We can use a quartic function function to represent this potential as shown below. Using the first order perturbation theory for particle in a box, calculate the ground- state energy: V(x) = cx* 0 < x < b a. How large of an effect on the energy is the perturbation of a curved wall? b. Calculate the first order wavefunction.

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Physical Chemistry: Quantum Mechanics

**Title: Quantum Mechanics: Perturbation Theory and Quartic Potentials**

**Introduction:**

Assume the parabolic potential well for the particle in a box becomes broader. In quantum mechanics, potential wells characterize the potential energy landscape in which particles reside. A broader well suggests a change in this energy landscape, which can affect the behavior of the particle.

**Quartic Potential Function:**

To represent this broader potential well, we employ a quartic function:

\[ V(x) = cx^4 \quad \text{for} \quad 0 < x < b \]

Here, \(c\) is a constant that defines the strength of the potential, and \(x\) ranges between 0 and \(b\).

**Objectives:**

- **Part A**: Calculate how much the energy is affected by the perturbation due to the curved wall.
  
- **Part B**: Determine the first order wavefunction using first-order perturbation theory.

**Key Concepts:**

1. **First Order Perturbation Theory**: A technique used to approximate the change in a system's eigenvalues and eigenstates when the Hamiltonian is slightly perturbed.
   
2. **Ground-State Energy Calculation**: Essential for understanding the lowest energy state of the system, which is particularly sensitive to changes in the potential landscape.

**Conclusion:**

By addressing parts (a) and (b), we gain insights into the effects of a quartic potential on a particle confined within a box, illustrating fundamental quantum principles and perturbation methods. This topic underscores the nuanced interactions within quantum systems and serves as a basis for more complex studies in quantum mechanics.
Transcribed Image Text:**Title: Quantum Mechanics: Perturbation Theory and Quartic Potentials** **Introduction:** Assume the parabolic potential well for the particle in a box becomes broader. In quantum mechanics, potential wells characterize the potential energy landscape in which particles reside. A broader well suggests a change in this energy landscape, which can affect the behavior of the particle. **Quartic Potential Function:** To represent this broader potential well, we employ a quartic function: \[ V(x) = cx^4 \quad \text{for} \quad 0 < x < b \] Here, \(c\) is a constant that defines the strength of the potential, and \(x\) ranges between 0 and \(b\). **Objectives:** - **Part A**: Calculate how much the energy is affected by the perturbation due to the curved wall. - **Part B**: Determine the first order wavefunction using first-order perturbation theory. **Key Concepts:** 1. **First Order Perturbation Theory**: A technique used to approximate the change in a system's eigenvalues and eigenstates when the Hamiltonian is slightly perturbed. 2. **Ground-State Energy Calculation**: Essential for understanding the lowest energy state of the system, which is particularly sensitive to changes in the potential landscape. **Conclusion:** By addressing parts (a) and (b), we gain insights into the effects of a quartic potential on a particle confined within a box, illustrating fundamental quantum principles and perturbation methods. This topic underscores the nuanced interactions within quantum systems and serves as a basis for more complex studies in quantum mechanics.
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