A particle trapped in a one-dimensional finite potential well with U₀= 0 in the region ,and finite U₀ everywhere else,has a ground state wavenumber,k.The ground state wavenumber for the same particle in an infinite one-dimensional potential well of width L,would be A) less than k. B) greater than k. C) equal to k. D) There is not enough information to determine.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The ground state energy of a particle trapped in a finite potential well is always higher than the ground state energy of the same particle in an infinite potential well with the same width. This means that the wavenumber in the infinite well is greater than the wavenumber in the finite well. Therefore, the answer is B, greater than k.

A Particle Trapped in a One-Dimensional Finite Potential Well with U0

A Particle Trapped in a One-Dimensional Finite Potential Well with U₀