Consider a particle of mass, m, with energy, E, moving to the right from -co. This particle is x<0 subject to the potential energy V(x) = }V, for 0sx V.. x2 a (0 Sketch a picture that shows the potential energy. In this picture represent a particle moving to the right when x < 0. Solve the time independent Schrodinger equation to find yE(x) on the domain -o

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### Quantum Mechanics: Particle in a Potential Field

**Particle Description:**
Consider a particle of mass \( m \) with energy \( E \), moving to the right from negative infinity. The particle is subject to a potential energy \( V(x) \) defined as:

\[
V(x) = 
\begin{cases} 
0 & x \leq 0 \\
V_0 & 0 \leq x < a \\
\infty & x \geq a 
\end{cases}
\]

For all questions below, consider the case where \( E > V_0 \).

**Tasks:**

1. **Potential Energy Representation:**
   - Sketch a graph showing the potential energy \( V(x) \). This graph should represent a particle moving to the right when \( x < 0 \).

2. **Time Independent Schrödinger Equation:**
   - Solve the time-independent Schrödinger equation to find the wave function \( \psi_E(x) \) for the domain \( -\infty < x \leq a \).

3. **Probability of Reflection:**
   - Calculate the probability of reflection at the interface \( x = 0 \).

4. **Wave Function Characteristics:**
   - Identify which part of the wave function represents a leftward-moving particle when \( x < 0 \). Demonstrate that this part of the wave function is an eigenfunction of the momentum operator, and calculate its eigenvalue.

5. **Eigenfunction Verification:**
   - Determine if the wave function \( \psi_E(x) \) is an eigenfunction of the momentum operator for \( x < 0 \). Provide reasoning using words and/or mathematical proof for full credit.

6. **Probability Current Density:**
   - Calculate the probability current density for the rightward-moving particle for \( x < 0 \).
   - Determine the total probability current density for the particle in the region where \( x < 0 \).

**Additional Note:**

- The probability current density \( J_x \) is given by:
  \[
  J_x = \frac{\hbar}{2m} \left[ \psi^* \frac{\partial \psi}{\partial x} - \psi \frac{\partial \psi^*}{\partial x} \right]
  \]

This exercise dives into quantum mechanics, focusing on concepts such as potential energy, wave functions, reflection probability, and
Transcribed Image Text:### Quantum Mechanics: Particle in a Potential Field **Particle Description:** Consider a particle of mass \( m \) with energy \( E \), moving to the right from negative infinity. The particle is subject to a potential energy \( V(x) \) defined as: \[ V(x) = \begin{cases} 0 & x \leq 0 \\ V_0 & 0 \leq x < a \\ \infty & x \geq a \end{cases} \] For all questions below, consider the case where \( E > V_0 \). **Tasks:** 1. **Potential Energy Representation:** - Sketch a graph showing the potential energy \( V(x) \). This graph should represent a particle moving to the right when \( x < 0 \). 2. **Time Independent Schrödinger Equation:** - Solve the time-independent Schrödinger equation to find the wave function \( \psi_E(x) \) for the domain \( -\infty < x \leq a \). 3. **Probability of Reflection:** - Calculate the probability of reflection at the interface \( x = 0 \). 4. **Wave Function Characteristics:** - Identify which part of the wave function represents a leftward-moving particle when \( x < 0 \). Demonstrate that this part of the wave function is an eigenfunction of the momentum operator, and calculate its eigenvalue. 5. **Eigenfunction Verification:** - Determine if the wave function \( \psi_E(x) \) is an eigenfunction of the momentum operator for \( x < 0 \). Provide reasoning using words and/or mathematical proof for full credit. 6. **Probability Current Density:** - Calculate the probability current density for the rightward-moving particle for \( x < 0 \). - Determine the total probability current density for the particle in the region where \( x < 0 \). **Additional Note:** - The probability current density \( J_x \) is given by: \[ J_x = \frac{\hbar}{2m} \left[ \psi^* \frac{\partial \psi}{\partial x} - \psi \frac{\partial \psi^*}{\partial x} \right] \] This exercise dives into quantum mechanics, focusing on concepts such as potential energy, wave functions, reflection probability, and
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