Electron in a potential well of specified thickness

In summary, the conversation discusses an electron in a potential well with infinitely high potential barriers and its lowest energy state. The formula E=(n^2 pi^2 h(bar)^2)/ (2m Lz^2) is used to calculate the energy of the electron, resulting in approximately 10E-19 j. The question is posed about finding the probability of the electron being between 0.1nm and 0.2nm from one side of the well. It is suggested to use the same equation, but with a different value for Lz. The conversation also mentions the wavefunction and its normalization in accordance with boundary conditions, allowing for the calculation of the probability of finding the electron in a specific range.
  • #1
solas99
69
1
an electron in a potential well of thickness (e.g 1nm) with infinitly high potential barriers. it is in the lowest possible energy state.

to calculate the energy of the electron. i used:

E=(n^2 pi^2 h(bar)^2)/ (2m Lz^2)

which will result in approx 10E-19 j

my question is, how can tackle a situation, when asked to find the probability of finding the electron between 0.1nm and 0.2nm from one side of well?

do i try to use the same equation but change the value of Lz to (0.2-0.1)=0.1nm?
 
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  • #2
Do you know the wavefunction that governs a particle in this situation? (1 dimensional box conditions, infinite potential well)?
Think about how this wave function is normalised in accordance with the boundary conditions- we say the probability of finding the electron somewhere in the range 0 to L (L=1nm) must be equal to 1. With this normalised wave function you can then ask for the probability of finding the electron in range 0.1nm to 0.2nm. i.e. the limits of your integral for the probability become 0.1nm to 0.2nm.
 

Related to Electron in a potential well of specified thickness

1. What is an electron in a potential well of specified thickness?

An electron in a potential well of specified thickness refers to the behavior of an electron when it is confined to a specific region or space by a potential energy barrier. The thickness of the potential well determines the level of confinement experienced by the electron.

2. What factors affect the behavior of an electron in a potential well of specified thickness?

The behavior of an electron in a potential well of specified thickness is affected by the strength and shape of the potential barrier, as well as the mass and energy of the electron itself. Changes in any of these factors can impact the electron's confinement and behavior.

3. How is the energy of an electron in a potential well of specified thickness calculated?

The energy of an electron in a potential well of specified thickness is calculated using the Schrödinger equation, which takes into account the potential energy barrier and the mass of the electron. This equation allows for the determination of the allowed energy levels of the electron within the potential well.

4. What implications does the thickness of the potential well have on an electron's behavior?

The thickness of the potential well has a significant impact on an electron's behavior. A thicker potential well will result in a higher level of confinement for the electron, leading to a smaller region in which the electron can exist and a more restricted range of energy levels. On the other hand, a thinner potential well will result in a lower level of confinement and a larger region in which the electron can exist.

5. How does the concept of an electron in a potential well of specified thickness relate to real-world applications?

The behavior of an electron in a potential well of specified thickness has implications in various fields, such as solid-state physics and materials science. It is also essential in the development of electronic devices, such as transistors and diodes, which rely on the manipulation of electron confinement to control the flow of current. Understanding the behavior of electrons in potential wells is crucial for the advancement of technology and the study of quantum mechanics.

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