 Perturbation theory

1. Let 𝐸1 , 𝐸2 , 𝐸3 be the respective ground state Common data for Q.4, Q.5 and Q.6
An unperturbed two-level system has energy
energies of the following potentials: Which
eigenvalues 𝐸1 and 𝐸2 , and eigen functions
one of the following is correct? [GATE2000] 1 0
( ) and ( ).
0 1
When perturbed, its Hamiltonian is
𝐸 𝐴
represented by ( 1. ) [GATE2004]
𝐴 𝐸2

4. The first-order correction to E⁡ is:

(a) 4 A (b) 2 A (c) A (d) 0
(a) E1 < E2 < E3 (b) E3 < E1 < E2 5. The second-order correction to E1 is
(c) E2 < E3 < E1 (d) E2 < E1 < E3 . (a) 0 (b) A
𝐴2 |𝐴|2
2. A quantum harmonic oscillator is in the (c) ⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡(d)⁡
𝐸2 − 𝐸1 𝐸1 − 𝐸2
energy eigenstate |n⟩. A time independent
perturbation 𝜆(𝑎† 𝑎)2 acts on the particle,
6. The first-order correction to the eigenfunction
where 𝜆 is a constant of suitable dimensions 1
and a and a† are lowering and raising ( ) is:
0
operators respectively. Then the first order 0 0
(a) ( ∗ ) (b) ( )
energy shift is given by [GATE2001] 𝐴 /(𝐸1 − 𝐸2 ) 1
2
(a) 𝜆n (b) 𝜆 𝑛 A∗ /(E1 − E2 ) 1
2 (c) ( ) (d) ( )
(c) 𝜆𝑛 (d) (𝜆𝑛)2 0 1

3. The wave function of a one-dimensional 7. A particle of mass 𝑚 is confined in an infinite

harmonic oscillator is potential well
−𝛼 2 𝑥 2 0 if 0 < 𝑥 < 𝐿,
𝑉(𝑥) = {
𝜓0 = Aexp⁡( ) ∞ otherwise
2 It is subjected to a perturbing potential
for the ground state. For the purterbation 2𝜋𝑥
E0 (𝛼𝑥/10)4 , the first order change in the 𝑉𝑝 (𝑥) = 𝑉0 sin⁡( )
𝐿
ground state energy is: [Given: [Γ(𝑥 + 1) = within the well. Let 𝐸 (1) and 𝐸 (2) be the
𝑥
∫0 𝑡 𝑥 exp⁡(−𝑡)𝑑𝑡] [GATE2004] corrections to the ground state energy in the
1 first and second order in 𝑉0, respectively.
(a) ( E0 ) 10−4 ⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡(b)⁡(3⁡F0 )10−4 ⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡ Which of the following are true?
2
3 [GATE2004]
(c) ( 𝐸0 ) 10−4 ⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡(d)⁡(𝐸e )10−4 (a) E = 0; 𝐸 < 0 (b) E > 0; E (2) = 0
(1) (2) (1)
4
(c) 𝐸 (1) = 0; 𝐸 (2) depends on the sign of V0
(d) E (1) < 0; E (2) < 0
8. The normalized eigenstates of a particle in a 3𝑏ℎ2 𝑏ℎ
one-dimensional potential well (c) 2 2
⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡(d)⁡
2𝜋m 𝜔 4𝑚𝜔
[GATE2011]
0 if 0 < 𝑥 < 𝑎 11. A constant perturbation as shown in the figure
𝑉(𝑥) = { are given by below acts on a particle of mass 𝑚 confined in
∞ otherwise
a infinite potential well between 0 and 𝐿. The
2 𝑛𝜋𝑥 first-order correction to the ground state
𝜓𝑛 (𝑥) = √ sin⁡( )
𝑎 𝑎 energy of the particle is
[CSIR DEC2011]
The particle is subjected to a perturbation
𝑉0 3⁡V0 𝑉0 3⁡V0
(a) ⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡(b)⁡ ⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡(c)⁡ ⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡(d)⁡
𝜋𝑥 𝑎 2 4 4 2
𝑉(𝑥) ⁡= 𝑉0 cos⁡( ) for 0 ≤ 𝑥 ≤
𝑎 2
⁡= 0 otherwise

The shift in the ground state energy due to the

perturbation, in the first order perturbation
theory,
2𝑉0 𝑉0
(a) ⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡(b)⁡ 12. Consider a system in the unperturbed state
3𝜋 3𝜋 1 0
𝑉0 2𝑉0 described by the Hamiltonian, 𝐻0 = ( ).
(c) − ⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡(d) ⁡ − 0 1
3𝜋 3𝜋 The system is subjected to a perturbation of
𝛿 𝛿
the form H ′ = ( ), where 𝛿 << 1. The
9. If the perturbation H ′ = ax, where a is a 𝛿 𝛿
energy eigenvalues of the perturbod system
constant, is added to the infinite square well
using the first order perturbation
potential [CSIR JUNE2011] approximation are [GATE 2012]
0 for 0 ≤ 𝑥 ≤ 𝜋
𝑉(𝑥) = { (a) 1 and (1 + 2𝛿)⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡
∞ otherwise
The first order correction to ground state (b) (1 + 𝛿) and (1 − 𝛿)
energy is:
𝑎𝜋 𝑎𝜋 𝑎𝜋 (c)(1 + 2δ) and (1 − 2δ)
⁡(a) ⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡(b)⁡𝑎𝜋⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡(c)⁡ ⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡(d)⁡
2 4 √2 (d) (1 + 𝛿) and (1 − 2𝛿)

10. The perturbation H ′ = bx 4 , where ' 𝑏 ' is a Common Data for Q. 2 and Q. 3:
constant, is added to the one dimensional To the given unperturbed
harmonic oscillator potential 5 2 0
1 Hamiltonian [2 5 0]
𝑉(𝑥) = 𝑚𝜔2 𝑥 2
2 0 0 2
. Which of the following denotes the we add a small perturbation given
correction to the ground state energy to first 1 1 1
order in 𝑏 ? [CSIR DEC2011] by 𝜀 [1 1 −1]
[Hint : The normalized ground state wave 1 −1 1
function of the one dimensional harmonic where 𝜀 is a small quantity.
oscillator potential is
𝑚𝜔 1/4 −𝑚𝜔𝑥 2 /2h
𝜓0 = ( ) 𝑒 13. The ground state eigen vector of the
ℎ𝜋 unperturbed Hamiltonian is [GATE 2013]
. You may use the following integral
2 1 1 (a) (1/√2, 1/√2, 0) (b) (1/√2, −1/√2, 0)
∫ 𝑥 2𝑛 𝑒 −𝜋𝑥 𝑑𝑥 = 𝑎−𝑛−2 Γ (𝑛 + )
2
3 bℎ2 3𝑏ℎ2 (c) (0,0.1) (d) (1,0,0)
(a) ⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡(b)⁡
4 m2 𝜔 2 2𝑚2 𝜔 2
14. A pair of eigen values of the perturbed (a) only 𝛽 (b) 𝛼 and 𝛾
Hamiltonian, using first order perturbation (c) 𝛼 and 𝛽 (d) only 𝛾
theory, is
(a) 3 + 2𝜀, 7 + 2𝜀 (b) 3 + 2𝜀, 2 + 𝜀
(c) 3,7 + 2𝜀 (d) 3,2 + 2𝜀 19. The ground state energy of a particle of mass
𝑚 in an infinite potential well is 𝐸0 . It changes
15. A particle is confined in a one-dimensional to 𝐸0 (1 + 𝛼 × 10−3 ), when there is a small
potential box with the potential potential bump of height
0 if 0 < 𝑥 < 𝑎 𝜋 2 ℏ2
𝑉(𝑥) = { 𝑉0 =
∞ otherwise 50𝑚𝐿2
If the particle is subjected to a perturbation, and width 𝑎 = 𝐿/100, as shown in the figure.
within the box, 𝑊 = 𝛽𝑥, where 𝛽 is a small The value of 𝛼 is…….. (up to two decimal
constant, the first order correction places).
to the ground state energy is [GATE 2014] [GATE 2018]
𝑎𝛽 𝑎𝛽
(a)⁡0⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡(b) ⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡(c)⁡ ⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡(d)⁡𝑎𝛽⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡
4 2

16. A particle is confined in a box of length 𝐿 as

shown below.

20. An electric field 𝐸⃗ = 𝐸0 𝑧ˆ is applied to a

hydrogen atom in 𝑛 = 2 excited state.
Ignoring spin, the 𝑛 = 2 state is fourfold
degenerate, which in the |ℓ, 𝑚⟩ basis are given
by |0,0⟩, |1,1⟩, |1,0⟩ and |1, −1⟩. The 𝐻 ′ is the
If the potential 𝑉0 is treated as a perturbation, interaction Hamiltonian corresponding to the
including the first order correction, the ground applied electric field, which of the following
state energy is matrix elements is nonzero? [GATE 2019]
(a) ⟨0,0|𝐻|0,0⟩ (b) ⟨0,0|𝐻 ′ |1,1⟩
ℎ2 𝜋 2 ℏ2 𝜋 2 𝑉0 (c) ⟨0,0|𝐻|1,0⟩ (d) ⟨0,0|𝐻 ′ |1, −1⟩
(a)𝐸 = + 𝑉0 ⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡(b)⁡𝐸 = −
2𝑚𝐿2 2𝑚𝐿2 2
1 𝜀
ℎ2 𝜋 2 𝑉0 ℏ2 𝜋 2 𝑉0 21. The Hamiltonian of a system is 𝐻 = ( )
(c)𝐸 = + ⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡(d)⁡𝐸 = + 𝜀 −1
2𝑚𝐿2 4 2𝑚𝐿2 2 with 𝜀 ≪< 1. The fourth order contribution to
the ground state energy of 𝐻 is 𝛾𝜀 4 . The value
17. A hydrogen atom is in its ground state. In the of 𝛾 (rounded off to three decimal places)
presence of a uniform electric field 𝐸⃗ = 𝐸0 𝑧ˆ, is……… ANS 0.125
the leading order change in its energy is [GATE 2019]
proportional to (𝐸0 )𝑛 . The value of the
exponent 𝑛 is ……… 22. Consider the Hamiltonian 𝐻ˆ = 𝐻ˆ0 + 𝐻ˆ ′ ,
where
[GATE 2016]
𝐸 0 0
18. A one dimensional simple harmonic oscillator 𝐻ˆ0 = (0 𝐸 0 ) and 𝐻ˆ ′ is the time
with Hamiltonian 0 0 𝐸
𝑝2 1 2 independent perturbation given by 𝐻ˆ ′ =
𝐻0 = + 𝑘𝑥 0 𝑘 0
2𝑚 2
is subjected to a small perturbation, 𝐻1 = (𝑘 0 𝑘), where 𝑘 > 0. If, the maximum
𝛼𝑥 + 𝛽𝑥 3 + 𝛾𝑥 4 . The first order correction to 0 𝑘 0
the ground state energy is dependent on energy eigenvalue of 𝐻ˆ is 3eV corresponding
[GATE 2017]
 to 𝐸 = 2eV, the value of 𝑘 (rounded off to following statements are correct for
three dimensional places) in eV Is ans 0.707 the first excited state?
[GATE 2020] 3𝜋 2 ℎ2
(a)⁡The⁡unperturbed⁡energy⁡is
2𝑚𝐿2
23. Consider a particle in a one-dimensional
5𝜋 2 ℎ2
infinite potential well with its walls at 𝑥 = 0 ⁡(b)⁡The⁡unperturbed⁡energy⁡is
and 𝑥 = 𝐿. The system is perturbed as shown 2𝑚𝐿2
in the figure. [GATE 2021] (c) First order energy shift due to the applied
perturbation is zero.
(d) The shift (𝛿) in energy due to the applied
perturbation is determined by an equation of
𝑎−𝛿 𝑏
the form ⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡| | = 0,
𝑏 𝑎−𝛿
where 𝑎 and 𝑏 are real, non-zero constants.

26. A particle of mass 𝑚 is moving in the

The first order correction to the energy potential

eigenvalue is 1 2 2
(a) 𝑉0 /4 (b) 𝑉0 /2 𝑉(𝑥) = {𝑉0 + 2 𝑚𝜔0 𝑥 , 𝑥 > 0,
(c) 𝑉0 /5 (d) 𝑉0 /3 ∞, 𝑥 ≤ 0,
Figures P, Q, R and S show different
24. Consider a particle in three different boxes of combinations of the values of 𝜔0 and 𝑉0.
width 𝐿. The potential inside the boxes vary as
shown in figures [GATE 2022]
(i), (ii) and (iii) with
ℎ2 𝜋 2
𝑉0 ≪
2𝑚𝐿2
.

The corresponding ground-state energies of

the particle are 𝐸1 , 𝐸2 and 𝐸3 , respectively.
(P) (Q) (R) (S)
Then 𝐸𝑗 , 𝐸𝑗 , 𝐸𝑗 and 𝐸𝑗 with 𝑗 = 0,1,2, …, are
(a) 𝐸2 > 𝐸1 > 𝐸3 (b) 𝐸3 > 𝐸1 > 𝐸2
(c) 𝐸2 > 𝐸3 > 𝐸1 (d) 𝐸3 > 𝐸2 > 𝐸1 the eigen-energies of the 𝑗-th level for the
potentials shown in figures 𝑃, 𝑄, 𝑅 and 𝑆,
25. A particle of mass 𝑚 in the 𝑥 − 𝑦 plane is
confined in an infinite two-dimensional well respectively. Which of the statement is/are
with vertices at (0,0), (0, 𝐿), (𝐿, 𝐿), (𝐿, 0). The true? [GATE 2024]
eigenfunctions of this particle are: (R) (Q) (Q) (S)
[GATE 2022] (a) 𝐸0 ≠ 𝐸0 ⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡(d) 𝐸0 = 𝐸0
2 𝑛𝑥 𝜋𝑥 𝑛𝑦 𝜋𝑦 (c) 𝐸0
(P)
= 𝐸0
(Q) (P)
(b) 𝐸0
(R)
= 𝐸1
𝜓𝑛𝑥 ,𝑛𝑦 = sin⁡( ) sin⁡( )
𝐿 𝐿 𝐿
If perturbation of the form 𝑉 = 𝐶𝑥𝑦, where 𝐶
is a real constant, is applied, then which of the
27. Consider an electron in a box of lenght L with 0, if 0 < 𝑥 < 𝑎, 0 < 𝑦 < 𝑎
{ . Its
periodic boundary condition 𝜓(x) = 𝜓(x + ∞, otherwise
1 normalized eigenfunctions are
L). If the electron is in the 𝜓𝑘 (𝑥) = ekkx
√𝐿 2 𝑛𝑥 𝜋𝑥 𝑛𝑦 𝜋𝑦
with energy 𝜓𝑛𝑥 ⋅ 𝑛𝑦 (𝑥, 𝑦) = sin⁡( ) sin⁡( )
𝑎 𝑎 𝑎
ℏ2 𝑘 2 where 𝑛𝑥 , 𝑛𝑦 = 1,2,3, …. If a perturbation
𝜀𝑘 =
2𝑚 𝜋 𝑎
, what is the correction to its energy, to second ′ 𝑉0 , if 0 < 𝑥 < , 0 < 𝑦 <
𝐻 ={ 2 2
order of perturbation theory, when it is 0, otherwise
subjected to weak periodic potential V(x) = is applied, then the correction to the energy of
V0 cos⁡𝑔x, where g is an integral multiple of the first excited state to order 𝑉0 is
the 2𝜋/L ? [CSIR JUNE 2013]
[CSIR JUNE 2012] 𝑉0 𝑉0 64
2
(a)V0 𝜀s /𝜀k2 (a) ⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡(b)⁡ [1 ± 2 ]⁡
4 4 9𝜋
𝑚𝑉02 1 1
(b) − ( + ) 𝑉0 16 𝑉0 32
2ℎ2 𝑔2 + 2𝑘𝑔 𝑔2 − 2𝑘𝑔 (c) [1 ± 2 ]⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡(d)⁡ [1 ± 2 ]
(c)V02 (𝜀k − 𝜀g )/𝜀g2 4 9𝜋 4 9𝜋
(d) 𝑉02 /(𝜀𝑘 + 𝜀g )
31. Two identical bosons of mass 𝑚 are placed in
a one-dimensional potential
1
28. The energy eigenvalues of a particle in the 𝑉(𝑥) = 𝑚𝜔2 𝑥 2
potential 2
1 . The bosons interact viaa weak potential,
𝑉(𝑥) = 2 𝑚𝜔2 𝑥 2 − 𝑎𝑥are⁡⁡⁡⁡ 𝑉12 = 𝑉0 exp⁡[−𝑚Ω(𝑥1 − 𝑥2 )2 /4ℎ] where 𝑥1
[CSIR DEC 2012] and 𝑥2 denote coordinates of the particles.
1 𝑎2 Given that the ground state wavefunction of
(a)𝐸𝑛 = (𝑛 + ) ℎ𝜔 − the harmonic oscillator is
2 2𝑚𝜔 2 1
𝑚𝜔 4 −𝑚𝜔𝑥 2
𝜓0 (𝑥) = ( ) e 2ℎ
1 𝑎2 𝜋ℎ
(b)𝐸𝑛 = (𝑛 + ) ℎ𝜔 + The ground state energy of the two-boson
2 2𝑚𝜔 2
system, to the first order in 𝑉0, is:
1 𝑎2 [CSIR JUNE 2013]
(c)𝐸𝑛 = (𝑛 + ) ℎ𝜔 −
2 𝑚𝜔 2 (a)ℎ𝜔 + 2𝑉0
𝑉0 Ω
1 (b)ℎ𝜔 +
(d)𝐸𝑛 = (𝑛 + ) ℎ𝜔 𝜔
2
Ω −1/2
(c)ℎ𝜔 + 𝑣0 (1 + )
20
29. The perturbation 𝜔
𝑏(𝑎 − 𝑥) −𝑎 < 𝑥 < 𝑎 (d)ℎ𝜔 + V0 (1 + )
𝐻′ = { Ω
0 otherwise
acts on a particle of mass ' 𝑚 ' confined in an
infinite square well potential 32. The motion of a particle of mass 𝑚 in one
0 −𝑎 < 𝑥 < 𝑎 dimension is described by the Hamiltonian
𝑉(𝑥) = {
∞ otherwise 𝑝2 1
The first order correction to the ground state 𝐻= + 𝑚𝜔2 𝑥 2 + 𝜆𝑥
2𝑚 2
energy of the particle is [CSIR DEC 2012] . What is the difference between the
ba 𝑏𝑎 (quantized) energies of the first two levels? (In
(a) ⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡(b)⁡ ⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡(c)⁡2ba⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡(d)⁡ba
2 √2 the following, ⟨𝑥⟩ is the expectation value of 𝑥
in the ground state)
30. Consider a two-dimensional infinite square [CSIR DEC2013]
will 𝑉(𝑥, 𝑦) =
 (a) ℎ𝜔 − 𝜆⟨𝑥⟩ (b) ℎ𝜔 + 𝜆⟨𝑥⟩ 37. A particle of charge 𝑞 in one dimension is in a
𝜆2 simple harmonic potential with angular
(c)ℎ𝜔 + ⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡(d)⁡ℎ𝜔 frequency 𝜔. It is subjected to a time
2𝑚𝜔 2 2
dependent electric field 𝐸(𝑡) = 𝐴𝑒 −(𝑡/𝜏) ,
33. The ground state eigenfunction for the where 𝐴 and 𝜏 are positive constants and
potential 𝑉(𝑥) = −𝛿(𝑥), where 𝛿(𝑥) is the 𝜔𝜏 ≫ 1. If in the distant past 𝑡 → −∞ the
delta function, is given by 𝜓(𝑥) = 𝐴𝑒 −𝛼|𝑥| , particle was in its ground state, the probability
where A and 𝛼 > 0 are constants. If a that it will be in the first excited state as 𝑡 →
perturbation 𝐻 ′ = 𝑏𝑥 2 is applied, the first +∞ is proportional to
1 2 1 2
order correction to the energy of the ground (a)e−2(ωτ) ⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡(b)⁡e2(ωτ)
state will be [CSIR JUNE2014] 1
𝑏 𝑏 (c)⁡0⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡(d)
(a) ⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡(b)⁡ 2 (𝜔𝜏)2
√2𝛼 2 𝛼
2𝑏 𝑏 38. A constant perturbation 𝐻 ′ is applied to a
(c) 2 ⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡(d)⁡ 2 system for time Δ𝑡 (where 𝐻 ′ Δ𝑡 ≪ ℎ ) leading
𝛼 2𝛼 to a transition from transition will be
34. The Hamiltonian 𝐻0 for a three-state quantum [CSIR JUNE2017]
system is given by the matrix 𝐻0 = (a) unchanged (b) doubled
1 0 0 (c) quadrupled (d) halved
(0 2 0). When perturbed by 𝐻 ′ =
39. The Coulomb potential 𝑉(𝑟) = −𝑒 2 /𝑟. of a
0 0 2
0 1 0 hydrogen atom is perturbed by adding 𝐻 ′ =
𝜖 (1 0 1) where 𝜖 ≪ 1, the resulting shift 𝑏𝑥 2 (where 𝑏 is a constant) to the
0 1 0 Hamiltonian. The first order correction to the
in the energy eigenvalue 𝐸0 = 2 is ground state energy is (The ground state
[CSIR JUNE2014] wavefunction is
(a) ∈, −2 ∈ (b) −𝜖, 2 ∈ 1
𝜓0 = 𝑒 −𝑟/𝑎0 )
(c) ±∈ (d) ±2 ∈ √𝜋𝑎0 3

. [CSIR JUNE2017]
35. A hydrogen atom is subjected to the (a) 2𝑏𝑎02 (b) 𝑏𝑎02
perturbation 𝑉𝑁𝐸+1 (𝑟) =∈ cos⁡2𝑟/𝑎0 where (c) 𝑏𝑎02 /2 (d) √2𝑏𝑎02
𝑎0 is the Bohr radius. The change in the
ground state energy to first order in ∈ is 40. Consider a one-dimensional infinite square
[CSIR DEC 2015] well [CSIR JUNE2017]
(a) ∈/4 (b) ∈/2 0 for 0 < 𝑥 < 𝑎
𝑉(𝑥) = {
(c) −∈/2 (d) −∈/4 ∞ otherwise
If a perturbation
36. Consider a particle of mass 𝑚 in a potential 𝑎
1 𝑉0 for 0 < 𝑥 <
Δ𝑉(𝑥) = { 3
𝑉(𝑥) = 𝑚𝜔2 𝑥 2 + 𝑔cos⁡𝑘𝑥
2 0 otherwise
. The change in the ground state energy, is applied, then the correction to the energy of
compared to the simple harmonic potential the first excited state, to first order in Δ𝑉, is
1
𝑚𝜔2 𝑥 2 nearest to
2
, to first order in 𝑔 is [CSIR JUNE2016] (a) 𝑉0 (b) 0.16 V0
(c) 0.2𝑉0 (d) 0.33𝑉0
𝑘2ℎ 𝑘2ℎ
(a)𝑔exp⁡(− )⁡⁡(b)⁡𝑔exp⁡( )
2𝑚𝜔 2𝑚𝜔 41. A particle of mass 𝑚 is constrained to move in
a circular ring to radius 𝑅. When a
2𝑘 2 ℎ 𝑘2ℎ perturbation
(c)𝑔exp⁡(− )⁡(d)⁡𝑔exp⁡(− )
𝑚𝜔 4𝑚𝜔 [CSIR JUNE2018]
2
(a) 𝑎/𝑅 (b) 2𝑎/𝑅 2
 (c) 𝑎/(2𝑅 2 ) (d) 𝑎/(𝜋𝑅 2 ) changes of the two lowest energy eigenvalues,
to first order in 𝜀 and first order in 𝑎, are,
42. The infinite square-well potential of a particle respectively.
in a box of size 𝑎 is modified as shown in the
figure below (assume Δ ≪ 𝑎 ) 2𝜀𝑎 2𝜀𝑎 2𝜀𝑎
(𝑎)⁡ and − ⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡(b)⁡0⁡and
[CSIR JUNE2019] 𝐿 𝐿 𝐿
2𝜀𝑎 2𝜀𝑎
(c) − and⁡0⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡(d) and⁡0
𝐿 𝐿

46. Consider the degenerate first excited state 𝑛 =

2, ℓ = 1 or the hydrogen atom. It is
Hamiltonian is modified by adding
𝛼
𝐻1 = 𝐿𝑥
ℏ
Where 𝐿𝑥 is the 𝑥-component of the orbital
The energy of the ground state, compared to
angular momentum, the changes in the
the ground state energy before the perturbation
energies of the states labelled by 𝑚 = 0, +1
was added
and -1 are, respectively, [CSIR DEC2019]
(a) increases by a term of order 𝜀⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡
(b) decreases by a term of order 𝜀 (a) 0, 𝛼 and −𝛼 (b) 𝛼, 2𝛼 and 0
(c) increases by a term of order 𝜀 2 (c) 𝛼, 0 and −𝛼 (d) 0,2𝛼 and −2𝛼
(d) decreases by a term of order 𝜀 2

43. A charged, spin-less particle of mass 𝑚 is 47. A quantum particle in a one-dimensional

subjected to an attractive potential infinite potential well, with boundaries at 0
1
𝑉(𝑥, 𝑦, 𝑧) = 2 𝑘(𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 + 𝑧 2 ), where 𝑘 is a and 𝑎, is perturbed by adding
𝑎
positive constant. 𝐻 ′ = 𝜀𝛿 (𝑥 − )
Now a perturbation in the form of a weak 2
to the initial Hamiltonian. The correction to
magnetic field B = 𝐵0 𝑘ˆ (where 𝐵0 is a the energies of the ground and the first excited
constant) is switched on. Into how many states (to first order in 𝜀 ) are respectively
distinct levels will the second excited state of [CSIR NOV 2020]
the unperturbed Hamiltonian split? 2𝜀
[CSIR JUNE2019] (a)⁡0⁡and⁡0⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡(b) 𝑎𝑛𝑑⁡0
𝑎
(a) 5 (b) 4 (c) 2 (d) 1 2𝜀 2𝜀 2𝜀
(c)⁡0⁡and ⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡(d)⁡ ⁡and⁡
𝑎 𝑎 𝑎

44. A quantum particle in a one-dimensional box 48. The energies of a two-state quantum system
of length 𝐿 is perturbed by a barrier of height 𝜀 are 𝐸0 and 𝐸0 + 𝛼ℎ (where 𝛼 > 0 is a
and length 𝑎,as shown in the figure. constant) and the corresponding normalized
[CSIR DEC2019] state vectors are |0⟩ and |1⟩, respectively. At
time 𝑡 = 0, when the system is in the stade
|0⟩, the potential is altered by a time
independent term 𝑉 such that ⟨1|𝑉|0⟩ =
(ℏ𝛼/10). The transition probability to the
state |1⟩ at times 𝑡 ≪ (1/𝛼), is
[CSIR JUNE2021]
𝛼2𝑡2 𝛼2𝑡2
(a) ⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡(b)⁡
25 50
45. Assuming that 𝜀 is much smaller than the 𝛼2𝑡2 𝛼2𝑡2
ground state energy of the particle in the (c) ⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡(d)⁡
100 200
unperturbed box and 𝑎 ≪ ⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡𝐿. The
 0 for 𝑡 < 0
𝜆(𝑡) = {𝜆 for 0 < 𝑡 < 𝑇
49. At time 𝑡 = 0, a particle is in the ground state 0 for ⁡𝑡 > 𝑇
of the Hamiltonian [CSIR JUNE2022] At 𝑡 < 0, the system is in the ground state.
𝑝2 1 𝜔𝑡 The probability of finding the system in the
𝐻(𝑡) = + 𝑚𝜔2 𝑥 2 + 𝜆𝑥sin⁡ excited state at 𝑡 ≫ 𝑇, in the leading order in 𝜆
2𝑚 2 2
is [CSIR DEC 2023]
where 𝜆, 𝜔 and 𝑚 are positive constants. To 𝜆2 𝐽𝑇 𝜆2 𝐽𝑇
2𝜋 (𝑎)⁡ 2 sin2 ⁡ ⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡(b)⁡ 2 sin2 ⁡
𝑂(𝜆2 ), the probability that at 𝑡 = , the 8𝐽 ℏ 𝐽 ℏ
𝜔 2 2
𝜆 𝐽𝑇 𝜆 𝐽𝑇
particle would be in the first excited (c)⁡ 2 sin2 ⁡ ⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡(𝑑)⁡ 2
sin2 ⁡
4𝐽 ℏ 16𝐽 ℏ
state of 𝐻(𝑡 = 0) is
9𝜆2 9𝜆2 1
(a) ⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡(b)⁡ 53. Consider a spin- − particle characterized by
16𝑚ℏ𝜔 3 8𝑚ℏ𝜔 3 2
16𝜆2 8𝜆2 the Hamiltonian 𝐻 = 𝜔𝑆𝑧 . Under a
(c) ⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡(d)⁡
9𝑚ℎ𝜔 3 9𝑚ℎ𝜔 3 perturbation 𝐻 ′ = ⁡𝑔𝑆𝑥 , the second order
correction to the ground state energy is given
50. To first order in perturbation theory, the by, [JEST 2015]
energy of the ground state of the Hamiltonian 𝑔 2
𝑔 2
[CSIRJUNE2022] ⁡(a) − ⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡(b)⁡ ⁡
2
4𝜔 4𝜔
𝑝 1 ℏ𝜔 𝑚𝜔 2 𝑔2 𝑔2
𝐻= + 𝑚𝜔2 𝑥 2 + exp⁡[− 𝑥 ] ⁡(c) − ⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡(d)⁡
2𝑚 2 √512 ℏ 2𝜔 2𝜔
(Treating the third term of the Hamiltonian as
a perturbation) is 54. A particle of mass 𝑚 is confined in a potential
15 17 well given by 𝑉(𝑥) = 0 for −𝐿/2 < 𝑥 < 𝐿/2
(a) ℎ𝜔⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡(b)⁡ ℏ𝜔
32 32 and 𝑉(𝑥) = ∞ elsewhere. A perturbing
19 21
(c) ℎ𝜔⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡(d)⁡ ℏ𝜔 potential 𝐻 ′ (𝑥) = 𝛼𝑥 has been applied to the
32 32 system. Let the first and second order
(1)
51. A particle in one dimension is in an infinite corrections to the ground state be 𝐸0 and
(2)
potential well between 𝐸0 , respectively. Which one of the following
−𝐿 𝐿 𝜋𝑥 statements is correct? [JEST 2015]
≤ 𝑥 ≤ . For⁡a⁡perturbation ∈ cos⁡( ) (1) (2)
2 2 𝐿 (a) 𝐸0 < 0 and 𝐸0 > 0⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡
, where ∈ is a small constant, the change in the (1) (2)
(b)⁡𝐸0 = 0⁡and⁡𝐸0 > 0
energy of the ground state, to first order in 𝜖,
(1) (2)
is (c) 𝐸0 > 0 and 𝐸0 < 0
(1) (2)
[CSIRJUNE2023] (d) 𝐸0 = 0 and 𝐸0 < 0
5ϵ 10 ∈
(a)⁡ ⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡(b)⁡
π 3π 55. Consider a quantum particle of mass m one
8∈ 4ϵ dimension −𝑎/2 < 𝑥 < 𝑎/2, and
(c)⁡ ⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡(d)
3π π ⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡𝑉(𝑥) = ∞ for |𝑥| ≥ 𝑎/2. A
simallperuon in an infinite potential well, i.e.,
52. A quantum system is described by the 𝑉(𝑥) = 0 for in the ground state energy to
Hamiltonian 𝑂(𝜀) is: [JEST 2016]
𝜀 𝜀
𝐻 = −𝐽𝜎𝑧 + 𝜆(𝑡)𝜎𝑥 , (a) 2 (𝜋 2 − 4)⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡(b)⁡ 2 (𝜋 2 + 4)⁡⁡⁡
2𝜋 2𝜋
where 𝜎𝑖 (𝑖 = 𝑥, 𝑦, 𝑧) are Pauli matrices, 𝐽 and 2
𝜀𝜋 𝜀𝜋 2 2
𝜆 are positive constants (𝐽 ≫ 𝜆) and (c) (𝜋 2 + 4)⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡(d)⁡ (𝜋 − 4)
2 2
 2𝑘 2𝑘
56. A particle is described by the following (c)3ℎ√ ⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡(d)⁡3ℏ√ + 𝑒𝜆2
𝑚 𝑚
Hamiltonian
𝑝ˆ2 1
ˆ
𝐻= + 𝑚𝜔2 𝑥ˆ 2 + 𝜆𝑥ˆ 4 59. A quantum particle is moving in one
2𝑚 2
, where the quartic term can be treated dimension between rigid walls at 𝑥 = −𝐿 and
perturbatively. If Δ𝐸0 and Δ𝐸1 denste the 𝑥 = 𝐿, under the influence of a potential (see
energy correction of 𝑂(𝜆) to the ground state figure). The potential has the uniform value 𝑉0
[JEST 2017] between −𝑎 < 𝑥 < 𝑎, and is 0 otherwise.
and the first excited state respectively, what Which one of the following graphs
is the fraction Δ𝐸1 /Δ𝐸0 ? ANS 5 qualitatively represent the ground state
wavefunction of this system? (You can
assume that 𝑎 ≪ 𝐿𝑉0 ≫ 𝜋 2 (8𝑚𝐿2 ).
57. A harmonic oscillator has the following
Hamiltonian [JEST 2018]
2
𝑝ˆ 1
𝐻0 = + 𝑚𝜔2 𝑥ˆ 2
2𝑚 2
It is perturbed with a potential 𝑉 = 𝜆𝑥ˆ 4 . Some
of the matrix elements of 𝑥ˆ 2 in terms of its
expectation value in the ground state are
given as follows:
⟨0|𝑥ˆ 2 |0⟩ = 𝐶; ⟨0|𝑥ˆ 2 |2⟩ = √2𝐶; ⟨1|𝑥ˆ 2 |1⟩
= 3𝐶; ⟨1|𝑥ˆ 2 |3⟩ = √6𝐶
where |𝑛⟩ is the normalized eigenstate of 𝐻0
corresponding to the eigenvalue 𝐸𝑛 = ℎ𝜔(𝑛 +
1/2). Suppose Δ𝐸0 and Δ𝐸1 denote the
energy corretion of 𝑂(𝜆) to the ground state
and the first excited state, respectively. What
is the fraction △ 𝐸1 /Δ𝐸0 ? ANS : 5

60. Consider a two-level quantum system

58. Consider a quantum particle of mass 𝑚 and
described by the Hamiltonian:
charge 𝑒 moving in a two dimensional
potential given as : 𝐻 = 𝐻0 + 𝐻 ′ Where,
1 0 1 0
𝑘 𝐻0 = 𝛼 ( )+𝜔( ) , 𝐻′
𝑉(𝑥, 𝑦) = (𝑥 − 𝑦)2 + 𝑘(𝑥 + 𝑦)2 0 1 0 −1
2 0 1
The particle is also subject to an external = 𝜖Γ ( ).
1 0
electric field 𝐸⃗ = 𝜆(𝑖ˆ − 𝑗ˆ), where 𝜆 is a 𝐻 ′ is a small perturbation to the free
constant. 𝑖ˆ and 𝑗ˆ corresponds to unit vectors Hamiltonian 𝐻0 . 𝜖 is a small positive
along 𝑥 and 𝑦 directions, respectively. Let 𝐸1 dimensionless number, while 𝛼, 𝜔 and Γ have
and 𝐸0 be the energies of the first excited dimensions of energy and are positive
state and ground state, respectively. What is quantities. If we treat this problem
the value of 𝐸1 − 𝐸0 ? perturbatively in the parameter 𝜖, which of the
following statements about the corrections to
2𝑘 2𝑘 ground state energy is true?
(a)ℎ√ ⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡(b)⁡ℏ√ + 𝑒𝜆2 ⁡⁡⁡
𝑚 𝑚
 (a)⁡First − order⁡correction⁡is⁡𝜖Γ; ⁡second it does so.
𝜖 2Γ2
− order⁡correction⁡is −
2𝜔 63. A quantum mechanical system which has
.(b) First-order correction is 𝜖Γ; second-order stationary states |1⟩, |2⟩ and |3⟩,
⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡correction is 0 . corresponding to energy levels 0eV, 1eV
(c)⁡First − order⁡correction⁡is⁡0⁡; ⁡second and 2eV respectively, is perturbed by a
𝜖 2Γ2 potential of the form 𝑉ˆ = 𝜀|1⟩⟨3| + 𝜀|3⟩⟨1|,
− order⁡correction⁡is − where, in eV, 0 < 𝜀 ≪ 1.
2𝜔 The new ground state, correct to order 𝜀, is
(d)⁡First − order⁡correction⁡is⁡0⁡; ⁡second
approximately. [TIFR2017]
𝜖 2Γ2
− ⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡order⁡correction⁡is 𝜀 𝜀 𝜀
2𝜔 (a) (1 − ) |1⟩ + |3⟩⁡⁡(b)⁡|1⟩ + |2⟩ − 𝜀|3⟩
2 2 2
61. A charged particle is in the ground state of a 𝜀 𝜀
(c)|1⟩ + |3⟩⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡(d)⁡|1⟩ − |3⟩
one-dimensional harmonic oscillator 2 2
potentials, generated by electrical means. If
the power is suddenly switched off, so that the 64. A particle of mass 𝑚 moves in a two-
potential disappears, then, according to dimensional space (𝑥, 𝑦) under the influence
quantum mechanics, [TIIFR2010] of a Hamiltonian
(a) the particle will shoot out of the well and [TIFR2018]
1
move out towards infinity in one of the two 𝐻= (𝑝2 + 𝑝𝑦2 )
possible direction as 2𝑚 𝑥
(b) the particle will stop oscillating and as 1
+ 𝑚𝜔2 (5𝑥 2 + 5𝑦 2 + 6𝑥𝑦)
time increases it may be found farther and 4
farther way from the centre of the well Find the ground state energy of this particle in
(c) the particle will keep oscillating about the a quantum-mechanical treatment.
same mean position but with increasing
amplitude as time increases 65. . A particle of mass 𝑚 is confined inside a box
(d) the particle will undergo a transition to one with boundaries at 𝑥 = ±𝐿. The ground state
of the higher excited states of the harmonic and the first excited state of this particle are
oscillator 𝐸1 and 𝐸2 respectively.
Now a repulsive delta function potential 𝜆𝛿(𝑥)
62. A particle of mass ' 𝑚 ' and charge ' 𝑒 ' is in
is introduced at the centre of the box where the
the ground state of a one-dimensional
harmonic oscillator potential in the presence constant 𝜆 satisfies
of a uniform external electric field E. The total 1 ℎ 2
0<𝜆≪ ( )
potential feit by the particle is[ 32𝑚 𝐿
1 . If the energies of the new ground state and
𝑉(𝑥) = 𝑘𝑥 2 − 𝑒𝐸𝑥
2 the new first excited state be denoted as 𝐸1′
If the electric field is suddenly switched off, and 𝐸2′ respectively. It follows that
then the particle will [TIFR2014] [TIFR2020]
(a) Make a transition to any harmonic ′ ′
(a) 𝐸1 > 𝐸1 , 𝐸2 > 𝐸2 (b) 𝐸1 = 𝐸1 , 𝐸2′ = 𝐸2
′
oscillator state with 𝑥 = −𝑒𝐸/𝑘 as origin
without emitting any photon. (c) 𝐸1′ > 𝐸1 , 𝐸2′ = 𝐸2 (d) 𝐸1′ = 𝐸1 , 𝐸2′ > 𝐸2
(b) Make a transition to any harmonic
oscillator state with 𝑥 = 0 as origin and 66. A particle of mass 𝑚, confined in a one-
absorb a photon. dimensional box between 𝑥 = −𝐿 and 𝑥 = 𝐿,
(c) Settle into the harmonic oscillator ground is in its first excited quantum state. Now, a
state with 𝑥 = 0 as origin after absorbing a rectangular potential barrier of height 𝑉(𝑥) =
photon.
1 and extending from 𝑥 = −𝑎 to 𝑥 = 𝑎 is
(d) Oscillate back and forth with initial
amplitude 𝑒𝐸/𝑘, emitting multiple photons as
suddenly switched on, as shown in the figure
below. [TIFR2021]

Which of the following curves most closely

represents the resulting change in average
energy 𝛿⟨𝐸⟩ of the system when plotted as a
function of 𝑎/𝐿, immediately after the barrier
is created?

 ANS KEY
1-C 2-C 3-C 4-D 5-D
6-A 7-A 8-A 9-A 10-A
11-D 12-A 13-C 14-C 15-C
16-D 17- 2 18-D 19- (0.78to8.82)
20-C 21- 22- 23-B 24-A
25-B,D 000.125
26-A,B 0.707
27-B 28-A 29-D
30-B 31-C 32-D 33-D 34-C
35-D 36-D 37-A 38-B 39-B
40-D 41-C 42-D 43-A 44-
45-D 46-A 47-B 48-C 49-D
50-D 51-C 52-B 53-A 54-D
55-A 56- 57- 58-A 59-D
60-C 0005
61-A 0005
62-B 63-D 64-
65-C 66-A