Exercises
13.2.1 Show with the aid of the Leibniz formula that the series expansion of Ln (x ) (Eq. (13.60)) follows from the Rodrigues representation (Eq. (13.59)).
13.2.2 (a) Using the explicit series form (Eq. (13.60)) show that
(b) Repeat without using the explicit series form of Ln (x ).
13.2.3 From the generating function derive the Rodrigues representation
13.2.4 Derive the normalization relation (Eq. (13.79)) for the associated Laguerre polynomials.
13.2.6 Expand e−ax in a series of associated Laguerre polynomials fixed and n ranging from 0 to ∞.
(a) Evaluate directly the coefficients in your assumed expansion.
(b) Develop the desired expansion from the generating function.
13.2.7 Show that
Hint. Note that
13.2.8 Assume that a particular problem in quantum mechanics has led to the ODE
for nonnegative integers n, k . Write y(x) as
y(x) = A(x)B(x)C(x),
with the requirement that
(a) A(x ) be a negative exponential giving the required asymptotic behavior of y(x) and
(b) B(x ) be a positive power of x giving the behavior of y(x) for 0 ≤ x ≪ 1.
Determine A(x ) and B(x ). Find the relation between C(x) and the associated Laguerre polynomial.
13.2.9 From Eq. (13.91) the normalized radial part of the hydrogenic wave function is
The quantity { r } is the average displacement of the electron from the nucleus, whereas {r −1} is the average of the reciprocal displacement.
13.2.11 The hydrogen wave functions, Eq. (13.91), are mutually orthogonal, as they should be, since they are eigenfunctions of the self-adjoint Schrödinger equation
Yet the radial integral has the (misleading) form
which appears to match Eq. (13.83) and not the associated Laguerre orthogonality relation, Eq. (13.79). How do you resolve this paradox?
ANS. The parameter α is dependent on n. The first three α,previously shown, are 2Z/ n1 a0 . The last three are 2Z/ n2 a0 .For n1 = n2 Eq. (13.83) applies. For n1 = n2 neither Eq. (13.79) nor Eq. (13.83) is applicable
13.2.12 A quantum mechanical analysis of the Stark effect (parabolic coordinate) leads to the ODE
Here F is a measure of the perturbation energy introduced by an external electric field.
Find the unperturbed wave functions (F = 0) in terms of associated Laguerre polynomials.
13.2.13 The wave equation for the three-dimensional harmonic oscillator is
13.2.14 Write a computer program that will generate the coefficients as in the polynomial form of the Laguerre polynomial
13.2.15
13.2.16 Tabulate L10 (x ) for x = 0.0(0.1)30.0. This will include the 10 roots of L10 . Beyond x = 30.0,L10 (x ) is monotonic increasing. If graphic software is available, plot your results.
Check value. Eighth root = 16.279.
13.2.17 Determine the 10 roots of L10 (x ) using root-finding software. You may use your knowledge of the approximate location of the roots or develop a search routine to look for the roots. The 10 roots of L10 (x ) are the evaluation points for the 10-point Gauss–Laguerre quadrature. Check your values by comparing with AMS-55, Table 25.9.
13.2.18 Calculate the coefficients of a Laguerre series expansion (Ln (x ), k = 0) of the exponential e−x . Evaluate the coefficients by the Gauss–Laguerre quadrature (compare Eq. (10.64)). Check your results against the values given in Exercise 13.2.6.
Note. Direct application of the Gauss–Laguerre quadrature with f(x )Ln (x )e−x gives poor accuracy because of the extra e−x . Try a change of variable, y = 2x , so that the function appearing in the integrand will be simply Ln (y /2).
13.2.19 (a) Write a subroutine to calculate the Laguerre matrix elements
13.2.20 Write a subroutine to calculate the numerical value of for specified values of n, k , and x . Require that n and k be nonnegative integers and x ≥ 0.
1. What are Hermite and Laguerre special functions? |
2. How are Hermite and Laguerre special functions applied in physics? |
3. Can you provide examples of physical systems where Hermite and Laguerre special functions are used? |
4. Are Hermite and Laguerre special functions only applicable in physics? |
5. Are there any real-world applications of Hermite and Laguerre special functions? |
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