Essential University Physics
Essential University Physics
4th Edition
ISBN: 9780134988566
Author: Wolfson, Richard
Publisher: Pearson Education,
bartleby

Concept explainers

Question
Book Icon
Chapter 35, Problem 1FTD
To determine

Why a particle confined to a finite region cannot have zero energy.

Expert Solution & Answer
Check Mark

Explanation of Solution

If the ground state-state energy of a particle that confined to a finite region is zero, then it will violate the uncertainty principle. Because of the zero kinetic energy, the particle has zero momentum and then its position is absolutely determined.

That means the uncertainty in position is equal to the width of the potential well (region), then the uncertainty relation becomes ΔpΔx=0 . The statistical nature of the quantum mechanics is lost and the uncertainty principle ΔpΔx

Therefore, the particle confined to a finite region cannot have zero energy.

Want to see more full solutions like this?

Subscribe now to access step-by-step solutions to millions of textbook problems written by subject matter experts!
Students have asked these similar questions
suggest a reason ultrasound cleaning is better than cleaning by hand?
Checkpoint 4 The figure shows four orientations of an electric di- pole in an external electric field. Rank the orienta- tions according to (a) the magnitude of the torque on the dipole and (b) the potential energy of the di- pole, greatest first. (1) (2) E (4)
What is integrated science. What is fractional distillation What is simple distillation
Knowledge Booster
Background pattern image
Physics
Learn more about
Need a deep-dive on the concept behind this application? Look no further. Learn more about this topic, physics and related others by exploring similar questions and additional content below.
Similar questions
SEE MORE QUESTIONS
Recommended textbooks for you
Text book image
Modern Physics
Physics
ISBN:9781111794378
Author:Raymond A. Serway, Clement J. Moses, Curt A. Moyer
Publisher:Cengage Learning
Text book image
University Physics Volume 3
Physics
ISBN:9781938168185
Author:William Moebs, Jeff Sanny
Publisher:OpenStax
Text book image
Principles of Physics: A Calculus-Based Text
Physics
ISBN:9781133104261
Author:Raymond A. Serway, John W. Jewett
Publisher:Cengage Learning