Question

What is the minimum Energy possessed by the particle in a box?

(a) Zero

(b) \(\frac{\pi^2\hbar^2}{2mL^2}\)

(c) \(\frac{\hbar^2}{2m}\)

(d) \(\frac{\pi^2\hbar}{2m}\)

The question was asked in an internship interview.

My doubt is from Finite Potential Well in division Quantum Physics of Engineering Physics I

Answer 1

The correct choice is (c) \(\frac{\hbar^2}{2m}\)

Explanation: The minimum energy possessed by a particle inside a box in a finite potential well is equal to \(\frac{\hbar^2}{2m}\). The particle can never be at rest, as it will violate Heisenberg’s Uncertainty Principle.