Particle in a Divided Box

Been a while since the last post since I’ve been working on typing up this long problem and have had some other work on my desk, but here is Sakurai 2.10. I make no guarantees of the validity of the result, but this should be an okay guide. This problem essentially gives us a particle in a state described by two wavefunctions, and then has us calculate energy eigenvalues of the system, time evolution, etc. This is a great problem for those still getting used to Dirac notation.

Potential Energy in the quantum SHO

Here I review the SHO from Griffiths, with a touch of Dirac notation. This problem is incredibly useful in highlighting SHO problems and their approach using the creation annihilation operators. I also mean for this to provide a bit of a stepping stone into Dirac notation, while leaving the wave function approach to Griffiths for readers to review to in order to see how this notation actually works.

Transformation Matrix

Here we look at the general idea of how to construct a transformation matrix, for use in quantum mechanics. A transformation matrix works to transform the state in some way, and there can be many different types of transformation operators, which makes them essential to understand. Here, I work through problem 1.26 from Sakurai, trying to provide ample thoughts and insights for the problem. This problem highlights a transformation matrix that transforms the Sz spin basis states to the Sx spin basis states.

Compatible and Degenerate Observables

Today we look at compatible and degenerate observables, utilizing Sakurai Problem 1.23 as an introduction. Compatible observables are very important in quantum mechanics, and understanding the initial concepts with the use of matrix form operators and eigenstates is very useful. Attached is a pdf with the foray into this problem and subject, and once again the validity is not guaranteed.