Quantum Mechanics

Wave nature of particles:

1. The velocity of an electron in a Hydrogen atom in the ground state is 2.19x10 6 m/s. Calculate the de-Broglie
wavelength associated with its motion.

Given: m= 9.1 x10-31kg, v= 2.19 x106m/s

ℎ
Formula:𝜆 = 𝑚𝑣
Ans: 3.31 x10-10 m

2. Calculate the de-Broglie wavelength of an electron (me=9.1X10-31kg) moving with one tenth part of velocity
of light (C=3X108m/s).
Given: m= 9.1 x10-31kg, v=1C/10= 3x108 m/s/10= 0.33m/s
ℎ
Formula:λ=
𝑚𝑣
Ans: 2.415 x 10-11 m

3. Calculate momentum and de-Broglie wavelength associated with an electron of kinetic energy
1.5 KeV.
Given: KE=E=1.5x103x1.6x10-19J, m= 9.1 x10-31 kg
λ=?, P=?
ℎ ℎ
Formula: 𝜆 = 𝑚𝑣 = 2𝑚𝐸
√
Ans:λ =3.17 x10-11 m

ℎ
Formula: P= 𝜆
Ans: 2.08x10-23kgm/s

4.A moving electron (me=9.1x10-31kg) is accelerated through a potential of 500V. Calculate its de-
Broglie wavelength
Given: V= 500V, m= 9.1x10-31, h= 6.625x10-34 J-S, e= 1.6x10-19C
ℎ ℎ
Formula:𝜆 = 𝑚𝑣 = 2𝑚𝑒𝑉
√
Ans: 5.49 x10-11m

5. Estimate the potential difference through which a proton is needed to be accelerated so that its
de- Broglie wavelength becomes equal to 1A0, given mass of proton is 1.673x10 -27kg.
Given: m=1.673 10-27kg, e= 1.6 x10-19C
1
Formula: eV= 2 𝑚𝑣 2

1 𝑃2 ℎ
eV= 2 𝑚 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑐𝑒𝜆 = 𝑝

1 ℎ2
eV=
2 𝑚𝜆2
 1 ℎ2
eV= 2 𝑚𝑒𝜆2

Ans: 0.082V

6.A particle of mass 0.5MeV/C2 has kinetic energy 0.5KeV.Find its de-Broglie wavelength. C isvelocity of light
Given :The mass of the particle is given by (m)= 0.5 MeV/C2
= 0.5x106x1.6x10-19/(3x108)2
= 8.9x10-31kg
ℎ ℎ
Formula: 𝜆 = =
𝑚𝑣 √2𝑚𝐸
Ans: 1.24x10-10 m

7.Calculate de-Broglie wavelength of an electron accelerated through a potential difference of 120 V.

Given: P.D =V=120V
ℎ ℎ
Formula: 𝜆 = 𝑚𝑣 = 2𝑚𝑒𝑉
√
Ans: 1.11A0

8.Calculate KE of an electron whose de-Broglie wave length is equal that of a 10 KeV photon.
Given: λe=λph, KE=Ee=?
For a Photon
ℎ𝑐 ℎ𝑐
𝐸= 𝑜𝑟 𝜆 =
𝜆 𝐸
Ans: 𝜆 = 1.243𝐴0

For Electron
ℎ ℎ
𝜆= =
𝑚𝑣 √2𝑚𝐸
ℎ2
𝐸=
2𝑚𝜆2
Ans: 1.563x10-17J

9.Calculate de-Broglie wavelength of a neutron moving with kinetic energy of 54eV, given mass ofneutron
=1.675x10-27kg.
Given: E=54eV= 54x1.6x10-19J, m= 1.675x10-27kg
Formula:
ℎ ℎ
𝜆= =
𝑚𝑣 √2𝑚𝐸
-12
Ans: 3.9 x10 m

10. Estimate the potential difference through an electron is needed to be accelerated so that its de-Broglie
wavelength becomes equal to 20A0.
Solution: V=?
ℎ ℎ
Formula:𝜆 = 𝑚𝑣 = 2𝑚𝑒𝑉
√
Ans: V=0.38V
11.Calculate de-Broglie wave length of Helium nucleus that is accelerated through 500V, Assume mass
of proton=mass of a neutron=1.67x10 -27kg.
Given: mp=mn= 1.675x10-27kg, m=4mp=4x1.675x10-27kg, q=2x1.6x10-19C
Formula:
ℎ
𝜆=
√2𝑚𝑞𝑉
Ans: 4.53 x10-13m

12.Compare energy of a photon with that of neutron when both are associated with wavelength of 1A0
given that the mass of neutron is 1.678x10 -27kg.
Solution:

For a Photon:
ℎ𝐶
𝐸𝑝ℎ = 𝜆 ---------------(1)
𝑝ℎ
For a Neutron
ℎ ℎ2
𝜆𝑛 = 𝑜𝑟 𝐸𝑛 = − − − − − (2)
√2𝑚𝐸𝑛 2𝑚𝜆2𝑛
𝐸𝑝ℎ ℎ𝑐 2𝑚𝜆𝑛
= 𝑋
𝐸𝑛 𝜆𝑝ℎ ℎ2
Ans:
𝐸𝑝ℎ
= 1.519x105
𝐸𝑛
13.Compare energy of a photon with that of an electron when both are accelerated with a wavelength0.2nm.
Ans:
𝐸𝑝ℎ
= 165
𝐸𝑒
14.Compare energy of a photon with that of a neutron when both are associated with wavelength of
0.25nm, given that the mass of neutron is 1.675x10-27kg.

Problems on Uncertainty Principle

1. Natural uncertainty involved in the measurement of speed of an electron in an atom is estimated to be
2x105 ms-1.Based on this estimate the minimum width about which the electron stay is confined inthe atom.
Interpret the result.
Given: ΔV=2 x 105m/s, ΔP=m ΔV, m=9.1 x 10-31kg, Δx=?
ℎ
Formula: Δx.Δp≥ 4𝜋
ℎ
Δx.≥ 4𝜋𝑚Δv
The minimum width of electron stay inside the atom is at least =0.28x10 -9 m

Comments:
1. Minimum width about which electron stay inside the atom cannot be lesser than 0.28x10 -9 m or it
would not stay inside the nucleus
2. Further 0 x ; if 0 x ; ΔP becomes infinity which means electron undergoes collision with the nucleus
and finally attached to the nucleus
2. In a simultaneous measurement of position and velocity of an electron moving with a speed of 6x10 5ms-1,
calculate the highest accuracy with which its position could be found if the inherent error in the measurement
of its velocity is 0.01% for the speed stated.
Given: v=6 x105m/s
0.01
Δv= 100 × 6 × 105 = 60𝑚/𝑠, ΔP=mΔv, Δx=?
ℎ
Formula: Δx. Δp≥ 4𝜋
ℎ
Δx ≥ 4𝜋𝑚Δv
Ans: 9.66×10-7m

Its position of the electron cannot be lesser than 9.66x10 -7 m and the minimum distance inside the
Atom=9.66x10-7 m.

3.The position and momentum of 1KeV electrons are simultaneously determined and its position is located within
1 Å. What is the % uncertainty in its momentum?
Given: E=1KeV=1× 10 − 3 × 1.6 × 10−19 𝐽, m=9.1 x 10-31kg, %ΔP=?
ℎ
Formula: Δx.Δp≥ 4𝜋
ℎ
Δp≥ 4𝜋Δx ≥ 0.53 × 10−24 𝑘𝑔𝑚/𝑠
Momentum: 𝑃 = √2𝑚𝐸 = 1.707 × 1023 𝑘𝑔𝑚/𝑠
𝛥𝑃
% of uncertainty in its momentum = 𝑃 × 100 = 3.1

4.A spectral line of wavelength 4000Å has a width of 8x10 -5Å is emitted due to transition ofelectrons between
upper and lower levels. Calculate the uncertainty in the time spent by the electron.
Given: λ=4000A0=4 x10-7m, Δλ=8 x10-15m, C=3 x108 m/s,Δt=?
ℎ
Solution: From uncertainty principle we have ΔE.Δt≥ 4𝜋

𝛥𝜆
Since ΔE=hC 𝜆2
ℎ 𝜆2
Δt≥ 4𝜋ΔE. = 4𝜋𝑐𝛥𝜆
Δt≥5.3×10-9S
The minimum time spent will be 5.3x10 -9S and hence time of stay of electron is more than this value.

5.A spectral line of wavelength 5896Å has a width of 10 -5Å.Calculate the minimum time spent bythe electrons in
the upper energy state between the excitation and de-excitation processes.

Problems on Uncertainty Particle in a box

1. An electron is confined to move between two rigid wall separated by 20A0.Find the de-Broglie
Wavelength representing the three allowed energy states of the electron and the corresponding energies
if Potential is zero.
Given: a= 20A0, me=9.1×10-31kg, λ1=?, λ2=?, λ3=?,E1=?, E2=?, E3=?
𝑛 2ℎ 2
Energy in the nth state of a particle is given by 𝐸𝑛 = 8𝑚𝑎2
 12 ℎ 2
n=1 Ground state or zero point energy:𝐸1 = 8𝑚𝑎2 =1.51×10-20J

22 ℎ 2
n=2 Ground state or zero point energy:𝐸2 = 8𝑚𝑎2 = 6×10-20J

32 ℎ 2
n=3 Ground state or zero point energy:𝐸3 = 8𝑚𝑎2 = 13.6×10-20J

ℎ
de- Broglie wave length in nth state is 𝜆𝑛 =
√2𝑚𝐸
Ans: 𝜆1 =4.02×10-9 m, 𝜆2 =2×10-9 m ,𝜆3 =1.33×10-9 m

2.An electron is bound in one dimensional potential well of width 1A0,but of infinite wall height. Find its
energy values in the ground state and also in the first excited states.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----
Problems on Lasers
1.Find the ratio of population of two energy levels, out of which one corresponds to a metastable state, if
the wavelength of light emitted at 330K is 632.8nm.
Given: T=330K, λ=632.8nm, K=1.38×10-23J/K, C=3×108m/s, N2/N1=?
Formula:
𝑁2 ℎ𝛾
= 𝑒 −[𝐾𝑇]
𝑁1

𝑁2 ℎ𝐶
= 𝑒 −[𝜆𝐾𝑇]
𝑁1

Ans: 1.1×10-30

2.The ratio of population of two energy levels, out of which upper one corresponds to a metastable state, is
1.059x10-30.Find the wavelength of light emitted at 330K.
𝑁
Given: 2 = 1.059 × 10−30 , T=330K.
𝑁1
λ=?
Formula:
𝑁2 ℎ𝛾 ℎ𝐶
= 𝑒 −[𝐾𝑇] = 𝑒 −[𝜆𝐾𝑇]
𝑁1

Ans: λ= 6327A0

3. A laser beam at thermal equilibrium temperature 300K has two energy levels with a wavelength
separation of 1 .Find the ratio of population densities of the upper and lower levels.
Given: T=300K, Δλ=1μm, K=1.38×10-23J/K, C=3×108 m/s, N2/N1=?
 ℎ𝛥𝛾 ℎ𝛥𝛾
𝑁
Formula:𝑁2 = 𝑒 −[ 𝐾𝑇 ] = 𝑒 −[𝐾𝛥𝜆𝑇] =
1

𝑁
Ans:𝑁2 = 1.415 × 10−21
1

4. A pulse from laser with power 1mW lasts for 10nS.If the number of photons per second is 3.491x10 7,
calculate the wavelength of laser.

Given: Total energy of the laser Et= Pt= 1×10-3×10×10-9= 10-11J---(1)

Number of photons emitted=n=3.491X107
ℎ𝐶
Energy of one photon = E=hγ= 𝜆 -------------(2)
Total energy=number of photons X Energy of one photon
ℎ𝐶
Etotal=n 𝜆

Substituting (1) and (2)

1
10-11= 3.491×107×6.63×10-34×3×108× 𝜆
Ans: λ =694nm

5.A He-Ne laser is emitting a beam with an average power of 4.5mw.Find the number of photons emitted
per second by the laser. The wavelength of the emitted radiation is 6328A0.

Ans: Solution is similar to problem 4, But need to find out n instead of λ

6. A pulsed laser emits photons of wavelength 780nm with20mw average/pulse. Calculate the number of
photons contained in each pulse, if the pulse duration is 10Ns.

ℎ𝐶
Formula:𝐸𝑡 = 𝑛 𝜆

Ans: n= 7.86×1017

7.A Ruby laser emits pulse of 20ns,with average power pulse being100KW.If the number of photons in
each pulse is 6.981x1015calculate the wavelength of laser.
Solution: t= 20nS
Number of photons emitted=n=3.491X107
Energy emitted in in 1S= 100KW=105J
Total energy emitted 20n , Et= 105×20×10-9= 2×10-3J-----(1)
ℎ𝐶
Energy of one photon= E= hγ= 𝜆 ------(2)
Total energy=number of photons X Energy of one photon
ℎ𝐶
Etotal=n 𝜆
Substituting 1 and 2 gives
ℎ𝐶
λ=n𝐸
𝑡𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑙
Ans: 6942A0
 Problems on Optical fiber

1. Calculate the numerical aperture, fractional index change and V-number for a optical fiber of core of
diameter 40micro meter and with refractive indices of 1.55 and 1.50 respectively for core and cladding. The
Wavelength of the light propagating is 1400nm.Assume fiber is kept in air
Given:d=40µm, n1=1.55, n2=1.50, Δ= ?, NA= ? , V=?

√𝑛12−𝑛22
a) NA=Sinθ= = 0.3909
𝑛0
b) Angle of acceptance (θ) = Sin-1(NA) = 22.980
𝑛 −𝑛
c) Fractional index change=Δ= 1𝑛 2= 0.03225
1

√𝑛12−𝑛22
𝛱𝑑
d) V-Numbers =V= 𝜆 𝑛0
=35.03
e) v>1

2. An optical fiber of refractive index of 1.5 is to be cladded with another glass to ensure total internal
reflection that will contain light travelling within 50 of the fiber axis. What maximum index of refraction is
allowed for the cladding?

n1=1.50, n2=?, θ1=5, θc=90-5=850

Applying snell’slaw at the boundary
n1sin θ1=n2 sin900
1.5sin850=n2
n2= 1.494
If n2= 1.494 refracted ray grazes the surface and if n2>1.494; angle of refraction will be lesser than
900i.e the ray escapes out of the fiber. For the ray to undergo TIR n2 must be lesser1.494

3. The optical fiber has core of refractive index 1.5 and R.I of cladding is 3% less than the core index. Calculate
the numerical aperture,angle of acceptance and internal critical angle.
Given: n1=1.50, n2=1.50-3%= 1.4547, NA= ?, θ=? θ1=?
Formula:
√𝑛12−𝑛22
NA= Sinθ= = 0.3660
𝑛0
Acceptance angle (θ)=Sin-1(NA)=21.460
Applying snell’s law at the boundary
n1sinθc=n2sin900
θc=75.880

4. The angle of acceptance of an optical fiber is 300 when kept in air. Find the angle of acceptance when it is
in a medium of refractive index 1.33.
Solution:
In Air
 √𝑛12−𝑛22 √𝑛12−𝑛22
NAair= Sinθ0air= =
𝑛0 1

√𝑛12−𝑛22
= 𝑠𝑖𝑛300 = 0.5------(1)
1

InWater
√𝑛12−𝑛22
NAair=𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃01 water=
𝑛0𝑤

𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃01 × 𝑛0𝑤 = √𝑛12 − 𝑛22 − − − − − (2)

Substituting I in 2
𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃01 × 𝑛0𝑤 = 0.5
𝜃01 = 𝑠𝑖𝑛−1 (0.3759) = 22.08𝐷𝑒𝑔𝑟𝑒𝑒

5. The numerical aperture of an optic fiber is 0.2 when surrounded by air. Determine the refractive index of
core given R.I of cladding is 1.5874.Also find the acceptance angle when the fiber is in water. Assume R.I of
water is 1.33.
Solution:
In air
√𝑛12−𝑛22 √𝑛12−𝑛22
NAair= Sinθ0air= =
𝑛0 1

n1=1.599

In Water
√𝑛12 −𝑛22
1 1
NA = Sinθ0 = -------(2)
𝑛01

Substituting for √𝑛12 − 𝑛22 =0.2 and𝑛10 = 1.33in equation 2 gives

NA1=0.1503

But NA1= Sinθ0w=0.1503

6. Calculate number modes an optical fiber can propagate. Given wavelength of light=1μm,radius of the
core=50μm,R.I of core=1.5 R.I of cladding=1.48 Assume fiber is kept in air. (this question is for EC Students)
Formula :
√𝑛12−𝑛22
𝛱𝑑
a) V-Numbers =V= =76.657
𝜆 𝑛0
b) The number of modes supported for propagation M=V2/2=2964

7. A fiber 500m long has an input power of 8.6mw and output power 7.5mw,find the loss specification in the
fiber
Given: L=500M= 0.5Km, P0=7.6m, Pin=8.6m
 Formula:
10 𝑃0
𝛼=− 𝑙𝑜𝑔 ( )
𝐿 𝑃𝑖𝑛
Ans:-1.18db/km

8. Find the attenuation in an optical fiber is 3.6dB/km.What fraction of its intial intensity remails after i] 1 Km,
ii] after 3km.
Given:𝛼 = 3.6𝑑𝐵/𝑘𝑚

𝑃0
1) After L=1km, =?
𝑃𝑖𝑛
Formula
10 𝑃0
𝛼=− 𝑙𝑜𝑔 ( )
𝐿 𝑃𝑖𝑛
Ans: 0.436
𝑃
2) After L=3km, 𝑃 0 =?
𝑖𝑛

Same formula
Ans: 0.0832

Problems on Fermi Factor

1) Calculate the probability of an electron occupying an energy level 0.02eV above the Fermi level
and 0.02eV below the Fermi level.
(a) Given E-Ef= 0.02eV=3.2×10-23J, F(E)=?
1
Formula: 𝐹 (𝐸 ) = (𝐸−𝐸𝑓)
𝑒 𝐾𝑇 +1
Ans: F(E) = 0.238

23.8% of energy level lying below Fermi levels are filled.

(b) F(E) =? For E-Ef=-0.02eV=3.2× 10-23J
1
Formula: 𝐹 (𝐸 ) = (𝐸−𝐸𝑓)
𝑒 𝐾𝑇 +1
Ans: F(E) = 0.761
2) Find the temperature at which there is 1% probability that a state with energy 0.5eVabove Fermi
energy is occupied.
Given: E-Ef=0.5eV= 0.8×10-19J, F(E)=1%= 0.01
1
Formula: 𝐹 (𝐸 ) = (𝐸−𝐸𝑓)
𝑒 𝐾𝑇 +1
Ans: T= 1261K