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The Particle in A Box:: Quantization, Discrete or Fixed Value of Energy

The particle in a box model describes a particle confined within rigid walls where it is unable to leave. Within the walls, the potential energy is zero and the particle's energy is quantized to discrete, fixed values. By solving the Schrodinger wave equation with these boundary conditions, it is found that the particle's wavefunction and energy must be zero at the walls. The possible energy values are determined by integers that represent the number of nodes in the wavefunction. As the integer increases, so does the energy level in set increments. This model demonstrates the quantization of energy for a confined particle.

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raj shekhar singh
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145 views3 pages

The Particle in A Box:: Quantization, Discrete or Fixed Value of Energy

The particle in a box model describes a particle confined within rigid walls where it is unable to leave. Within the walls, the potential energy is zero and the particle's energy is quantized to discrete, fixed values. By solving the Schrodinger wave equation with these boundary conditions, it is found that the particle's wavefunction and energy must be zero at the walls. The possible energy values are determined by integers that represent the number of nodes in the wavefunction. As the integer increases, so does the energy level in set increments. This model demonstrates the quantization of energy for a confined particle.

Uploaded by

raj shekhar singh
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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The particle in a box: Module1 (3 of 12)-MKM

It is simplest application of the Schrodinger wave equation which can explain energy
quantization, discrete or fixed value of energy.

Consider the motion of a particle of mass ‘m’ along ‘x’ axis and confirmed between the walls of
the container of length L. Beyond L the potential energy (V)/(PE) is infinitely high and there will
be zero probability of finding the particle

V= ∞ V= ∞

The particle does not lose energy when it colloids


within a box bounded by infinity rigid walls. Thus
total energy remains constant.

Zero probability of finding the particle outside the box

V=0

X=0 X=L
Fig.1: A particle in a one dimensional box
As V (x) = ∞ for x<0 and x>
Ψ2 = 0 for x<0 and x>L
Ψ=0 for x<0 and x>L
Within box, the Schrodinger’s wave equation

d2 Ψ/dx2 + 8π2m/ h2 (E-V) Ψ = 0

as v=0 inside the box

[Potential energy (v) of the particle is constant inside the box and we take it zero for
convenience]

d2 Ψ/dx2 + 8π2m/ h2 E Ψ = 0 ........................(1)

Now Ψ is zero at and outside x=0 and x=L. So Ψ must be continuous in the region between x=0
and x=L. On solving the differential equation (1) we get,

Ψ= A Sin 2π/h (2mE)1/2x + B Cos 2π/h (2mE)1/2x ......................(2)

Where A= maximum amplitude function of Ψ


B= constant

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Now in order to satisfy the condition of Ψ = 0 at x = 0 the second term on RHS of equation (2)
must be zero.

Ψ = A sin 2π/h (2mE)1/2x

On applying the other boundary condition of Ψ = 0 at x= L, we get

Ψ = A [Sin 2π/h (2ME)1/2L] =0

As, A ≠ 0 (A=max. amplitude function)

Sin 2π/h (2mE)1/2L =0

2π/h (2mE)1/2L = nπ ................................(3)

Where, n= 1,2,3,4...

On squaring equation (3) and rearranging

En = n2h2/8mL2 ................... (4)

Above equation gives eigen values of energy of the particle. n is called principal quantum
number .

Thus a particle in a box possesses discrete values of energy (energy quantization).

E=0 is excluded because if at all the particle possesses zero energy inside the box then the wave
function Ψ becomes zero which means particle no more exists inside the box.
(n=0 not possible)

Thus particle can possess all values of energy given by equation (4) excluding zero value.
From equation (4) it may be noted that as L increases, energy decreases.
Quantum number ‘n’ also indicates number of nodes in the wave.

nodes= where no electron (particle) is present (nodes = n-1)

Where,
n = 1, the number of nodes is equal to zero.
n= 2, the number of nodes is equal to one.
n= 3, there are two nodes and so on..

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The value of energy is directly proportional to n2 and this rises rapidly as the number of nodes
increases.
The lowest energy level n = 1 is represented as :
E1 = h2/8mL2
Consequently, the particle will possess minimum energy, which is known as zero point energy.
The next higher values,
E2 = 4h2/8mL2 = 4 times the minimum energy
E3 = 9h2/8mL2 = 9 times the minimum energy
E4 = 16h2/8mL2 = 16 times the minimum energy
The following points can be concluded: -

(i) The wave functions besides being zero at the walls of the box also have zero values at
various points within the box. The number of times, ψ becomes zero is equal to (n-1),
where n is the quantum number. The point at which ψ =0 is known as the node of the
wave function.
(ii) The number of nodes of the function and energy associated with a wave function
increases with n.
(iii) The wave function may be Symmetric or Antisymmetric w.r.t. the centre of the box.

Function Criteria Examples of ψ from particle in a box


Symmetric or Even Ψ (x) = ψ (-x) Ψ1 , Ψ3, Ψ5 ------
Antisymmetric or odd Ψ (x) = -ψ (-x) Ψ2 , Ψ4, Ψ6 ------

(iv) The probability density is not uniform at all positions. When n is small, probability density is
more pronounced but when n is increased, the distribution becomes more and more uniform. For
very high of n, the distribution is completely uniform. Thus, classical behaviour (that on an
average, the particle spends equal amounts of time at all points) emerges when n becomes very
large. This fact is in agreement with corresponding principle, which says that the prediction of
quantum mechanics for a very large value of n are identical to those predicted by classical
mechanics.

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