Modern Physics II

Homework #3
Due on February 8, 2016 at 5:40pm

Professor Richard Delzenero

Robert P. Ringstad

Robert P. Ringstad

Homework #3

Problem 1

Problem 1
Ch 9: #5
Using the Maxwell Speed Distribution:
(a) Write an integral expression for the number of molecules in an ideal gas that would have speed v > c at
T = 293K.
(b) Explain why the numerical result of the expression you found in part (a) is negligible.
Solution:
(a)
(b)

Problem 2
Ch 9: #7
Assuming that a gas of neutrons is in thermal equilibrium, find v and v when:
(a) T = 300K
(b) T = 630K
Solution:
(a)
(b)

Problem 3
Ch 9: #5
Using the Maxwell Speed Distribution:
(a) Write an integral expression for the number of molecules in an ideal gas that would have speed v > c at
T = 293K.
(b) Explain why the numerical result of the expression you found in part (a) is negligible.
Solution:
(a)
(b)

Robert P. Ringstad

Homework #3

Problem 4

Problem 4
Ch 9: #5
Using the Maxwell Speed Distribution:
(a) Write an integral expression for the number of molecules in an ideal gas that would have speed v > c at
T = 293K.
(b) Explain why the numerical result of the expression you found in part (a) is negligible.
Solution:
(a)
(b)

Problem 5
Ch 9: #5
Using the Maxwell Speed Distribution:
(a) Write an integral expression for the number of molecules in an ideal gas that would have speed v > c at
T = 293K.
(b) Explain why the numerical result of the expression you found in part (a) is negligible.
Solution:
(a)
(b)

Problem 6
Ch 9: #5
Using the Maxwell Speed Distribution:
(a) Write an integral expression for the number of molecules in an ideal gas that would have speed v > c at
T = 293K.
(b) Explain why the numerical result of the expression you found in part (a) is negligible.
Solution:
(a)
(b)

Robert P. Ringstad

Homework #3

Problem 7

Problem 7
Ch 9: #5
Using the Maxwell Speed Distribution:
(a) Write an integral expression for the number of molecules in an ideal gas that would have speed v > c at
T = 293K.
(b) Explain why the numerical result of the expression you found in part (a) is negligible.
Solution:
(a)
(b)

Problem 8
Ch 9: #5
Using the Maxwell Speed Distribution:
(a) Write an integral expression for the number of molecules in an ideal gas that would have speed v > c at
T = 293K.
(b) Explain why the numerical result of the expression you found in part (a) is negligible.
Solution:
(a)
(b)

Problem 9
Ch 9: #5
Using the Maxwell Speed Distribution:
(a) Write an integral expression for the number of molecules in an ideal gas that would have speed v > c at
T = 293K.
(b) Explain why the numerical result of the expression you found in part (a) is negligible.
Solution:
(a)
(b)

Robert P. Ringstad

Homework #3

Problem 10

Problem 10
Find the Bound-State solutions to the Time-Independent Schrodinger Equation for the Finite Square Well
Potential.

Solution: The Finite-Square Well Potential is given by

x < a

0
V (x) = V0 a x a ,

0
x>a

(1)

where a is the width of the well and V0 > 0 is the depth of the well. We can see that V0 < E < 0, because
we are looking for Bound-States and V0 was defined as positive definite.
In general, the Time-Independent Schr
odinger Equation reads

2 d2
+ V = E.
2m dx2

(2)

When x < a, V (x) = 0. Then, (2) reads

Letting

2mE
,

2 d2
= E
2m dx2
d2
2mE
=
.
dx2
2

(3)

(3) is
d2
= 2 .
dx2

(4)

This dierential equation yields solutions of the form, for x < a,

(x) = Aex + Bex .

(5)

Likewise, when x > a, V (x) = 0. (2) takes the same form as (4). Solutions are of the form, for x > a,
(x) = F ex + Gex .

(6)

When a x a, V (x) = V0 . (2) is then

Defining a new variable l

2 d2
V0 = E
2m dx2
d2
2m(E + V0 )
=
.
dx2
2

2m(E+V0 )
,

(7)

(7) becomes
d2
= l2 .
dx2

(8)

This dierential equation admits solutions of the form, for a x a,

(x) = C sin(lx) + D cos(lx).

(9)