> ) = e1I I)+ e2 I 2) + · · · = Le 11 I n)

II
Problems 185

Show that c,, = ( n I </> } . This quantity is called the amplitude of measuring a11 if a measure-
ment of A is made in the state I </>}. The probability of obtaining a11 is c,:c,,. Show that I </> }
can be written as

II

Similarly, the corresponding bra vector of I </> } can be written in tenns of the corresponding
bra vectors of the I n} as

II

Show that < = (<Pl n}. Show that (</>I can be written as

(</>I = L (</>In} ( n I
II

Now show that if ( </> I is normalized, then

(</>I</>} = I = (</>In}( nl </>}

and use this result to argue that

L l n}(nl = I
II

is a unit operator.

4-29. Given the three polynomials f 0(x) = a0 , f 1(x) = a 1+ b 1x, and f2(x) = a2 + b 2x + c2x 2,
find the constants such that the f's form an orthonormal set over the interval 0 S x S I.

4-30. Using the orthogonality of the set {sin(mrx/ a)} over the interval 0 S x S a, show that if

00

f .(x) = " .
L., b11 Stn - -
nrrx
11 = 1 a

then

b11 = -2
a o
la. .
f (x) sm - - dx
nnx
a
n = 1,2, ...

Use this to show that the Fourier expansion of f (x) = x, 0 S x S a, is

00
(- 1)11 + 1
X =-
2a
L •
Stn - -
nrrx
1( 11= 1 n a
186 Chapter 4 I The Postulates and Genera l Pr inciples of Quantum Mechan ics

4-31. We can define functions of operators through their Maclaurin series (MathChapter D).
For example, we define the operator exp (S) by

s CS)"
e =2:-
00

nl
11 = 0 .

Under what conditions does the equality eA+B

A >

=
? > >

eAe 8 hold?

4-32. In this chapter, we learned that if 1/1,, is an eigenfunction of the time-independent

Schrodinger equation, then

IJ!,,(x, t) = 1/1,, (x)e-iE,.r/li

Show that if 1/f111 (x) and 1/1,, (x) are both stationary states of fl, then the state

satisfies the time-dependent Schrodinger equation.

4-33 . Show that IJ! (x, t) given by Equation 4.78 is normalized

4-34. Verify Equation 4.79.

N
4-35. What is the normalization constant for IJ! (x, t) = L 1/1,,(x)e-i E,.t /Ii if the 1/1,, (x) are
orthonormalized?

4-36. Superimpose the behavior of ( x } for a classical particle moving with the same period
onto Figure 4.3.

4- 37 . Show that the average energy of a particle described by Equation 4 .78 is a constant.

4-38. What would be the form of IJ! (x, t) in Equation 4. 78 if it were a superposition of the
three lowest states instead of two?

4- 39. Derive an expression for the average position ofa particle in a box in a state described by

With what frequency does the particle oscillate about the midpoint of the box?

4-40. Calculate the amplitude associated with the oscillation of a particle in a box in a state
described by

'" ( ) J 1/ 2 -i£ 1//i · 1TX ( . ) 1/ 2 -i£ 1/ li. · 4JrX

'I! x, t =
( - e 1 sm - + -l e 4 sm - -
a) a a a

What is the frequency? Compare the amplitude here with that in the previous problem.
Problems 187

4- 41. Use a program such as MathCad or Mathematica to plot the time evolution of the
probability density for a particle in a box in a state described in the previous problem.
Plot your result through one cycle.

4-42 . In this problem, we shall develop the consequence of measuring the position of a particle
in a box. If we find that the particle is located between a / 2 - E/2 and a /2 + E/2, then its
wave function may be ideally represented by

X < a/2 - E/2

a/2 - E/2 < x < a/2 + E/2
X > a/2 + E/2

Plot </>€(x) and show that it is normalized. The parameter E is in a sense a gauge of the
accuracy of the measurement; the smaller the value of E, the more accurate the measurement.
Now let's suppose we measure the energy of the particle. The probability that we observe
the value E11 is given by the value of I c11 12 in the expansion

00

</>€(x) = L c,.1/!11(x)e-iE,.1 / li
11= 1

where 1/f11 (x) = (2/ a) l/2 sin mrx /a and E,, = n 2h2/8ma 2. Multiply both sides ofthis equa-
tion by 1/f111 (x) and integrate over x from 0 to a to get

.. ·1a
c = e'Emt /h </> (x)1/f111 (x) dx =
2Jf2alf 2eiE111 1/li m7r
sin -
tn.1TE
sin - -
111
0 € E l/2mrc 2 · 2a

Now show that the probability of observing E 11 is given by

p(E11 ) = I (-1-)E nrc

2
sin 2 nrcE
2a
if n is even
if n is odd

Plot p (E11 ) against n for E /a = 0.10, 0.050, and 0.0 I 0. Interpret the result in terms of the
uncertainty principle.

4-43 . Starting with

(x } = f \JI * (x , t)x \JI (x , t )dx

and the time-dependent Schrodinger equation, show that

m-d(x}
dt
= J* i
\JI - [H, x] \JI dx
Ii,
A
= ( P,.} A

Interpret this result.

188 Chapter 4 I The Postulates and General Pr inciples of Quantum Mechan ics

4-44. Use Equation 4.84 to show that

d(Px} = /_ dV)
dr \ dx

Interpret th.is result, which is known as Ehrenfesr

4-45. In this problem, we shall prove the Schwartz inequality, which says that if f and g are
two suitably well-behaved functions, then

In order to prove the Schwartz inequality, we start with

J (f + A.g)*(f + A.g) dx 2: 0

where A. is an arbitrary complex number. Expand this to find

I
2
A. 1 J
g*g dx + A. J J*g dx + A.* J g* f dx + J f* f dx 2: 0

This inequality must be true for any complex A. and, in particular, choose

J g*f dx

! g*g dx
( / gf*dx

J g*g dx
r
Show that this choice of A. gives the Schwartz inequality:

2
(/ f*fdx) ( / g*gdx) ::: I J f*gdxl

When does the equality hold?

4-46. In this problem, we shall prove that if f (x) and g(x) are suitably behaved functions, then

[/ f*(x)f(x) dx] [ / g * (x)g(x) dx] 2: [ / (f *(x)g(x) + f(x)g* (x)) dx r

We shall use this inequality to derive Equation 4.19 in the next problem. First, let

A= J f*(x)f(x) dx B= j f*(x)g(x) dx C = J g* (x)g(x) dx

Problems 189

Now argue that

J [A.f*(x) + g*(x)][A.f(x) + g(x)]dx = AA.

2
+ (B + B *)), + C

is equal to or greater than zero for real val ues of A.. Show that A > 0, C > 0, and that
B + B *::: 0, and then argue that the roots of the quadratic form AA.2 + ( B + B *)A. + C
cannot be real. Show that this can be so only if

AC 2: + B *) 2

which is the same as the above inequality.

4-47. We shall derive Equation 4. I 9 in this problem. You need the inequality that is derived in
the previous problem to do this problem. Referring to the previous problem, let

f(x) = ( A - (a})1/f(x) and g(x) = i (B - ( b })1/f(x )

where 1/1 (x) is any suitably behaved function . Substitute these into the left side of the
inequality in the previous problem and use the fact that A- ( a } and B - ( b} are Hermitian
(Problem 4-19) to write

2: Hi f dx (A- ( a }) *1/l*(x ) (B - ( b })1/f(x)

- i J dx cf:J - ( b })*1/l*(x)(A - (a })1/f(x)f

Use the Hermitian property of A - (a} and B - ( b} again to write the right side as

{f dx 1/l*(x ) [AB - (a }B - A( b } + (a}( b }

- f3 J.. + ( b }J.. + f3 ( a } - ( a } ( b }J1/1 (x ) J2

Now use the fact that ( a } and ( b } are just munbers to write

2: { J dx 1/l*(x )[A , B] 1/f (x)}

2

which is Equation 4.1 9.

4-48. Show that sin(mrx /a) is an even fonction of x about a/2 if n is odd and is an odd function
about a /2 if n is even. Use this result to show that the c11 in Equation 4.60 are zero for even
values of n.
190 Chapter 4 I The Postulates and Genera l Pr inciples of Quantum Mechan ics

Problems 4-49 through 4-54 deal with systems with piecewise constant potentials.

4-49. Consider a particle moving in the potential energy

V(x )

Vo ---------
Region I Region 2
x
0

whose mathematical form is

x<O
V(x) = { O
Vo X>O

where V0 is a constant. Show that if E > V0 , then the solutions to the Schrodinger equation
in the two regions (I and 2) are (see Problem 3- 35)

X<O ( I)

and

X>O (2)

where

k = ( 2m.£ )1/ 2
I Jj,2
and
k =
2
[2m.(£ - Vo)] 1/ 2
Jj,2
(3)

As we learned in Problem 3-35, eikx represents a particle traveling to the right and e-ikx
represents a particle traveling to the left. The physical problem we wish to set up is a particle
of energy E traveling to the right and incident on a potential barrier of height V0 . If we wish
to exclude the case of a particle traveling to the left in region 2, we set D = 0 in equation 2.
The squares of the coefficients in equations I and 2 represent the probability that the particle
is traveling in a certain direction in a given region. For example, IA12 is the probability that
the particle is traveling with momentum +hk 1 in the region x < 0. If we consider many
particles, N 0 , in.<>tead ofjust one, then we can interpret IA12 N 0 to be the number of particles
with momentum /ik 1 in the region x < 0. The number of these particles that pass a given
point per unit time is given by vlAl 2 N 0, where the velocity vis given by hk 1/m..
Now apply the conditions that 1/J(.x) and dl/J/dx must be continuous at x = 0 (see
Problem 4-4) to obtain
Problems 191

and

Now define a quantity

r -
hkdBl2 No/m - - IBl-2
- likilAl 2 No/m - IA12

and show that

Similarly, define

and show that

The symbols r and t stand for reflection coefficient and transmission coefficient, respec-
tively. Give a physical interpretation of these designations. Show that r + t = l. Would you
have expected the particle to have been reflected even though its energy, E, is greater than
the barrier height, V0? Show that r -+ 0 and t -+ I as V0 -+ 0.

4-50. Show that r = I for the system described in Problem 4-49 but with E < V0 . Discuss the
physical interpretation of this result.

4-5 1. In th.is problem, we introduce the idea of quantum-mechanical tunneling, wh.ich plays a
central role in such diverse processes as the a decay of nuclei, electron-transfer reactions,
and hydrogen bond.ing. Consider a particle it1 the potential energy regions as shown below.

R egi o n 2

Regi on l Reg ion 3

x
0 a

Mathematically, we have

X<O
O<x<a
x>a
192 Chapter 4 I The Postu lates and General Principles of Quantum Mechan ics

Show that if E < V0 , the solution to the Schrodinger equation in each region is given by

x <0 (1)

(2)

and

x >a (3)

where

2mE) '/2
k1 = ( - -
Ji,2
and k = [2m (V0 -
2 Ji,2
£)]'12 (4)

If we exclude the situation of the particle coming from large positive values of x, then
F = 0 in equation 3. Following Problem 4-49, argue that the transmission coefficient, the
probability the particle will get past the barrier, is given by

1£12
t =-- (5)
IA12

Now use the fact that ifi(x) and d i/I/ dx must be continuous at x = 0 and x = a to obtain
A+ B= C+ D (6)

and

(7)

Eliminate B from equations 6 to get A in terms of C and D. Then solve equations 7 for C
and D in terms of E. Substitute these results into the equation for A in terms of C and D
to get the intermediate result

Now use the relations sinh x = (ex - e-x)/2 and cosh x = (ex+ e-x)/2 (Problem A-11)
to get

E _ 4ik 1k2e-ik1a
A - 2(kf - ki) sinh k2a + 4i k 1k2 cosh k2a
Now mul tiply the right side by its complex conjugate and use the relation cosh 2 x =
2
l + sinh x to get
Problems 193
Finally, use the definition of k 1 and k2 to show that the probability the particle gets through
the barrier (even though it does not have enough energy!) is

t = ----------- (8)

or

I =--------- (9)
sinh2(v 112(1 - a) 112]
l+ 0
4a(l - a)

where v0 = 2ma 2 V0 /h 2, E: = 2ma 2 E/h2, and a = E/ V0 = t:/v0 . Figure 4.7 shows a plot of
t versus a for v 0 = 10. To plot t versus a for values of a > 1, you need to use the relation
sinh ix = i sin x (Problem A-12). What wouJd the classical result look like?

1.0

0.6

0.2

0.0 1.0 2.0 3.0 4.0 5.0

FIGURE 4.7
A plot of the probability that a particle of energy E will penetrate a barrier of height V0 plotted
against the ratio E/ V0 (equation 9 ofproblem 4-51 with v0 = 10).

4-52. Use the result of Problem 4-51 to determine the probability that an electron with a
kinetic energy 8.0 x 10- 21 J will tunnel through a 1.0 run thick potential barrier with
V0 = 12.0 x 10-2 1 J.

4-53 . Problem 4- 51 shows that the probability that a particle of relative energy E / V0 will
penetrate a rectangular potential barrier of height V0 and thickness a is

I =---------
sinh2[v 112 ( 1- a) 112]
I+ o
4a(l - a)

where v 0 = 2m V0a2/h 2 and a = E / V0 . What is the limit oft as a --+ l? Plott against a for
v0 = 1/2, 1, and 2. Interpret your results.
194 Chapter 4 I The Postu lates and Genera l Principles of Quantum Mechan ics

4- 54. In this problem, we will consider a particle in a.finite potential well,

V(x )

Region l
l
Vo Region 2
l
Vo Region 3

1
-a
I
0 a
! x

whose mathematical form is

Vo x <-a
V (x) = 0 - a < x <a (1)
[
Vo X>a

Note that this potential describes what we have called a " particle in a box" if V0 oo. Show
that ifO < E < V0, the solution to the Schrodinger equation in each region is

1/11(X) = Ai 1x x <-a

1/12 (x) = B sin ax+ C cos ax - a <x <a (2)

where

k = [ 2m CVo - £) ] 1; 2
and (3)
l [i2

Now apply the conditions that 1/J(x) and dl/J/ dx must be continuous at x = - a and x = a
to obtain

Ae-kia = - B sin aa + C cosaa (4)

De-k•" = B sin aa + C cos aa (5)

(6)

and

(7)

Add and subtract equations 4 and 5 and add and subtract equations 6 and 7 to obtain

2C cosaa = (A + D)e-kia (8)

Problems 195
2B sin aa = ( D - A)e-kia (9)

2aC sin aa = k 1(A + D )e-k1t 1

(JO)

and

(11)

Now divide equation I 0 by equation 8 to get

a sin aa
- - - = atanaa = k 1 ( D =I= - A and C = 0) (12)
cosaa

and then divide equation I I by equation 9 to get

a cosaa .
. = a cot aa = - k 1 (D =I= A and B = 0) (13)
sm aa

Referring back to equation 3, note that equations 12 and 13 give the allowed values of E
in terms of V0 . It turns out that these two equations cannot be solved simultaneously, so we
have two sets of equations:

atanaa = k 1 (14)

and

a cotaa = - k 1 (15)

Let's consider equation 14 first. Multiply both sides by a and use the definitions of a
and k 1 to get

2ma
( -Ji2-
2
E) 112
2ma-
tan ( -
Ji2
2
E) 112
2ma
= [-
2
- (Vo - E) ]
Ji2
112
(16)

Show that this equation simplifies to

F: l/2 tanF:1/2 = (vo - e) 1/ 2 (17)

where F: = 2ma 2 E/li,2 and v0 = 2ma 2 V0/li2 . Thus, if we fix v 0 (actually '2ma 2 V0 /li 2), then
we can use equation 17 to solve for the allowed. values ofe (actually 2ma 2 E //i2). Equation 17
cannot be solved analytically, but if we plot both F: 112 tan F: l/2 and (v0 - F:) 112 versus F: on the
same graph, then the solutions are given by the intersections of the two curves. Figure 4.8a
shows such a plot for v 0 = 12.
The intersections occur at F: = 2ma 2E/h2 = J.47 and 11.37. The other val ue(s) of F:
are given by the solutions to equation 15, which are obtained by finding the intersection
of - F: 112 cot F: l/2 and (v 0 - F:) l/2 plotted against F:. Such a plot is shown in Figure 4.8b for
v0 = J2, giving F: = 2ma 2 E /n 2 = 5.68. Thus, we see there are only three bound states for a
well of depth V0 = I 2/i2/2ma 2. The important point here is not the numerical values of E,
but the fact that there is only a finite number of bound states. Show that there are only two
bound states for v 0 = 2ma 2 V0 /lt2 = 4.
196 Chapter 4 I The Postu lates and General Principles of Quantum Mechan ics

10 10
(a) (b)

FIGURE 4.8
(a) Plots of both e 1/ 2 tan el/ 2 (solid curve) and (12 - e) 112 (dotted curve) versus e. The
intersections of the curves give the allowed values of e for a one-dimensional potential well of
depth V0 = I 2/i2 /2ma 2 • (b) Plots of both - € 112 cot e 112 (solid curve) and ( 12 - e) 112 (dotted
curve) plotted against e. The intersection gives an allowed value of e for a one-dimensional
potential well of depth V0 = 121i2/2ma 2 .

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