For a particle in a 1-dimensional box,what happens to the zero-point energy if the width of the box is halved?
A) nothing,it remains at zero
B) it doubles
C) it halves
D) it quadruples
E) it quarters

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The zero-point energy for a particle in a 1-dimensional box is given by E0= 1/2(h^2/8mL^2), where L is the width of the box. When the width of the box is halved, the value of L becomes L/2. Plugging this new value of L in the equation for E0 gives E0= 1/2(h^2/8m(L/2)^2)= 4E0. Therefore, the zero-point energy quadruples when the width of the box is halved.

For a Particle in a 1-Dimensional Box,what Happens to the Zero-Point