PSO201A: QUANTUM PHYSICS (2018-19, 2nd Semester)

Homework Questions
Q.01: The radiance due to a black body, 𝑅(𝜈), is defined as the power radiated by the blackbody per unit
area per unit frequency interval 𝑑𝜈. This 𝑅(𝜈) is proportional to the energy density 𝜌(𝜈) in a cavity
𝑐
discussed in the class. Prove that 𝑅(𝜈) = 4 𝜌(𝜈) by finding the energy crossing an infinitesimal surface area,
𝑑𝐴 in one direction in time 𝑑𝑡 inside the cavity.

ℎ𝜈
Q.02: Stefan's Law: The Planck's law of radiation works out to be 𝜌(𝜈) = 8𝜋ℎ𝜈 3 /[𝑐 3 (exp �𝑘 𝑇� − 1)] for
𝐵
energy density inside a black-body cavity. Integrate the expression for radiance to find the temperature
dependence of the total radiated power per unit area by a black body. Find the value of Stefan’s (𝜎) constant
using this.

Q.03: A very commonly used unit in atomic physics is eV. Four ways by which the unit of energy arises are
𝑘𝐵 𝑇, ℎ/Δ𝑡, ℎ𝑐/Δ𝐿, and 𝑚𝑐 2 . Here 𝑇, 𝑉, Δ𝑡, Δ𝐿 and 𝑚 are the temperature, voltage, time interval, length and
mass, respectively with other symbols representing the fundamental constants.
(a) Find 𝑇, 𝑉, Δ𝑡, Δ𝐿 and 𝑚 for which the energy is 1 eV.
(b) How much energy (in eV) does room temperature (𝑇 = 300K) correspond to? What are the associated
length and time scales?
(c) What are the rest mass energies of electron and proton in eV?
(d) From the definition of Volt discuss how eV works out to be the most suitable unit in atomic physics.

Q.04: Using Plank’s radiation law expression for black body radiation find the frequency (𝜈𝑚 ) at which the
intensity of emitted radiation is maximum. Find the radiation law in terms of wavelength (𝜆) and using this
find the 𝜆𝑚 at which the emitted radiation has a maximum. Are 𝜆𝑚 and 𝜈𝑚 related by 𝜆𝜈 = 𝑐? If not, why?

Q.05:(a) Show that it is impossible for a photon to give up all its energy and momentum to a free electron.
This is the reason why the photoelectric effect can take place only when the photons strike bound electrons.
(b) The threshold wavelength for photoelectron emission in tungsten is 230 nm. What is the work function
of tungsten? What wavelength of required light so that the maximum kinetic energy of electrons is 2.5 eV?
(c) The minimum electromagnetic energy that a human eye can detect is 1 × 10−18 J. How many photons of
600 nm wavelength does that correspond to?

Q.06:(a) A photon whose energy is equal to the rest energy of an electron undergoes a Compton collision
with an electron. If the electron moves off at angle of 40° with the original photon direction, what is the
energy of the scattered photon.
(b) Find the energy of an X-ray photon that can impart a maximum energy of 5 keV to a free electron.

Q.07: Use the Einstein model of the heat capacity of solids to find the number of phonons 𝑁(𝑇) present in
one mole of a solid at a temperature 𝑇. Plot this as function of temperature. Simplify the expression for very
low and very high temperatures.

Q.08: (a) Estimate the de Broglie wavelength of mosquito flying at a speed of 1 m/s.
(b) What minimum energy should a neutron have in order to probe the crystal structure of a typical solid?
(c) What should be the minimum energy of an electron if one wants to probe the structure of the nucleus of
an atom?

Q.09: (a) In an electrical circuit a capacitor (C = 100 pF), inductor (L = 0.1 mH) are used such that the
voltage oscillates at an amplitude of 1 mV. Use dimensional analysis to find a quantity having dimensions of
action (Planck’s constant). Compute this quantity and compare it with ℎ to see if the quantum effects can be
important for this circuit.
(b) An oscillator with force constant, 𝑘 = 103 N/m and mass, 𝑚 = 10−10 gm is kept at a temperature 𝑇.
Using dimensional analysis or otherwise find a quantity of dimension of action using 𝑘, 𝑚, and 𝑘𝐵 𝑇.
Estimate the temperature in K below which the quantum effects become important?
Q.10: (a) A particle is confined within two rigid walls at 𝑥 = −𝑎 and 𝑥 = +𝑎. Use the uncertainty principle
to estimate the minimum kinetic energy that the particle can have.
(b) A nucleus has a diameter of ~10−15 m. Assuming that an electron resides inside the nucleus, estimate its
minimum energy. Beta particles coming from the radioactive nucleus have energy of the order of a few
MeV. Compare this with your result to show that electrons do not reside inside the nucleus.
(c) Given that in hydrogen atom the electron in the ground state is confined to an average radius of 𝑎0 (the
Bohr radius), estimate the minimum kinetic energy that the electron can have from the uncertainty relation.
Estimate the total energy of this electron.

Q.11: Show that in order to determine through which slit of a double slit system each photon passes without
destroying the double slit interference pattern, the condition Δ𝑦. Δ𝑝𝑦 ≪ ℏ/2 must be satisfied. Since this
condition violates the uncertainty principle, it cannot be met.

Q.12: Which of the following wave functions cannot represent the solutions of the Schrödinger equation for
all values of 𝑥? If not, why so?
(a) 𝜓(𝑥) = A tan 𝑥 (b) 𝜓(𝑥) = 𝐴 exp(𝑥 2 ) (c) 𝜓(𝑥) = 𝐴 sec 𝑥 (d) 𝜓(𝑥) = 𝐴 exp (−𝑥 2 )
𝜋𝐿 𝜋𝐿
Q.13: The wave function of a certain particle is 𝐴 cos2 𝑥/𝐿 for 𝑥 between − 2 and + 2
and zero outside.
(a) Find the value of 𝐴.
𝜋𝐿
(b) Find the probability to find the particle between 𝑥 = 0 and 4 .
(c) What are the possible results if the kinetic energy of the particle is measured?

Q.14: Consider a particle of mass 𝑚 in an eigen-energy state, given by the wave function 𝜓(𝑥), of a
Hamiltonian with certain potential 𝑉(𝑥). Find the Eigen energy and the potential if 𝜓(𝑥) is given by,
𝑛𝜋𝑥
sin � 𝐿 � for 𝑥 < 𝐿
(a) 𝜓(𝑥) = exp(−𝛼𝑥 2 ) (b) 𝜓(𝑥) = � (c) 𝜓(𝑥) = exp(−𝛼|𝑥|)
0 for 𝑥 > 𝐿

Q.15: (a) Given that 𝜙𝐸 (𝑥) are solutions of the time independent Schroedinger equation (TISE) with energy
𝐸 show that 𝜓(𝑥, 𝑡) = ∑𝐸 𝐴𝐸 𝜙𝐸 (𝑥) exp(−𝑖𝐸𝑡/ℏ) is a solution of time dependent Schroedinger equation
(TDSE) for any set of complex numbers 𝐴𝐸 . Thus if any function can be written as a sum in this given form
the above solution 𝜓(𝑥, 𝑡) is the most general solution of the TDSE.
(b) What is the probability of measuring the energy as E for the above state 𝜓(𝑥, 𝑡)?
(c) Given that 𝜙𝐸 (𝑥) are orthonormal, what is the expectation value of energy for 𝜓(𝑥, 𝑡)?

∞ 𝜕 ∞ 1 ∞ 𝑖𝑝𝑥
Q.16: (a) Prove ∫−∞ 𝜓 ∗ (𝑥) �−𝑖ℏ 𝜕𝑥� 𝜓(𝑥)𝑑𝑥 = ∫−∞ |𝑔(𝑝)|2 𝑝𝑑𝑝 given 𝜓(𝑥) = ∫ g(p)exp � � 𝑑𝑥
√2𝜋ℏ −∞ ℏ
∞ 𝜕 ∞
(b) Show that ∫−∞ 𝑔∗ (𝑝) �𝑖ℏ 𝜕𝑝� 𝑔(𝑝)𝑑𝑝 = ∫−∞ |𝜓(𝑥)|2 𝑥𝑑𝑥.
(c) From above find the momentum operator in position space and vice versa.
(d) Using the momentum operator in position space find the eigen function of momentum in position space
with eigen value p0.
(e) Prove that 𝑥 and 𝑝𝑥 satisfy the commutation relation [𝑥, 𝑝𝑥 ] = 𝑖ℏ. Here the commutator, [𝑥, 𝑝𝑥 ] is
defined as, [𝑥, 𝑝𝑥 ]𝜓 = 𝑥(𝑝𝑥 𝜓) − 𝑝𝑥 (𝑥𝜓).

Q.17: (a) A position measurement for a free electron yields a result 𝑥 = 𝑥0 . What is the wave function in
real space after this measurement? What is the wave function in momentum space?
(b) A momentum measurement for a particle gives a result 𝑝 = 𝑝0. What is the wave function in position
space? What is it in the momentum space?

𝑖
𝐴exp �ℏ 𝑝0 𝑥� for |𝑥| ≤ 𝐿
Q.18: A particle is described by the wave-function 𝜓(𝑥) = � .
0 for |𝑥| > 𝐿
(a) Find the normalization constant 𝐴.
(b) What is the probability, 𝑃(𝑝)𝑑𝑝, of finding the particle with momentum between 𝑝 and 𝑝 + 𝑑𝑝?
(c) Sketch the probability density 𝑃(𝑝) and discuss it in relation to the uncertainty principle.
ℎ 𝑃
(d) Let 𝑃1 be the probability density of finding the particle at 𝑝 = 𝑝0 + 4𝐿. Find the ratio 1 ).
𝑃(𝑝 0

𝑖
Q.19: Given the wave-function 𝜓(𝑥) = 𝐴 exp �−𝑐|𝑥| + ℏ 𝑝0 𝑥�,
(a) Find 𝐴 to normalize 𝜓(𝑥).
(b) Sketch the real and imaginary parts of this wave-function.
(c) Find the wave-function in the momentum space.

𝐴(𝑎 − |𝑥|) for |𝑥| ≤ 𝑎

Q.20: The wave function for a free particle in 1-D is given by, 𝜓(𝑥) = �
0 for |𝑥| > 𝑎
(a) Plot the wave-function and find the normalization constant 𝐴.
(b) Calculate the average momentum of the particle.
(c) Find the probability of finding the particle in momentum interval 𝑑𝑝 centered at 𝑝 = 0.

Q.21: (a) Find the size of the wave-packet associated with a free electron so that the kinetic energy due to
the associated momentum (uncertainty) is same as its rest mass energy.
3𝑞 2
(b) According to em-theory the self energy of a uniformly charged sphere with total charge𝑞 is 𝑊 = 20𝜋𝜖 𝑅.
0
What would be the electron's radius assuming that all the rest mass energy is this self energy?
(c) The measured radius of a proton is about 10-15 m. Suppose the electron and proton have the same density
(as arising from their rest masses), what would be the expected radius of an electron?
(d) What would you conclude about the size of an electron from the above calculations?

Q.22: (a) For a wave-packet propagating in free space, prove that the uncertainty in kinetic energy (Δ𝐸) is
independent of time.
(b) Prove that the expectation value of momentum in 1-D is zero for any real wave function which is
confined, i.e. it goes to zero at infinity.

𝑖
Q.23: Find the normalized eigen function for the operator 𝐴 = (𝑥 + ℏ 𝑝𝑥 ) with eigen value 𝜆 in position
space. [Hint: Solve the equation 𝐴𝜙(𝑥) = 𝜆𝜙(𝑥)]

Q.24: (a) The probability current density for a time dependent wave function 𝜓(𝑥, 𝑡) in one-dimension is
ℏ 𝜕𝜓 𝜕𝜓∗ 𝜕𝜌 𝜕𝑆
given by, 𝑆(𝑥, 𝑡) = 2𝑖𝑚 �𝜓 ∗ 𝜕𝑥 − 𝜓 𝜕𝑥 �. Using Schrödinger equation, prove that 𝜕𝑡 = − 𝜕𝑥. Here 𝜌(𝑥, 𝑡) is
the probability density.
𝑖𝑝 𝑥
(b) Find 𝑆(𝑥) for a free particle wave-function 𝜓(𝑥) = 𝐴 exp � ℏ0 �.
𝑥2 𝑖𝑝0 𝑥
(c) Find 𝑆(𝑥) for Gaussian wave-packet 𝜓(𝑥) = 𝐴 exp �− 𝑎2 + ℏ
� at t = 0 and verify that 𝑆(𝑥) =
|𝜓(𝑥)| 2 〈𝑝〉
𝑚
. Justify the last expression intuitively.

1
Q.25: (a) Verify that the wave-function 𝜓𝜇 (𝑥, 𝑡) = 𝐴 exp �−𝛼 2 (𝑥 − 𝜇)2 − 2 𝛼 2 (|𝜇|2 − 𝜇 2 ) − 𝑖𝜔𝑡� with a
𝜕𝜓
time dependent 𝜇 = 𝜇0 𝑒 −𝑖𝜔𝑡 satisfies the TDSE, i.e. 𝑖ℏ 𝜕𝑡 = 𝐻𝜓, for the simple harmonic oscillator, i.e
𝑝2 1
𝐻 = 2𝑚 + 2 𝑚𝜔2 𝑥 2 . Here 𝛼 = �𝑚𝜔/2ℏ and 𝜔 is the SHO frequency and 𝑚 is the mass.
(b) Find the energy expectation value of this state.
(c) Find the time dependent expectation values of position and momentum associated with this wave-
function.
(d) Find the time dependent uncertainty in position and momentum.

Q.26: The expectation value 〈𝐴〉𝑛 of an operator 𝐴 for a particular state 𝜙𝑛 (𝑥, 𝑡) is defined as 〈𝐴〉𝑛 =
∞
∫∞ 𝜙𝑛∗ (𝑥, 𝑡)(𝐴𝜙𝑛 (𝑥, 𝑡))𝑑𝑥. Given that 𝜙𝑛 (𝑥, 𝑡) is an eigen state of Hamiltonian (𝐻) with energy 𝐸𝑛 , show
that 〈[𝐴, 𝐻]〉𝑛 = 0.

𝑝2
Q.27: (a) In one dimension for 𝐻 = 2𝑚 + 𝑉(𝑥) find [𝑥, 𝐻] and [𝑝, 𝐻].
(b) Use the Heisenberg equation of motion, to prove the following Ehrenfest theorems describing the semi-
𝜕 〈𝑝〉 𝜕 𝜕𝑉
classical motion of a particle: 𝜕𝑡 〈𝑥〉 = 𝑚 and 𝜕𝑡 〈𝑝〉 = − 〈𝜕𝑥 〉. Here, 〈𝐵〉 denotes expectation value of
operator 𝐵 over some given time dependent wave function.
(c) Prove that the expectation (or mean) value of momentum for an energy eigen state is zero in 1-D.

Q.28: The probability that a system having wave function ψ ( x, t ) can be found in a state given by wave
∞

with Aψφ = ∫ ψ ( x, t )φ ( x, t )dx . Given that ϕ1 ( x ) and ϕ 2 ( x ) are Eigen-

2 ∗
function φ ( x, t ) is given by Aψφ
−∞

states of a system's Hamiltonian with energies E1 and E1 such that E1 − E 2 = ω0 . Given also that ϕ1 ( x )
1
and ϕ 2 ( x ) are orthonormal. (a) Find the probability that a system in state [ϕ1 ( x ) + ϕ 2 ( x )] , initially, will
2
be found in the same state after a time t. (b) Plot the above probability as a function of time and discuss the
outcome in terms of time-energy uncertainty relation.

Q.29: 𝜙𝑛 (𝑥) is the nth eigen-state of Hamiltonian, for an infinite square potential well (of width L), with
∞
energy 𝐸𝑛 . Evaluate 〈𝑝〉𝑛 = ∫−∞ 𝜙𝑛∗ (𝑥)𝑝𝜙𝑛 (𝑥)𝑑𝑥, 〈𝑝2 〉𝑛 , 〈𝑥〉𝑛 and 〈𝑥 2 〉𝑛 . What is the uncertainty product
Δ𝑥. Δ𝑝 for the nth eigen-state.

Q.30: 𝜙𝑛 (𝑥) is the nth eigen-state of Hamiltonian, for an infinite square potential well (of width L), with
energy 𝐸𝑛 .
∞ ∗ (𝑥)𝑝𝜙
(a) Find the matrix element of momentum operator between mth and nth states: 𝑝𝑚𝑛 = ∫−∞ 𝜙𝑚 𝑛 (𝑥)𝑑𝑥.
1
(b) The state of a particle in this well at 𝑡 = 0 is given by wave function, 𝜓(𝑥, 0) = [𝜙𝑁−1 (𝑥) + 𝜙𝑁 (𝑥)].
√2
Find the time dependent expectation value of momentum, 〈𝑝〉, for this particle for large values of N. Plot 〈𝑝〉
as a function of time and compare with the classical expectation.

∞ for 𝑥 < 0
Q.31: Consider a particle of mass 𝑚 in an asymmetric potential well: 𝑉(𝑥) = �0 for 0 < 𝑥 < 𝑎
𝑉0 for 𝑥 > 𝑎
(a) Draw V(x) and write the time independent Schrödinger equation and its possible solutions for all the
different 𝑥-ranges for the bound states (𝐸 < 𝑉0).
(b) Use appropriate boundary conditions to derive the relation to find the bound state energies.
(c) Plot the Eigen functions for the two lowest energy bound states.
(d) Does this potential well have at least one bound state for arbitrary 𝑉0? If not, what is the minimum 𝑉0 to
have at least one bound state?
50ℏ2
(e) How many bound states are there for 𝑉0 = ?
𝑚𝑎2

Q.32: Consider a -ve 𝛿-function potential, i.e., 𝑉(𝑥) = −𝜆𝛿(𝑥) at origin.

(a) Prove that the first derivative of the stationary state wave-function must have a discontinuity at 𝑥 = 0.
Find this discontinuity.
(b) Use this to find the bound state energy of a particle in this potential.

∞ for |𝑥| > 2𝑎

Q.33: Consider the following double well potential: 𝑉(𝑥) = �0 for 𝑎 < |𝑥| < 2𝑎
𝑉0 for |𝑥| < 𝑎
(a) Draw 𝑉(𝑥) vs. 𝑥 and write TISE for various 𝑥-ranges.
(b) Write the possible solutions for the bound states which have 𝐸 < 𝑉0 and 𝐸 > 𝑉0 . Plot the ground state
wave function.
(c) Find the transcendental equation(s) to calculate the eigen-energies. Estimate the ground state energy in
large V0 limit, i.e. (2mV0 a 2 /  2 ) >> 1 .
[Hint: I find math simpler if one writes the solutions in the form 𝐴 sin(𝑘𝑥 + 𝛿) and 𝐵 sinh 𝛼𝑥 + 𝐶 cosh 𝛼𝑥,
at least for 𝐸 < 𝑉0].

0 for 𝑥 < 0 & 𝑥 > 𝑎

Q.34: Consider a potential: 𝑉(𝑥) = � . A plane particle-wave 𝐴𝑒 𝑖(𝑘𝑥−𝜔𝑡) strikes this
−𝑉0 for 0 < 𝑥 < 𝑎
potential from 𝑥 < 0 side.
(a) Calculate the probability current densities for the reflected and transmitted waves.
(b) What are the reflection and transmission coefficients.
(c) At what energy of the particle will there be no reflection?

Q.35: Consider a positive 𝛿-function potential in 1-D, i.e., 𝑉(𝑥) = 𝛾𝛿(𝑥).

(a) Prove that the first derivative of the stationary state wave-function must have a discontinuity at 𝑥 = 0.
(b) A particle wave 𝐴𝑒 𝑖𝑘𝑥 is incident from 𝑥 < 0 side. Write the possible solutions of the TISE for the
stationary states corresponding to this incident wave.
(c) Find the reflection and transmission coefficients.

Q.36: In metal to metal tunneling electrons strike the tunnel barrier of height 3 eV and width 0.5 nm from
one metal to the other. What is the approximate probability that the electron tunnels through the barrier?
What is this probability if the barrier width is increased to 0.6 nm?

Q.37: In 𝛼-decay from 94Pu236 nuclei the kinetic energy of emitted 𝛼-particles is found to be 5.75MeV while
its half-life is about 2.2 years. The respective energies of 𝛼-particles from 94Pu238, 94Pu240 and 94Pu242 are
found to be 5.5, 5.2 and 4.8 MeV. Find the half-lives of the later three plutonium isotopes using the
tunneling theory of 𝛼-decay.

Q.38: A plasma at 𝑇 = 104 K consists of carbon nuclei and protons which can fuse to form a nitrogen
nuclei. However they have to overcome the Coulomb barrier to reach a fusion separation of 2 fm.
(a) What is the height of the Coulomb barrier in eV?
(b) What is the probability of overcoming this barrier due to thermal energy?
(c) What is the probability of tunneling through the barrier for a particle with the average thermal energy for
fusion to occur?

Q.39: A plasma at temperature 𝑇 consists of carbon nuclei and protons which can fuse to form a nitrogen
nuclei. However they have to overcome the Coulomb barrier to reach a fusion separation of 2 fm. (i) What
is the height of the Coulomb barrier in eV? (ii) Use the WKB approximation to find the probability of fusion
for a proton with the average thermal energy by tunneling through the Coulomb barrier? (iii) Estimate the
temperature at which probability of overcoming this barrier due to thermal energy equals that of tunneling?

Q.40: Given that 𝐴 and 𝐵 are two Hermitian operators, find if the following operators are Hermitian or not.
(a) 𝐴𝐵 (b) 𝐴𝑛 (n is a positive integer) (c) 𝐴𝐵 + 𝐵𝐴 (d) −𝑖[𝐴, 𝐵]

Q.41: Suppose 𝐴 & 𝐵 are two commuting operators and |𝑢〉 is an Eigen state of 𝐴 with Eigen value c, i.e.
𝐴|𝑢〉 = 𝑐|𝑢〉. Prove that the state 𝐵|𝑢〉 is also an eigen state of 𝐴 with the same eigen value c.

Q.42: Let {|𝑢𝑖 〉} and {|𝑣𝑖 〉} be two different sets of orthonormal bases for the complex linear vector space 𝐸
and 𝐴 is a Hermitian operator. Use the bra-ket algebra to prove that the trace of 𝐴 (i.e. sum of diagonal
elements of 𝐴) is same in the two bases, i.e., the trace of a matrix operator is invariant under a change of
basis.

Q.43: Π is the parity operator, i.e., Π𝜓(𝑥) = ⟨𝑥|Π|𝜓⟩ = −⟨𝑥|𝜓⟩ = −𝜓(𝑥). Prove that
(a) Π2 is identity operator. (b) Π is Hermitian (c) Π is Unitary
 1 0 0
Q.44: Consider a Hermitian matrix 𝐴 = �0 −1 1 � .
0 1 −1
(a) Find its eigen values and eigen vectors.
(b) Find the unitary transformation matrix 𝑆 such that 𝑆𝐴𝑆 † is diagonal and verify this explicitly.

Q.45: Given a Hermitian operator in a three dimensional state space with the basis |𝑢1 〉, |𝑢2 〉, and |𝑢3 〉 as
−1 0 𝑖
𝐻 = ℏ𝜔0 � 0 1 1� with 𝜔0 as constant. Find the unitary matrix 𝑆 such that 𝑆𝐻𝑆 † is diagonal and
−𝑖 1 1
verify this explicitly.

Q.46: Consider a three dimensional state space with the basis |𝑢1 〉, |𝑢2 〉, and |𝑢3 〉. In this basis, two
1 0 0 1 0 0
operators 𝐻 and 𝐵 are given by 𝐻 = ℏ𝜔0 �0 −1 0 � and 𝐵 = 𝑏 �0 0 1� with b and ω0 as
0 0 −1 0 1 0
constants.
(a) Verify that H and B are Hermitian. (b) Show that H and B commute. (c) Find a basis of eigen vectors
common to H and B.

ℏ𝜔
Q.47: The Hamiltonian of a system in an orthonormal basis |𝑢1,2 〉 is, 𝐻 = 2 (𝑖|𝑢1 〉〈𝑢2 | − 𝑖|𝑢2 〉〈𝑢1 |).
(a) Find the matrix elements of H in |𝑢𝑖 〉 basis, i.e. �𝑢𝑖 �𝐻�𝑢𝑗 �, write 𝐻 in the matrix form and verify that 𝐻 is
Hermitian.
1
(b) Show that (|𝑢1 〉 ± 𝑖|𝑢2 〉) are two normalized eigen-states of this 𝐻. What are the corresponding Eigen
√2
energies?
(c) What is the unitary matrix 𝑆 such that 𝑆𝐻𝑆 † is diagonal. Show explicitly that 𝑆𝐻𝑆 † is diagonal.
(d) Given that the state of the system at 𝑡 = 0 is, |𝜓(𝑡 = 0)〉 = |𝑢1 〉; find the state 𝜓(𝑡)〉 at later time 𝑡 in
|𝑢1,2 〉 basis.
(e) What is the probability of finding the system in the state |𝑢2 〉 at a later time 𝑡. What is the average
energy, i.e. 〈𝐻〉𝜓 , of this state?
(f) Given operators 𝐵 = (|𝑢1 〉〈𝑢2 | + |𝑢2 〉〈𝑢1 | ) and 𝐶 = (|𝑢1 〉〈𝑢1 | − |𝑢2 〉〈𝑢2 | ), find 〈𝐵(𝑡)〉𝜓 =
⟨𝜓(𝑡)|𝐵|𝜓(𝑡)⟩ and 〈𝐶(𝑡)〉𝜓 for the above state |𝜓(𝑡)〉.

Q.48: 𝑇𝑎 is the translation-by-a operator in 1-D, i.e. 𝑇𝑎 𝜓(𝑥) = 𝜓(𝑥 + 𝑎), and 𝐻 is a Hamiltonian with a
𝑝2
𝑥
periodic 1-D potential with periodicity 𝑎, i.e. 𝐻 = 2𝑚 + 𝑉(𝑥) with 𝑉(𝑥 + 𝑎) = 𝑉(𝑥).
(a) Prove that 𝐻 commutes with 𝑇𝑎 .
(b) Is 𝑇𝑎 Hermitian? [Hint: analyze a general matrix element 𝑇𝑎 ]
(c) Show that the non-degenerate eigen-states of 𝐻 are also eigen states of 𝑇𝑎 . What are the possible eigen
values of these states with respect to 𝑇𝑎 .

Q.49: Prove that

(a) If 𝐴 is Hermitian, 𝑒 𝑖𝐴 is unitary.
(b) [𝐴, 𝐵]† = [𝐵 † , 𝐴† ]
(c) [𝐴, 𝐵𝐶] = [𝐴, 𝐵]𝐶 + 𝐵[𝐴, 𝐶]
(d) Product of two unitary operators is unitary.
(e) 𝑥 and 𝑝𝑥 operators are Hermitian over the vector space of valid wave functions, i.e. the functions that are
normalizable and thus vanish at infinity.

Q.50: (a) What is the condition that must be satisfied for the product of two Hermitian operators to be a
Hermitian operator.
(b) Find the commutator [𝑥 𝑛 , 𝑝𝑥 ].
(c) Is operator 𝑥 + 𝑖𝑝𝑥 Hermitian?
(d) Is [𝐴, 𝐵] Hermitian if 𝐴 and 𝐵 are Hermitian? What about 𝑖[𝐴, 𝐵]?
Q.51: Let {|𝑢𝑖 〉} be an orthonormal basis for the complex linear vector space 𝐸. Use the bra-ket algebra to
prove the following:
2
(a) For any operator 𝐴, ∑𝑖𝑗�𝑢𝑖 �𝐴�𝑢𝑗 � = Tr(𝐴𝐴† ) , where Tr (Trace) is defined as Tr(𝐴) = ∑𝑖⟨𝑢𝑖 |𝐴|𝑢𝑖 ⟩.
(b) Tr(𝐴𝐵) = Tr(𝐵𝐴).

Q.52: |𝜙〉〈𝜙| is a projection operator, i.e. it projects out the |𝜙〉 part of any given wave-function. What are
the possible Eigen-values of this projection operator? What are its Eigen-states? Show also that the
expectation value of the projection operator over any arbitrary state is positive.

Q.53: Given 𝐴 as a Hermitian operator with Eigen values {𝑎𝑖 } and Eigen vectors |𝜙𝑖 〉. What are the Eigen
vectors and Eigen values of f(𝐴) with f(𝑥) as an analytical function of 𝑥. Write the operator 𝑒 𝑖f(𝐴) in its
Eigen basis in terms of �𝜙𝑖 〉〈𝜙𝑗 �. [Hint: use the projection operator]

𝑥𝑝2
Q.54: For two Eigen states, |𝜙1 〉 and |𝜙2 〉 of the 1-D Hamiltonian 𝐻 = 2𝑚 + 𝑉(𝑥), with Eigen energies 𝐸1
𝑚(𝐸2 −𝐸1 )
and 𝐸2 , show that ⟨𝜙1 |𝑝𝑥 |𝜙2 ⟩ = ⟨𝜙1 |𝑥|𝜙2 ⟩.
iℏ

𝜕
Q.55: Consider the TDSE, 𝐻 |𝜓〉 = iℏ 𝜕𝑡 |𝜓〉 for a time independent Hamiltonian 𝐻. By solving the eigen
value equation one finds the eigen energies as {𝐸𝑛 } with eigen states {|𝑢𝑛 〉} without any degeneracy.
𝑖𝐻𝑡
(a) Show that |𝜓(𝑡)〉 = S|𝜓(0)〉, where 𝑆 = 𝑒 − ℏ is a unitary operator.
(b) If one defines a time dependent expectation value of an operator 𝐴 as 〈𝐴(𝑡)〉 = ⟨𝜓(𝑡)|𝐴|𝜓(𝑡)⟩, show that
〈𝐴(𝑡)〉 = �𝜓(0)�𝑆 † 𝐴𝑆�𝜓(0)�.
𝜕 𝑖
(c) Finally, prove the Heisenberg equation of motion, i.e. 𝜕𝑡 〈𝐴(𝑡)〉 = − ℏ 〈[𝐴, 𝐻]〉.

Q.56: Consider the 𝛿-function limit of the Kronig-Penney (K-P) model with total number of periodic lattices
(𝑁) as ten (10) so the total length of this potential is 10𝑎.
(a) What are the possible allowed values of 𝑘 according to the periodic boundary conditions?
(b) What would be the energies of the five lowest energy states in the limit of 𝑃 ≪ 1, i.e. very weak 𝛿-
function potential?

Q.57: (a) What is the value of 𝑘 for highest and lowest energy states for different bands in the K-P model?
(do it for the 𝛿-function limit.)
(b) Plot the lowest and highest energy wave functions for the lowest energy band in the K-P model (you
may do it for a finite width (b) of the potential barriers, i.e. non-δ-function limit).

Q.58: The Bloch theorem is commonly stated in two ways (i) 𝜓𝑘 (𝑥 + 𝑎) = 𝑒 𝑖𝑘𝑎 𝜓𝑘 (𝑥) and (ii) 𝜓𝑘 (𝑥) =
𝑒 𝑖𝑘𝑥 𝑢𝑘 (𝑥). Here 𝑎 is the lattice period and 𝑢𝑘 (𝑥) is a function with periodicity same as the lattice.
(a) Prove that these two forms imply each other.
(c) Show that two Bloch wave-functions 𝜓𝑘 (𝑥) and 𝜓𝑘′ (𝑥) are orthogonal to each other provided 𝑘 and 𝑘′
do not differ by 2𝜋/𝑎.

Q.59: Consider the K-P model in the 𝛿-function limit in 𝑃 → 0 and 𝑃 → ∞ limits.
(a) Plot 𝐸 vs 𝑘 in these two limits.
(b) Note that 𝑃 → 0 limit corresponds to a free particle while 𝑃 → ∞ limit corresponds to isolated infinite
potential wells. Explain the above 𝐸 vs 𝑘 plots with this understanding.
(c) Explain qualitatively how the 𝐸 vs 𝑘 evolves between these two limits, i.e. as 𝑃 reduces from infinity to
zero.

Q.60: We discussed the K-P model for the potential with periodic +ve 𝛿-functions.
(a) Derive the equation governing the energy eigen states for similar potential with –ve 𝛿-functions.
(b) Discuss the solutions of this equation graphically.
(c) Plot the wave functions corresponding to the lowest and highest energies.
(d) Discuss the limit when the separation between these –ve 𝛿-functions becomes very large.

Q.61: Suppose 𝜓(𝑥, 𝑡) is a general non-stationary state of a Simple Harmonic Oscillator (SHO) with natural
frequency 𝜔. Use the Ehrenfest relations (or otherwise) to show
〈𝑝(0)〉
(a) 〈𝑥(𝑡)〉𝜓 = 〈𝑥(0)〉𝜓 cos 𝜔𝑡 + 𝑚𝜔 𝜓 sin 𝜔𝑡 and
(b) 〈𝑝(𝑡)〉𝜓 = 〈𝑝(0)〉𝜓 cos 𝜔𝑡 − 𝑚𝜔〈𝑥(0)〉𝜓 sin 𝜔𝑡.
Here 〈𝐴(𝑡)〉𝜓 is the expectation value of operator 𝐴 over the time dependent wave-function 𝜓(𝑥, 𝑡).

𝑚𝜔 1/4 𝑚𝜔
Q.62: The normalized ground state for the SHO works out to be 𝜓0 (𝑥) = � 𝜋ℏ � exp �− 2ℏ
𝑥 2 � with
ℏ𝜔
energy 2
. Find the probability to find the particle in classically forbidden region for the ground state.

Q.63: (a) Use the ladder operators (𝑎− & 𝑎+ ) to find the matrix elements ⟨𝑚|𝑥|𝑛⟩, ⟨𝑚|𝑝|𝑛⟩, ⟨𝑚|𝑥 2 |𝑛⟩ and
⟨𝑚|𝑝2 |𝑛⟩ with |𝑛〉 as the 𝑛th eigen-state of the SHO.
(b) Use these to find the uncertainty product (Δ𝑥. Δ𝑝) for the 𝑛th eigen-state of the SHO.

1
Q.64: Consider the SHO with energy eigen-states 𝜙𝑛 (𝑥) and 𝐸𝑛 = �𝑛 + 2� ℏ𝜔. Given that the state of the
|𝜇|2
− 𝜇𝑛
particle in this SHO potential at 𝑡 = 0 is described by a wave function: 𝜓𝜇 (𝑥, 0) = 𝑒 2 ∑∞
𝑛=0 𝜙𝑛 (𝑥)
√𝑛!
with 𝜇 as a complex number.
(a) Show that this state is normalized and it is an eigen-state of the 𝑎− ladder operator. Find the
corresponding eigen-value?
(b) Write the time dependent wave function for this state and find the time-dependent expectation values of
𝑥 and 𝑝.
(c) What are Δ𝑥 and Δ𝑝 for this state at 𝑡 = 0? What is the uncertainty product? Does this product change
with time?

Q.65: From Q.63, the expectation value of 𝑥 and 𝑝 over the eigen-states of the SHO are zero. Does this
violate the results derived in Q.61? Verify explicitly the relations of Q.63 for a superposition state |𝜙〉 =
𝑐1 |𝑛〉 + 𝑐2 |𝑛 + 1〉 with 𝑐1,2 as complex numbers.

Q.66: An HCl molecule has force constant 516 N/m, which is typical for single bond. Find the effective
mass of this molecule and thus the energy difference between neighboring vibration levels. What
wavelength and what region of the em-spectrum (visible, uv, IR, etc.) does this energy difference correspond
to?

∞ for 𝑥 < 0
Q.67: (a) A particle of mass m is subjected to the potential 𝑉(𝑥) = �1 𝑚𝜔2 𝑥 2
2
for 𝑥 > 0. Find the
energy eigen values.
(b) A diatomic molecule having atoms with charges +𝑒 and −𝑒 and reduced mass 𝑚 experiences a uniform
electric field 𝐸 in addition to an inter-atomic harmonic potential 𝑘(𝑟 − 𝑎)2 /2. Here 𝑎 is the equilibrium
inter-atomic separation. Find the energy eigen values corresponding to small oscillations in this molecule.

Q.68: What is the degeneracy of the 3rd excited state of an isotropic harmonic oscillator in 2D? What is it for
an isotropic harmonic oscillator in 3D? Can you find the expression for the degeneracy for the general nth
state for the 3D case?

Q.69: Consider operators 𝐿𝑥 = 𝑦𝑝𝑧 − 𝑧𝑝𝑦 and 𝐿𝑦 = 𝑧𝑝𝑥 − 𝑥𝑝𝑧 and 𝐿𝑧 = 𝑥𝑝𝑦 − 𝑦𝑝𝑥 with 𝑥, 𝑦 and 𝑧 as the
three components of the position operator and 𝑝𝑥 , 𝑝𝑦 and 𝑝𝑧 as three components of the momentum
operator.
(a) Show that �𝐿𝑥 , 𝐿𝑦 � = 𝑖ℏ𝐿𝑧
(b) Show that the operator 𝐿2 = 𝐿2𝑥 + 𝐿2𝑦 + 𝐿2𝑧 commutes with 𝐿𝑥 , 𝐿𝑦 and 𝐿𝑧 .
(c) Show that 𝑌𝑙𝑚 (𝜃, 𝜙) is also an eigen state of the operator 𝐿2𝑥 + 𝐿2𝑦 . Find the corresponding eigen value?
�⃗ makes an angle 𝛼 with the 𝑥𝑦-plane, given by sin 𝛼 = 𝑚 .
Argue that in state 𝑌𝑙𝑚 (𝜃, 𝜙) the vector 𝐿
�𝑙(𝑙+1)

2 2
Q.70: A particle is known to be in a state given by the wave-function 𝜓(𝑟⃗) = 𝑁(𝑟 + 𝑥 + 𝑦 + 𝑧)𝑒 −𝑟 /𝑎 ,
where 𝑁 is a normalization constant.
(a) Suppose 𝐿2 is measured for this state, what are the possible results of the measurements and with what
probabilities?
(b) What are the possible results when 𝐿𝑧 is measured for above state and with what probabilities?
𝛼
Q.71: What is the position of minima in the effective potential for a Coulomb potential 𝑉(𝑟) = − 𝑟 when
the particle has mass 𝑚 and it is in a state with total angular momentum quantum number 𝑙.

Q.72: The complete wave function for an electron in H-atom in (𝑛, 𝑙, 𝑚) = (3,2,1) state works out to be,
𝜓321 (𝑟⃗) = 𝑁𝑟 2 𝑒 −𝑟/3𝑎 sin 𝜃 cos 𝜃 𝑒 𝑖𝜙 .
(a) Find the normalization constant N.
(b) What is average distance between electron and proton in this state?
(c) What is the most probable distance between electron and proton?
(d) Compare these values with the location of the minima in the effective potential for this state.

Q.73: An electron in the Coulomb field of a proton is in a state described by the following spatial wave
function: 𝜙(𝑟⃗) = 𝐴[3𝜓100 (𝑟⃗) + 2𝜓211 (𝑟⃗) − 𝜓210 (𝑟⃗) + √10𝜓31−1 (𝑟⃗)]. Here 𝜓𝑛𝑙𝑚 (𝑟⃗) is the normalized
wave function for H-atom in (𝑛, 𝑙, 𝑚) state.
(a) Determine the value of the normalization constant 𝐴?
(b) What is the expectation value of the energy?
(c) What is the expectation value of 𝐿2 ?
(d) What is the expectation value of 𝐿𝑧 ?

Q.74: (a) What is the Bohr Magneton value in SI units for the electron and the proton?
(b) What is the magnetic potential energy of an electron with its spin magnetic moment aligned anti-parallel
to a magnetic field of 100 G?
(c) What is the Larmour precession frequency of the electron’s spin in this magnetic field?