University Physics with Modern Physics (14th Edition)

Published by Pearson
ISBN 10: 0321973615
ISBN 13: 978-0-32197-361-0

Chapter 40 - Quantum Mechanics I: Wave Functions - Problems - Exercises - Page 1355: 40.22

Answer

$\sqrt{\frac{3}{2}}$.

Work Step by Step

Outside the well, for $x \gt L$, $U=U_o$ and the momentum $p=\sqrt{2m(E-U_o)}= \sqrt{2m(2U_o)}$. Inside the well, for $0 \lt x \lt L$, $U=0$ and the momentum $p=\sqrt{2m(E-0)}= \sqrt{2m(3U_o)}$. The de Broglie wavelength is inversely proportional to the momentum, $\lambda=\frac{h}{p}$. The ratio of wavelengths is now calculated. $$\frac{\lambda_{out}}{\lambda_{in}}=\frac{\sqrt{2m(3U_o)}}{ \sqrt{2m(2U_o)}}$$ $$\frac{\lambda_{out}}{\lambda_{in}}=\sqrt{\frac{3}{2}}$$
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