PH503: Quantum Mechanics I
Midsemester Examination. September 28, 2024
Note: This exam is worth 50 points. Attempt all the problems. This is a closed book, closed notes
examination.
1. In a two dimensional vector space spanned by the basis kets {|1⟩ , |2⟩}, consider an operator Â
whose matrix form is given by:
0 −i
 = .
i 0
Find the matrices that act as projectors onto the eigenstates of this matrix and verify that they
2
P
satisfy the completeness relation |ei ⟩ ⟨ei | = 1. (5 points)
i=1
2. A quantum mechanical system is known to possess only two energy eigenstates (i.e., eigenstates
of the Hamiltonian operator) denoted by |1⟩ and |2⟩. In addition to the Hamiltonian, there is
another observable represented by an operator Q̂. The states |1⟩ and |2⟩ may or may not be
eigenstates of Q̂, i.e., we do not know if Q̂ commutes with Ĥ. However, you are given the following
“data”: ⟨1|Q̂|1⟩ = 1/2, ⟨1|Q̂2 |1⟩ = 1/4. Using this information, deduce as many eigenvectors and
eigenvalues of Q̂ as you can. (10 points)
3. Suppose that the Hamiltonian Ĥ is a linear operator with
Ĥ |ψ⟩ = g |ϕ⟩ ; Ĥ |ϕ⟩ = g ∗ |ψ⟩ ; Ĥ |Γ⟩ = 0,
where g is an arbitrary constant, |ψ⟩ and |ϕ⟩ are a pair of normalized, linearly independent (but
not necessarily orthogonal) state vectors, and |Γ⟩ is a vector orthogonal to both |ψ⟩ and |ϕ⟩. What
are the conditions that |ψ⟩ and |ϕ⟩ must satisfy in order for this Hamiltonian to be Hermitian?
With these conditions satisfied, find the states with definite energy, and the corresponding energy
eigenvalues. (10 points)
4. A box containing a particle is divided into a right and left compartment by a thin partition. If
the particle is known to be in the right (left) side with certainty, the state is represented by the
position eigenket |R⟩ (|L⟩), where we neglect spatial variations within each half of the box. (This
is another example of a two state system like the spin states discussed in class). The most general
state vector can then be written as:
|α⟩ = ⟨R|α⟩ |R⟩ + ⟨L|α⟩ |L⟩ ,
with “wavefunctions” ⟨R|α⟩ and ⟨L|α⟩. Consider the following Hamiltonian:
Ĥ = ∆ (|L⟩ ⟨R| + |R⟩ ⟨L|) ,
where ∆ is a real number with dimensions of energy. (This is an example of “tunneling” - we will
learn more about this phenomenon later in the course).
(a) (2 points) Find the normalized energy eigenkets and the corresponding energy eigenvalues.
(b) (4 points) Suppose the system is represented by a state vector |α⟩ as given above at time
t = 0. What is the time evolution of this state, i.e., find |α(t)⟩.
(c) (4 points) Suppose at t = 0 the particle is in the right compartment with certainty. What is
the probability for observing the particle in the left compartment as a function of time?
5. Consider a one dimensional simple harmonic oscillator.
(a) (5 points) Construct a linear combination of the states |0⟩ and |1⟩ such that ⟨X̂⟩ is as large
as possible.
(b) (5 points) Suppose that the system starts out in the state you found in the previous part at
time t = 0. What is the state for t > 0? Find ⟨X̂⟩ in the time evolved state.
6. Consider a particle of mass m and charge q moving under the influence of a one-dimensional
harmonic oscillator potential. Now imagine it is placed in a region of constant electric field E. The
new Hamiltonian of the system is thus given by:
P̂ 2 1
Ĥ = + mω 2 X̂ 2 − qE X̂,
2m 2
where the last term determines the interaction of the charged particle with the static electric field.
Determine the energy eigenvalues. (5 points)
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