Sk Jahiruddin QM Basics

Quantum Mechanics 5. A photon of wavelength λ is incident on a free

electron at rest and is scattered in the back-
Basics ward direction. The function shift in its wave-
length in terms of the Compton wavelength λc
1. A particle of rest mass m0 is moving uniformly of the electron is [JAM - 2008]
λc 2λc 3λc
in a straight line with relativistic velocity βc, (a) 2λ
(b) 3λ
(c) 2λ
(d)
2λc
where c is the velocity of light in vacuum and λ
(Ans - d)
0 < β < 1. The phase velocity of the de
Broglie wave associated with the particle is 6. A particle is confined in one dimensional box
[JAM - 2006] with impenetrable walls at x = ±a. Its en-
ergy eigenvalue is 2 eV and the corresponding
c c
(a) βc (b) β
(c) c (d) β2 eigenfunction is as shown below [JAM - 2007]
(Ans - b)

2. A neutron of mass mn = 10−27 kg is moving

inside a nucleus to be a cubical box of size
10−14 m with impenetrable walls. Take ~ ≈
10−14 Js and 1 MeV ≈ J. An estimate of the
energy in MeV of the neutron is [JAM - 2006] The lowest possible energy of the particle is
(a) 80 MeV = (b) 1
MeV = (c) MeV = (d) (a) 4 eV (b) 2 eV (c) 1 eV
8
1
M eV (Ans - b) (d) 0.5 eV (Ans - d)
80

3. The wave function Ψn (x) of a particle confined 7. The speed of an electron, whose de Broglie
to a one-dimensional box of length L with wavelength is equal to its Compton wave-
q length, is (c is the speed of light) [JAM
rigid walls is given by Ψn (x)= 2
L
sin( nπx)
L
), 2007]
n=1, 2, 3, ... [JAM - 2008] √
(a) c (b) c/ 2 (c) c/2
(d) c/3 (Ans - b)
(a) Determine the energy eigenvalues. Also,
determine the eigenvalues and the eigenfunc- 8. A beam of light of wavelength 400 nm and
tions of the momentum operator. Ans = power 1.55 mW is directed at the cathode of
1 a photoelectric cell. (Given: hc= 1240 eV nm,
n2 π 2 ~2 /2mL2 : nπ~/L √ exp inπx/L
L e = 1.6 × 10−19 C). If only 10% of the inci-
dent photons effectively produced photoelec-
(b) Show that the energy eigenfunctions are trons, find the current due to these electrons.
not the eigenfunctions of the momentum oper- If the wavelength of light is now reduced to 200
ator. [This Qs contains many important con- nm, keeping its power the same, the kinetic en-
cepts. Read infinite potential well from Arthur ergy of the electrons is found to increase by a
Beiser first, then from David Griffiths, then factor of 5. What are the values of the stopping
think of the problem again] potentials for the two wavelength? [JAM
2007] (Concepts: Photoelectric effect)
4. A particle of mass m and energy E moving in (Ans : Current = 50mA. Stopping Potential
the positive x direction, encounters a one di- = 0.775V and 3.875V )
mensional potential barrier atx = 0. The bar-
rier is defined by [JAM - 2005] 9. Light described by the equation
15 −1
V = 0 for x < 0 E = (90V /m)[sin (6.28 × 10 s )t +
V = V0 for x ≥ 0 (V0 is positive and E > V0 sin (12.56 × 1015 s−1 )t] is incident on a
If the wave function of the particle in the re- metl surface. The work function of the metal
gion x < 0 is given as Aeikx + Be−ikx is 2.0 eV. Maximum kinetic energy of the
(a) Find the ratio B/A photo-electrons will be [JAM 2011]
(b) If B/A = 0.4, find E/V0 , and the trans- (a) 2.14 eV (b) 4.28 eV (c) 6.28 eV
mission coefficients. (d) 12.56 eV

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Sk Jahiruddin QM Basics

10. When the temperature of a blackbody is dou- 14. A particle of mass m is confined in a two-
bled, the maximum value of its spectral energy dimensional infinite square well potential of
density, with respect to that at initial temper- side a. The eigen-energy of the particle in a
2 ~2
ature, would become [JAM 2012] given state is E = 25π
2a2
. The state is [JAM -
(a)1/16 times (b) 8 times (c) 16 times 2010]
(d) 32 times (a) 4-fold degenerate (b) 3-fold de-
generate (c) 2-fold degenerate (d)
11. A particle of mass m is confined in a one-
Non-degenerate
dimensional box of unit length. At time
t = 0 the wavefunction of the particle is
Ψx,0 = Asin2πxcosπx, where A is the normal- (Hint: Energy Level of two Dimensional in-
ization constant.[JAM 2009] finite potential well is the summation of
(a) Write the wavefunction Ψ(x,t) at a later energy level of two 1D infinite potential
time t. (Ans = sin (πx) exp (−iE1 t/~) + well E(n1 , n2 ) = n21 π 2 ~2 /2mL21 +
2 2 2 2
sin (3πx) exp (−iE2 t/~) where En = n2 π ~ /2mL2 ) (Ans - b)
n2 π 2 ~2 /2m = energy level of this infinite
15. The wave function of a quantum mechanical
1D box of L = 1)
particle is given by [JAM - 2011]
(b) Find the expectation values of momentum
and energy at t = 0. (Ans: 0 and 5π 2 ~2 /2m
respectively) Ψ(x) = 35 Φ1 (x) + 45 Φ2 (x)

12. A particle of mass m is confined in a potential- where Φ1 (x) and Φ2 (x) are eigenfunctions
box of sides Lx , Ly , Lz , as shown in the figure. with corresponding energy eigenvalues -1 eV
By solving schrodinger equation of the parti- and -2 eV, respectively. The energy of the
cle, find its eigenfunctions and energy eigen- particle in the state Ψ is
values. [JAM 2012]
−41
(a) 25
eV (b) −11
5
eV (c) 36
25
eV
−7
(d) 5
eV (Ans - a)

16. A particle of mass m is subjected to a poten-

tial V (x) = ax2 , −∞ < x < ∞, where a is
a positive constant of appropriate dimensions.
Using the relation ∆x∆p ≈ ~2 , estimate the
minimump energy of the particle. [JAM - 2013]
(Ans = ~ (a/2m)

17. A beam of X-rays of wavelength 0.2 nm is in-

cident on a free electron and gets scattered in
a direction with respect to the direction of the
incident radiation resulting in maximum wave-
length shift. The percentage energy loss of the
incident radiation is [JAM - 2013] (Ans
= 4.5)

18. A free particle of mass m is confined to a re-

13. In a Compton experiment, the ultraviolet light
of wavelength 2000 is scattared from an elec-
tron at rest. What should be the minimum re-
solving power of an optical instrument to mea-
sure the Compton shift, if the observation is
made at 900 with respect to the direction of
the incident light? [JAM 2010] (Ans = 81300)
gion of length L. The de Broglie wave associ-
ated with the particle is sinusoidal in nature as
given in the figure. the energy of the particle
is [JAM - 2013] (Ans = 9~2 π 2 /2mL2 )
19. Electric field component of an electromag-
netic radiation varies with time as E =

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Sk Jahiruddin QM Basics

21. Four particles of mass m each are inside a two

dimensional square box of side L. If each state
obtained from the solution of the Schrodinger
equation is occupied by only one particle, the
h2
minimum energy of the system in units of mL 2

is [JAM 2014]
5 11 25
(a) 2 (b) 2
(c) 2
(d) 4
(Ans = b)

22. Thermal neutrons (energy = 300 Kb = 0.025

eV) are sometimes used for structural determi-
nation of materials. The typical lattice spac-
a(cosω0 t + sinω0 t), where a is a constant ing of a material for which these can be used
and values of ω and ω0 are 1 × 1015 s−1 and is [JAM 2014]
5 × 1015 s−1 respectively. This radiation falls
(a) 0.01 nm (b) 0.05 nm (c) 0.1
on a metal of work function 2 eV. the maxi-
nm (d) 0.15 nm (Ans - d)
mum kinetic energy (in eV) of photoelectrons
is [JAM 2013]
23. In a photoelectric effect experiment, ultravio-
(a) 0.64 (b) 1.30 (c) 1.70 (d) 1.95 let light of wavelength 320 nm falls on the pho-
(Ans = b) tocathode with work function of 2.1 eV. The
stopping potential should be close to [JAM
20. A standing wave of light is formed between two 2014]
mirrors and a beam of atoms is incident on
it normally (see figure below) from the left. (a) 1.8 V (b) 1.6 V (c) 2.2 V
On the right side, atoms are detected in the (d) 2.4 V (Ans - a)
direction of the beam and also at an angle θ
as shown in the figure. This is due to mate- 24. A particle of mass m carrying charge q is mov-
rial waves of atoms diffracted by the standing ing in a circle in a magnetic field. According
wave that acts like a grating; the slit width to Bohr’s model, the energy of the particle in
of this grating is given by the distance be- the nth level is [JAM 2014]
tween two maxima of the light intensity. If
(a) n12 hqB hqB



(b) n (c)
the atomic beam is made of atoms of mass m hqB

πm hqB

πm
moving with speed v and the light wave has n 2πm (d) n 4πm (Ans - d)
wavelength λL , find the smallest angle θ by
using the diffraction condition. [JAM 2014] 25. A particle is in a state which is a superpo-
2h sition of the ground state Φ0 and the first
(Ans: θ = sin−1 ) excited state Φ1 of a one-dimensuonal quan-
nνλL
tum harmonic oscillator. The state is given by
Φ = √15 Φ0 + √25 Φ1 . The expectation value of
the energy of the particle in this state (in units
of ~ω, ω being the frequency of the oscillator)
is [JAM 2015] (Ans = 13/10)

26. X-rays of wavelength 0.24 nm are Compton

scattered and the scattered beam is observed
at an angle of 600 relative to the incident beam.
The Compton wavelength of the electron is
0.00243 nm. The kinetic energy of scattered
electron in eV is [JAM 2015] (Ans =
24.75)

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Sk Jahiruddin
27. A nucleus has a size of 10−15 m. Consider an
electron bound within a nucleus. The esti-
mated energy of this electron is of the order
of [JAM 2015]
2 4
(a) 1 MeV (b) 10 MeV (c) 10
6 8mL2 √
MeV (d) 10 MeV (Ans - c)
28. Consider a free electron (e) and a photon (ph)
both having 10eV of energy. If λ and P repre-
sent wavelength and momentum respectively,
then
(mass of electron = 9.1 × 10−31 kg; speed of
light = 3 × 108 m/s) [JAM - 2016]
(a) λe = λph and Pe = Pph (b)
λe < λph and Pe > Pph
(c) λe > λph and Pe < Pph (d)
λe > λph and Pe < Pph (Ans - b)
29. In photonelectric experiment both sodium
(work function = 2.3 eV) and tungsten (work
function = 4.5 eV) metals were illuminated by
an ultraviolet light of same wavelength. If the
stopping potential for tungsten is measured is
measured to be 1.8 V, the value of the stopping
potential for sodium will be [JAM -
2016] (Ans = 4)
30. The de Broglie wavelength of a relativistic elec-
tron having 1 MeV of energy is × 10−12
m. (Take the rest mass energy of the elec-
tron to be 0.5 MeV. Plank constant = 6.63 ×
10−34 Js, speed of light = 3 × 108 m/s, Elec-
tronic charge = 1.6 × 10−19 C) [JAM
2016] (Ans = 1.42)
31. X-ray of 20 KeV energy is scattered inelasti-
cally from a carbon target. The kinetic energy
transferred to the recoiling electron by photons
scattered at 900 with respect to the incident
beam is KeV. (JAM 2016)
(Plank constant = 6.63×10−34 Js, speed of light
= 3 × 108 m/s, electron mass = 9.1 × 10−31 kg,
Electronic charge = 1.6 × 10−19 C)
(Ans = 78)
32. MSQ A particle is moving in a two dimen-
sional potential well
V (x, y) = 0, 0 ≤ x ≤ L, 0 ≤ y ≤ 2L
= ∞, elsewhere
jahir.iitb@gmail.com
QM Basics
which of the following statements about the
ground state energy E1 and ground state eigen-
function Φ0 are true? [JAM 2015]
2 2
(a) E1 = ~mLπ2 (b)
E1 = 5~
2 π2
πy
(c) Φ0√ = L2 sin πx
L
sin 2L (d)
πy
Φ0 = L2 cos πx
L
cos 2L (Ans = b, c)
33. (MSQ) A slit has width ’d’ along the x-
direction. If a beam of electrons, accelerated
in y-direction to a particular velocity by apply-
ing a potential difference of 100±0.1 kV passes
through the slit, then, which of the following
statement (s) is (are) correct? (JAM - 2016)
(a) The uncertainty in the position of the elec-
tron in x-direction before passing the slit.
(b) The momentum of electrons in x-direction
is − d~ immediately after passing the slit
(c) The uncertainty in the position of electron
in y-direction before passing the list is zero
(d) The presence of the slit does not affect
the uncertainty in momentum of electrons in
y-direction
(Ans = b, d)
34. (MSQ) A free particle of energy E collides with
a one-dimensional square potential barrier of
height V and width W. Which one of the fol-
lowing statement(s) is /are correct?
(a) For E > V , the transmission coefficient for
the particle across the barrier will always be
unity
(b) For E < V , the transmission coefficient
changes more rapidly with W than with V
(c) For E < V , if V is doubled, the transmis-
sion coefficient will also be doubled
(d) Sum of the reflection and the transmission
coefficients is always one
(Ans = b, d)
35. A free particle is moving in +x direction with a
linear momentum p. The wavefunction of the
particle normalized in a length L is
√1 sin p x
(a) L ~
(b) √1L cos ~p x (c)
√1 e −i p~ x p
L
(d) √1L ei ~ x
36. A particle of mass m is represented by the
wavefunction Ψ(x) = Aeikx , where k is the
4 physicsguide.in
Sk Jahiruddin QM Basics

wavevector and A is a constant. The magni- 41. The commutator [Lx , y], where Lx is the x-
tude of the probability current density of the component of the angular momentum opera-
particle is (GATE 2006) tor and y is the y-component of the position
(a) |A|2 ~k (b) |A|2 2m
~k
(c) operator, is equal to
m
2 2
|A|2 (~k)
m
(d) |A|2 (~k)
2m
(a) 0 (b) i~x (c)
Ans = a i~y (d) i~z

37. Which of the the folowing relations is true for 42. The wave function of a particle, moving in
Pauli matrices σx , σy and σz (GATE 2006) a one-dimensional time-independent potential
V (x), is given by Ψ(x) = e−iax+b , where a and
(a) σx σy = σy σx (b) σx σy = σz (c)
b are constants. This means that the potential
σx σy = iσz (d) σx σy = -σy σx
V (x) is of the form (GATE 2007)
Ans = d
(a) V (x) ∝ x (b) V (x) ∝ x2 (c)
38. The wavefunctions of two identical particles in V (x) = 0 (d) V (x) ∝ e−ax
states n and s are given by φn (r1 ) and φs (r2 ), Ans = c
respectively. The particles obey Maxwell-
Boltzmann statics. The state of the combined 43. For a particle of mass m in a one-dimensional
two-particle system is expressed as harmonic oscillator potential of the form
(a) φn (r1 ) + φs (r2 ) (b) V (x) = 21 mω 2 x2 , the first excited energy eigen-
2
√1 [φn (r1 )φs (r2 ) + φn (r2 )φs (r1 )] state is Ψ(x) = xe−ax . The value of a is
2
(GATE 2007)
(c) √12 [φn (r1 )φs (r2 ) − φn (r2 )φs (r1 )] (d)
mω
φn (r1 )φs (r2 ) (a) 4~
(b) mω
3~
(c)
mω
2~
(d) 2mω
3~
39. A one-dimensional harmonic oscillator is in the
state 44. If [x, p] = i~, the value of [x3 , p] is (GATE
2007)
Ψ(x) = √1 [3Ψ0 (x) − 2Ψ1 (x) + Ψ2 (x)] (a) 2i~x2 (b) −2i~x2 (c)
14
3i~x2 (d) −3i~x2
where Ψ0 (x) Ψ1 (x) and Ψ2 (x) are the ground, (DATA for next three Questions)
first excited and second excited states, respec-
tively. The probability of finding the oscillator A particle of mass m is confined in the ground
in the ground state is state of a one-dimensional box, extending from
x = -2L to x = +2L. The wavefunction of the
(a) 0 (b) √314 (c) πx
particle in this state is Ψ(x) = Ψ0 Cos 4L where
9
14
(d) 1 Ψ0 is a constant. (GATE 2007)
40. The wavefunction of a particle in a one- 45. The normalization factor Ψ0 of this wavefunc-
dimensional potential at time t=0 is tion is
q q
Ψ(x, t = 0) = √1 [2Ψ0 (x) − Ψ1 (x)] (a) L2 (b) 4L 1
(c)
15 q q
1
2L
(d) L1
where Ψ0 (x) and Ψ1 (x) are the ground and the
Ans = c
first excited states of the particle with corre-
sponding energies E0 and E1 . The wavefunc- 46. The energy eigen value corresponding to this
tion of the particle at a time t is (GATE 2006) state is
(a) √15 e−i(E0 +E1 )t/2~ [2Ψ0 (x) − Ψ1 (x)] (b) (a) ~2 π 2 2 2
~ π
(b) 4mL (c)
2mL2 2
√1 e−iE0 t/~ [2Ψ0 (x) − Ψ1 (x)] ~2 π 2 ~2 π 2
5 16mL2
(d) 32mL2
(c) √15 e−iE1 t/2~ [2Ψ0 (x) − Ψ1 (x)] (d) Ans = d
√1 [2Ψ0 (x)e−iE0 t/~ − Ψ1 (x)e−iE1 t/2~ ]
5
Ans = d

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Sk Jahiruddin QM Basics

47. The expectation value of p2 (p is the momen- half

tum operator) in this state is (d) In the ground state, the particle has a def-
(a) 0
2 2
~ π
(b) 32L (c) inite momentum
2
~2 π 2 ~2 π 2 A beam of identical particles of mass m and
16L2
(d) 8L2
Ans = c energy E is incident from left on a potential
barrier of width L (between 0 < x < L) and
48. Let |Ψ0 i denoted the ground state of the hy- height V0 as shown in the figure (E < V0
drogen atom. Choose the correct statement
from those given below
(a) [Lx , Ly ]|Ψ0 i=0 (b) J 2 |Ψ0 i=0 (c)
~ S
L. ~ 6= 0 (d) [Sx , Sy ]|Ψ0 i = 0

49. The radial wave function of the electrons in the

state of n = 1 and l = 0 in a hydrogen atom
2
is R10 = 3/2 exp(− ar0 ), a0 is the Bohr radius.
a0
The most probable value of r for and electron
is
(a) a0 (b) 2a0 (c) 4a0
(d) 8a0

50. For a physical system, two observables O1 and

O2 are known to be compatible. Choose the
correct implication from amongst those given For x > L, there is tunneling with a transmis-
below: (GATE 2008) sion coefficient T > 0. Let A0 , AR and AT de-
note the amplitudes for the incident, reflected
(a) Every eigenstate of O1 must necessarily be
and the transmitted were, respectively.
an eigenstate of O2
(b) Every non-degenerate eigenstate of O1 52. Throughout 0 < x < L, the wave-function
must necessarily be an eigenstate of O2
(a) Can be chosen to be real (b) is
(c) When an observation of O1 is carried out
exponentially decaying (c) is generally
on an arbitrary state |Ψi of the physical sys-
complex (d) is zero
tem, a subsequent observation of O2 leads to
an unambiguous results 53. Let the probability current associated with the
(d) Observation of O1 and O2 , carried out on incident wave be S0 . Let R be the reflection
an arbitrary state |Ψi of the physical system, coefficient. Then
leads to the identical results irrespective of the
(a) the probability current vanished in the clas-
order in which the observations are made
sically forbidden region
Ans = d
(b) the probability current is T S0 for x > L
51. A particle is placed in a one dimensional box (c) for, x < 0, the probability current is
of size L along tje x-axis (0 < x < L). Which S0 (1 + R)
one of the following is true? (d) for,x > L, the probability current is com-
plex
(a) In the ground state, the probability of find-
ing the particle in the interval ( L4 , 3L
4
) is half
(b) In the first excited state, the probability
of finding the particle in the interval ( L4 , 3L
4
) is
half. This also holds for states with n=4, 6, 8,
.....
(c) For any arbitrary state |Ψi, the probability
of finding the particle in the left of the well is

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Sk Jahiruddin QM Basics

54. The ratio of the reflected to the incident am- |E0 = 10eV i and |E1 = 30eV i. The average
plitude AR /A0 is value of the particle in the state |Ψi is 20 eV.
(a) 1 − AT /A0 (b) The state |Ψi is given by
p √
(1 − T ) in magnitude (a) 12 |E0 = 10eV i + 43 |E1 = 30eV i (b)
(c) √1 |E0 = 10eV i + √2 |E1 = 30eV i
q a real negative number (d)
3 3
√
(c)
(1 − | AAT0 |)2 V0E−E 1
|E0 = 10eV i − 3
|E1 = 30eV i (d)
2 4
√1 |E0 = 10eV i − √1 |E1 = 30eV i
2 2
55. σi (i = 1, 2, 3) represent the Pauli spin matri-
ces. Which one of the following is NOT true?
A free particle of mass m moves along the
(a) σi σj + σj σi = 2δij (b) x direction. At t=0, the normalized wave
Tr (σi ) = 0 function of the particle is given by Ψ(x, 0) =
(c) The eigenvalues of σi are ±1 (d) 1 x2
exp[− 4α 2 + ix], where α is a real con-
(2πα)1/4
det(σi ) = 0 stant
56. The de Broglie wavelength of particles of mass 61. The expectation value of the momentum, in
m with average momentum p at a temprature this state is
T in three dimensions is given by √
(a) ~α (b) ~ α (c) α
h h
(a) λ = √2mK BT
(b) λ = √3mK BT
(c) ~
(d) √α
h h
λ = 2KB T
√ (d) λ = 2mK
√
62. The expectation value of the particle energy is
57. Which one of the functions given below rep- (a) ~ 1 ~
(b) 2m
2
α2 (c)
2m 2α3/2
resents the bound state eigenfunction of the 2 2
~ 4α +1 ~2
d2 (d) 8mα
2 in the region, 0 ≤ x < ∞, with
operator - dx 2m 4α3/2 3/2

the eigenvalue -4? 63. A particle is confined within a spherical region

(a) A0 e 2x
(b) A0 e −2x
(c) A0 Cosh 2x of radius one femtometer (10−15 m). Its mo-
(d) A0 sinh 2x mentum can be expected to be about
(a) 20 KeV
c
(b) 200 KeV
c
(c)
58. The spin function of a feree particle, in the
200 MceV (d) 2 GeV
c
basis
  in which
 Sz is diagonal can be written
1 0 ~ 2,
64. For a spin-s particle, in the eigen basis of S
as and with eigenvalues + ~2 and - ~2 ,
0 1 Sz the expectation value hsm|Sz2 |smi is
respectively. In the given basis, the normalized 2 2
eigenfunction of Sy with eigenvalue - ~2 (GATE (a) ~ {s(s+1)−m
2
}
(b) ~2 {s(s+1)−2m2 } (c)
2009) ~2 {s(s + 1) − m2 } (d) ~2 m2
   
1 1 1 0 65. The quantum mechanical operator for the mo-
(a) 2√ (b) 2
√ (c)
  i   i mentum of a particle moving in one dimension
√1
i i is given by
(d) √12
2 0 1 d d ∂
(a) i~ dx (b) -i~ dx (c) i~ ∂x
Ans = d ~ d2
2
(d) 2m dx2
59. Â and B̂ represent two physical characteristics
of  is Hermitian, then for the product ÂB̂ to 66. A particle of mass m is confined in an infinite
be Hermitian, it is sufficient that potential well:
It is subjected to a perturbing potential
(a) B̂ is Hermitian (b) Vp (x) = V0 sin( 2πx ) within the well. Let E (1)
L
B̂ is anti-Hermitian (2)
and E be corrections to the ground state en-
(c) B̂ is Hermitian and  and B̂ commute ergy in the first abd second order in V0 , respec-
(d) B̂ is Hermitian and  and B̂ anti-commute tively. Which of the following are true?
60. A particle is in the normalized state |Ψi which (a) E (1) = 0; E (2) < 0 (b)
is a superposition of the energy eignestates E (1) > 0; E (2) = 0

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Sk Jahiruddin QM Basics

(c) E (1) = 0; E (2) depends on the sign of 70. The normalized ground state wavefunction
V0 (d) E (1) < 0; E (2) < 0 of a hydrogen atom is given by Ψ(x) =
√1 2
4π a3/2
e−r/a , where a is the Bohr radius and
67. There are only three bound states for a particle r is the distance of the electron from the nu-
of mass m in a one-dimensional potential well cleus, located at the origin. The expectation
of the form shown in the figure. The depth V0 value h r12 i is
of the potential satisfies 8π 4π
(a) a2
(b) a2
(c)
4 2
a2
(d) a2
In a one-dimensional harmonic oscillator,
Φ0 , Φ1 and Φ2 are respectively the ground,
first and the second excited states. These tree
states are normalized and are orthogonal to
one another. Ψ1 and Ψ2 are two states defined
by
Ψ1 = Φ0 − 2Φ1 + 3Φ2
2π 2 ~2 2 2 π 2 ~2
(a) ma2
< V0 < 9π ~
2ma2
(b) ma2
< V0 < Ψ2 = Φ0 − Φ1 + αΦ2
2π 2 ~2 2 2 8π 2 ~2 2 ~2
ma2
(c) 2π
ma2
~
< V0 < ma2
(d) 2π
ma2
< where α is a constant
50π 2 ~2
V0 < ma2

68. An electron with energy E is incident from left 71. The value of α which Ψ2 is orthogonal to Ψ1 is
on a potential barrier, given by (a) 2 (b) 1 (c)
V (x) = 0 f or x < 0 -1 (d) -2
= V0 f or x > 0
as shown in the figure 72. For the value of α determined in the above
For E < V0 , the space part of the wavefunc- question, the expectation value of energy of
the oscillator in the state Ψ2 is
(a) ~ω (b) 3~ω/2 (c)
3~ω (d) 9~ω/2

73. A particle of mass m is confined in a two di-

mensional square well potential of dimensional
a. This potential V (x, y) is given by
V (x, y) = 0 f or − a < x < a and − a < y < a
= ∞ elsewhere
The energy of the first excited state for this
particle is given by,
π 2 ~2 2π 2 ~2
(a) ma2
(b) ma2
(c)
5π 2 ~2 4π 2 ~2
2ma2
(d) ma2

74. The ground state wavefunction for the hydro-

tion for x > 0 is of the form. Where a is a real gen atom is given by Ψ100 = √14π ( a10 )3/2 e−r/a0 ,
positive quantity. where a0 is the Bohr radius. The plot of the ra-
(a) eax (b) e−ax (c) dial probability density, P (x) for the hydrogen
eiax (d) e−iax atom in the ground state is

69. If Lx , Ly and Lz are respectively the x, y and 75. The wavefunction of particle moving in free
z components of angular momentum operator space is given by, Ψ = eikx + 2e−ikx The en-
L. The commutator Lx Ly , Lz is equal to ergy of the particle is
5~2 k2 3~2 k2
(a) i~(L2x + L2y ) (b) 2i~Lz (c) (a) 2m
(b) 4m
(c)
~2 k2 ~2 k2
i~(L2x − L2y ) (d) 0 2m
(d) m

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Sk Jahiruddin QM Basics

76. The probability current density for the real in Ψnlm denote the principal. Orbit and mag-
part of the wavefunction is netic quantum numbers, respectively. If L~ is
(a) 1 (b) ~k
(c) the angular momentum operator, the average
m
~k
(d) 0 value of L2 is ~2
2m
84. Ψ1 and Ψ2 are two orthogonal states of a spin
77. Which one of the following commutation rela- 1
2
system.Itis giventhat
tions is NOT CORRECT? Here, symbols have 
1 0
q
1 2
their usual meaning (GATE 2013) Ψ1 = √3 + 3
 0   1
(a) [L2 , Lz ] = 0 (b) [Lx , Ly ] = i~Lz (c) 1 0
[Lz , L+ ] = i~L+ (d) [Lz , L− ] = i~L− Ans where and represent the spin-up and
0 1
=d spin-down states, respectively. When the sys-
tem is in the state Ψ2 its probability to be in
78. A proton is confined to a cubic box, whose the spin-up state is
sides have length 10−12 m. What is the mini-
mum kinetic energy of the proton? The mass 85. A one dimensional harmonic oscillator is in the
of proton is 1.67 × 10−27 kg and Plank’s con- superposition
√
of number state |ni given by
stant is 6.63 × 10−34 Js. 1 3
|Ψi = 2 |2 2 i|3i. The average energy of the
(a) 1.1 × 10−17 J (b) 3.3 × 10−17 J (c) oscillator in the given state is ~ω
9.9 × 10−17 J (d) 6.6 × 10−17 J 86. If L+ and L− are the angular momentum lad-
der operators then the expectation value of
79. A spin-half particle is in a linear superposition
(L+ L− + L− L+ ) in the state |l = 1, m = 1i
0.8| ↑i + 0.6| ↓i of its spin-up and spin-down
of an atom is ~
states. If| ↓i and | ↓i are the eigenstates if
σz then what is the expectation value up to ~ and P~ be the angular and linear mo-
87. Let L
one decimal place, of the operator 10σz + 5σx ? mentum operators, respectively, for a particle.
Here, symbols have their usual meaning. The commutator [Lx , py ] gives
(a) −i~pz (b) 0 (c)
80. Consider the wave function Aeikr (r0 /r), where
i~px (d) i~pz
A is normalization constant. for r = 2r0 , the
magnitude of probability current density up 88. Suppose a linear harmonic oscillator of fre-
to two decimal places, in units of (A2 ~k/m) quency ω and mass m is in the state |Ψi =
π
is. √1 [|Ψ0 i + et 2 |Ψ1 i] at t=0 where |Ψ0 i and |Ψ1 i
2
are the ground and the first excited states, re-
81. An electron in the ground state of the hy- spectively. The values of hΨ|x|Ψi in the units
drogen atom has the wave function Ψ(~r) = q
~
r
√1 3 e−( a0 ) where a0 is constant. The expecta- of mω
at t=0 is
πa0
tion value of the operator Q̂ = z 2 − r2 , where 89. Which of the following operators is Hermitian?
d d2
z = rcosθ is (a) dx (b) dx2
(c)
Rx d 2 d3
(Hint: 0 e−ar rn dr = ar(n) (n−1)!
n+1 = an+1 )
i dx 2 (d) dx3

−a2 −3a20 90. If s~1 and s~2 are the spin operators of the two
(a) 2 0 (b) −a20 (c) 2
(d)
−2a20 electrons of a He atom, the value of hs~1 .s~2 i for
the ground state is
82. A particle of mass m is subjected to a poten- (a) − 32 ~2 (b) − 34 ~2 (c)
tial V (x, y) = 12 mω 2 (x2 + y 2 ), −∞ ≤ x ≤ 0 (d) 14 ~2
∞, −∞ ≤ y ≤ ∞ The state with energy 4~ω
is g-fold degenerate. The value of g is 91. σx , σy and σz are Pauli matrices. The expres-
sion 2σx σy + σy σx is equal to
83. q
A hydrogenq atom isqin the state Ψ = (a) −3iσz (b) −iσz (c)
8
Ψ − 37 Ψ310 + 21
21 200
4
Ψ321 , where n, l, m iσz (d) 3iσz

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Sk Jahiruddin QM Basics

92. If x and p are the x components of the posi- (a) px (b) py (c) s (d)
tion and the momentum operators of a particle pxy
respectively, the commutator [x2 , p2 ] is
97. The electronic ground state energy of the Hy-
(a) i~(xp − px) (b) 2i~(xp − drogen atom is -13.6 eV. The highest possi-
px) (c) i~(xp + px) (d) ble electronic energy eigenstate has an energy
2i~(xp + px) equal to
93. Let |l, mi be the simultaneous eigestates of L2 (a) 0 (b) 1 eV (c) +13.6
and Lz . Here L ~ is the angular momentum op- eV (d) ∞
erator with Cartesian components (Lx , Ly , Lz ),
98. The degeneracy of the third energy level of a
l is the angular momentum quantum number
3-dimensional isotropic quantum harmonic os-
and m is the azimuthal quantum number.The
cillator is
value of h1, 0|(Lx + iLy )|1, −1i is
√ (a) 6 (b) 12 (c) 8 (d)
(a)
√ 0 (b) ~ (c) 2~ (d)
10
3~
99. Consider one-dimensional potential well of
94. The state of a system is given by |Ψi = |φ1 i +
width 3 nm. Using the uncertainty princi-
2|φ2 i + 3|φ1 i
ple (∆x.∆p ≥ ~2 ), an estimate of the min-
Where |φ1 i, |φ2 i and |φ3 i form an orthonormal
imum depth of the well such that it has at
set. The probability of finding the system in
least one bound state for an electron is (me =
the state |φ2 i is . (Give your answer
9.31 × 1o−31 kg, h = 6.626 × 10−34 Js, e =
upto two decimal places)
1.602 × 10−19 C)
95. A particle of mass m and energy E, moving in (a) 1µeV (b) 1meV (c) 1
the position x direction, is incident on a step eV (d) 1MeV
potential at x=0, as indicated in the figure.
The height of the potential is V0 , where V0 > 100. Which one of the following operator is Hermi-
E. At x = x0 , where x0 > 0, the probability of tian?
1 2 2p )
finding the electron is e times the probability (a) i (px x −x x
(b)
q 2
2m(V0 −E) 2 2
(px x +x px ) ipx a −ipx a
of finding it at x=0. If α = ~2
, the i 2
(c) e (d) e
value of x0 is
101. Positronium is an atom made of an electron
and a position. Given the Bohr radius for the
ground state of the Hydrogen atom to be 0.53
Angstroms, the Bohr radius for the ground
state of positronium is Angstroms. (up
to two decimal places)

102. Consider a particle of mass m moving inside a

two-dimensional square box whose side are de-
scribed by the equation x=0, x=L, y=0, y=L.
What is the lowest eigenvalue of an eigenstate
which changes sign under the exchange of x
and y?
~2 3~2
(a) mL2
(b) 2mL2
(c)
5~2 7~2
2mL2
(d) 2mL2
2 1 1
(a) α
(b) α
(c) 2α
(d)
1 103. The ground state energy of 5 identical spin -
4α
1/2 particles which are subject to a one dimen-
96. The wave function of which orbital is spheri- sional simple harmonic oscillator potential of
cally symmetric: frequency ω is

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Sk Jahiruddin QM Basics

(a) (15/2)~ω (b) (13/2)~ω (c) (a) 1/2 (b) 2/3 (c) 5/6 (d)
(1/2)~ω (d) 5~ω 1/6
104. The wave function of a free particle in one di-
111. Two electrons are confined in a one dimen-
mension is given by Ψ(x) = Asinx + Bsin3x.
sional box of length L. The q one-electron state
Then Ψ(x) is an eigenstate of 2
are given by Ψn (x) = L
sin( nπx
L
). What
(a) the position operator (b) the
Hamiltonian would be the ground state wave function
(c) the momentum operator (d) the Ψ(x1 , x2 ) if both electrons are arranged to have
parity operator the same spin state?
(a) Ψ(x1 , x2 ) = √12 [ L2 sin( πxL1 )sin( 2πx 2
) +
105. The quantum state sinx| ↑i + exp(iφ)cosx| ↓ L
2 2πx1 πx2
i, where h↑ || ↓i = 0 and x, φ are, real, is L
sin( L )sin( L )]
orthogonal to: (b) Ψ(x1 , x2 ) = √12 [ L2 sin( πxL1 )sin( 2πx
L
2
) −
2 2πx1 πx2
(a) sinx | ↑i (b) cosx L
sin( L )sin( L )]
| ↑i + exp(iφ) sinx | ↓i (c) Ψ(x1 , x2 ) = L2 sin( πxL1 )sin( 2πx
L
2
)
2 2πx1 πx2
(c) -cosx | ↑i + exp(iφ) sinx | ↓i (d) (d) Ψ(x1 , x2 ) = L sin( L )sin( L )
-exp(-iφ) cosx | ↑i + sinx | ↓i
112. The opertaor A and B share all the eigenstates.
106. If Jx , Jy , Jz are angulr momentum operators, Then the least possible value of the product of
the eigenvalues of the operator (Jx + Jy )/~ uncertainties ∆A∆B is
are
(a) ~ (b) 0 (c) ~/2 (d)
(a) real and discrete with rational spac- Determinant (AB)
ing (b) real and discrete with
irrational spacing
113. Consider a square well of depth -V0 and width
(c) real and continuous (d)
a with V0 a fixed. Let V0 → ∞ and 0 → 0.
not all real
This potential well has
107. What are the eigenvalues of the operator H = (a) No bound states (b) 1 bound state
~σ .~a, where ~σ are the three Pauli matrices and (c) 2 bound statets (d) In finitely many
~a is a vector? bound states
(a) ax +ay and az (b) ax +az ±iay (c)
±(ax + ay + az ) (d) ±|~a| 114. The Hamiltonian operator for a two-stat sys-
108. The hermitian conjugate of the operator ∂
(− ∂x ) tem is given by
∂ ∂ ∂
H = α(|1ih1| − |2ih2| + |1ih2| + |2ih1|),
(a) ∂x (b) − ∂x (c) i ∂x (d) where α is a positive number with the dimen-
∂
−i ∂x sion of energy. The energy eigenstates corre-
109. If the expectation value of the momentum is sponding to the larger and smaller eigenvalues
hpi for the wave function Ψ(x), then the expec- respectively are:
tation value of momentum for the wave func- √ √
− ( 2 + 1)|2i, |1i +
(a) |1i √ √ 2 − 1)|2i
( (b)
tion eikx/~ Ψ(x) is |1i + ( 2 √− 1)|2i, |1i − ( 2 + 1)|2i
√
(a) k (b) hpi-k (c) hpi + (c) |1i √
+ ( 2 − 1)|2i,
√( 2 + 1)|1i − |2i (d)
k (d) hpi |1i − ( 2 + 1)|2i, ( 2 − 1)|1i + |2i
110. Suppose a spin 1/2 particle is in the state
115. Given that Ψ1 and Ψ2 are eigenstates of a
  Hamiltonian with eigenvalues E1 and E2 re-
1+i
|Ψi = √16 spectively, what is the energy uncertainty in
2
the state (Ψ1 + Ψ2 )?
If Sx (x component of the spin angular momen- √
tum operator) is measured what is the proba- (a) - E1 E2 (b) 12 |E1 − E2 | (c)
1 1
bility of getting +~/2? 2
(E1 + E2 ) (d) √2 |E1 − E2 |

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Sk Jahiruddin QM Basics

116. If a Hamiltonian H is given as H = |0ih0| − 123. A spin 1/2 particle is in a state (|↑i+|↓i)
√
2
where
|1ih1| + i(|0ih1| − |1ih0|, where |0i and |1i are | ↑i and | ↓i are the eigenstates of Sz opera-
orthonormal states, the eigenvalues of H are tor. The expectation value of the spin angular
√ momentum measured along x direction is:
(a)√±1 (b) ±i (c) ± 2 (d)
±i 2 (a) ~ (b) −~ (c) 0 (d) ~2
117. The wavefunction of a hydrogen atom is 124. If P̂ is the momentum operator, and σ̂ are the
given by the following superposition of en- three Pauli spin matrices, the eigenvalues of
ergy eigen functions Ψn/m (~r)(n, l,√m are the (σ̂.P̂ ) are
usual quantum numbers): Ψ(~r) = √27 Ψ100 (~r)−
(a) px and pz (b) px ± ipy (c)
√3 Ψ210 (~r) + √114 Ψ322 (~r)
14 ±|p| (d) ±(px + py + pz )
The ratio of expectation value of the energy to
the ground state energy and the expectation 125. What is the dimension of ~∂Ψ , where Ψ is a
i∂x
value of L2 are, respectively: wavefunction in two dimensions?
2 2
(a) 229
504
and 12~
7
(b) 504101
and 12~
7
(c) (a) kg m−1 s−2 (b) kg s−2 (c)
101 2 229 2
504
and ~ (d) 504
and ~ kg m s 2 −2
(d) kg s−1

118. If Yxy = √12 (Y22 Y2,−2 ) where Yl,m are spherical 126. φ (x) and φ (x) are respectively are orthonor-
0 1
harmonics then which of the following is true? mal wavefunctions of the ground and first ex-
(a) Yxy is an eigenfunction of both L2 and Lz cited states of a one dimensional simple har-
2 monic oscillator. Consider the normalised
(b) Yxy is an eigenfunction of L but not Lz
(c) Yxy is an eigenfunction of both Lz but not wave function Ψ(x) = C0 φ0 9x) + C1 φ1 (x),
2 where C0 and C1 are real. For what values of
L
0 and C1 will hΨ(x)|x|Ψ(x)i be maximized?
2 C
(d) Yxy is not an eigenfunction of either L and
Lz √
(a) C0 = C1 = √ +1/ 2 (b)
C0 = −C1 =√+1/ 2
119. A spin-1 particle is in a state√|Ψi described by
(c)√C0 = + 3/2, C1 = +1/2 (d) C0 =
the column matrix ( √110 ){2, 2, 2i} in the Sz
+ 3/2, C1 = −1/2
basis. What is the probability that a measure-
ment of operator Sz will yield the result h for 127. Suppose the spin degrees of freedom of a 2-
the state Sx |Ψi? particle system can be described by a 21-
1 1 1 1
(a) 2
(b) 3
(c) 4
(d) 6
dimensional Hilbert subspace. Which among
the following could be the spin of one of the
d
120. The adjoint of a differential operator dx act- particles?
ing on a wavefunction Ψ(x) for a quantum me- 1 3
chanical system is: (a) 2
(b) 3 (d) 2
(d) 2
d d d
(a) dx (b) −i~ dx (c) − dx
(d) 128. If the ground state wave function of a parti-
d
i~ dx cle moving in a one dimensional √ potential is
2
proportinal to exp(−x /2)cosh( 2x), then the
121. For operators P and Q, the commutator potential in suitable units such that ~ = 1, is
[P, Q−1 ] is proportional to
−1
(a) Q [P, Q]Q −1
(b) 2 2
√ √
(a) x √ (b) x√ − 2 2x tanh( 2x) (c)
−Q−1 [P, Q]Q−1 (c) Q−1 [P, Q]Q (d) 2
x√ − 2 2x√tan( 2x) 2
(d) x −
−Q[P, Q]Q−1 2 2x coth( 2)x
122. In the ground state of hydrogen atom, the most 129. A particle P is confined in a one-dimensional
1
probable distance of the electron from the nu- infinite potential well with walls at x = ±1.
cleus, in units of Bohr radius a0 is: Another particle P2 is confined in a one-
1 3
(a) 2 (b) 1 (c) 2 (d) 2 dimensional infinite potential well with walls

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Sk Jahiruddin QM Basics

at x = 0, 1. Comparing the two particles, one

can conclude that
(a) the no. of nodes in the nth excited state of
P1 is twice that of P2
(b) the no. of nodes in the nth excited state of
P1 is half that of P2
(c) the energy of the nth level of P1 is the same
as that of P2
(d) the energy of the nth level of P1 is one quar-
ter of that of P2

130. The wave function Ψ of a quantum mechanical

system described by a Hamiltonian Ĥ can be
written as a linear combination of ψ1 and ψ2 √
which are the eigenfunctions of Ĥ with eigen- 1 2Φ2 (x, t)] where Φn (x, t) is the eigenfunc-
values E1 and E2 respectively. At t =0, the tion belonging to the n-th energy eigenvalue
system is prepared in the state Ψ0 = 45 ψ1 + 35 ψ2 (n + 21 )~ω. The expectation value hEi of en-
and then allowed to evolve with time. The ergy for the state Ψ(x, t) is
wavefunction at time T = 12 h/(E1 − E2 ) will (a) 1.58~ω (b) 0.46~ω (c) ~ω (d)
be (accurate to within a phase) 1.46~ω
(a) 54 ψ1 + 35 ψ2 (b) ψ1 (c) 54 ψ1 − 35 ψ2 (d) 135. An energy eigenstate of the Hydrogen atom
ψ2 (e) 35 ψ1 + 54 ψ2 (f) 35 ψ1 − 54 ψ2 has the wave function
131. The normalized wave functions of a Hydrogen Ψnlm (r, θ, φ) =
√ ( 1 )3/2 sin θ cos θexp[−( r + iφ)]
1
atom are denoted by Ψn,l,m (~x), where l, l and 81 π a0 3a0
m are, respectively, the principal, azimuthal where a 0 is the Bohr radius. The principal
and magnetic quantum numbers respectively. (n), azimuthal (l) and magnetic (m) quantum
Now consider an electron in the mixed state numbers corresponding to this wave function
Ψ(~x) = 1 Ψ (~x + 2 Ψ (~x + 2 Ψ (~x) are
3 1,0,0 3 2,1,0 3 3,2,−2
The expectation value hEi of the energy of this (a) n = 3, l = 2, m = 1 (b) n = 2, l =
electron, in electron-Volts (eV) will be approx- 1, m = 1
imately (c) n = 3, l = 2, m = −1 (d) n = 2, l =
(a) -1.5 (b) -3.7 (c) -13.6 (d) 1, m = ±1
-80.1 (f) +13.6 136. A particle moving in one dimension has the un-
2

132. Consider a quantum mechanical system with
three linear operators Â, B̂ and Ĉ, which are
related by ÂB̂ − Ĉ = Iˆ where Iˆ is the unit
operator. If  = d/dx and B̂ = x, then Ĉ
must be
d d
(a) zero (b) dx
(c) −x dx
(d) 137. In a laboratory, the double-slit experiment is
d
x dx
133. A particle of energy E moves in one dimension
under the influence of a potential V(x). If E ¿
V(x) for some range of x, which of the follow-
ing graphs can represent a bound state wave
function of the particle?
134. A harmonic oscillator has the√wave func-
1
tion, Ψ(x, t) = 5 [3Φ0 (x, t) − 2 2Φ1 (x, t) +
normalised wave function Ψ(x) = xexp(- λx2 )
where λ is a real constant. The expectation
value of its momentum is hpi =
2 2
(a) λ~ exp(- λx2 ) (b) λ~2 − 2 λ~ (c)
~
λ
exp(-1) (d) zero
performed with free non-relativistic electrons,
each having energy E, emitted from a source
S (see figure below). The screen consists of a
uniform sheet of charge-sensitive pixels of size
r. If the slit-screen distance is z and the spac-
ing between slits is d, which of the following
restrictions on the electron energy E should be
satisfied so that the fringes can be distinctly
observed?

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Sk Jahiruddin QM Basics

probability of its having a momentum p is

given by
8h4 pa
(a) (π 2 h2 −p2 a2 )2
cos2 2h (b)
π 2 h4 pa
(π 2 h2 −p2 a2 )2
sin2 2h
4 pa 16h4
(c) (π2 h22h +p2 a2 )2
cos2 2h (d) (π 2 h2 −p2 a2 )2

1 142. Consider the 1-D asymmetric double-well po-

(a) E ≤ ( hz )2 (b) E ≥
1
2me rd tential V(x) as sketched below. The probabil-
( hz )2
2me rd
hz
(c) E ≤ c( rd ) (d) ity distribution p(x) of a particle in the ground
E ≥ c( hz
rd
) state of this potential is best represented by
138. A rigid rotator is in a quantum state
q described
3
by the wave function Ψ(θ, φ) = 4π sin θsinφ
where θ and φ are the usual polar angles. If
two successive measurements of Lz are made
on this , the probability that the second mea-
surement will yield the value +~ is
(a) 0.25 (b) 0.33 (c) 0.5 (d)
negligible

139. The ground state energy of a particle of mass

m in a three-dimensional cubical box of side l
3h2
is not zero but 8ml . This is because
(a) the potential at the boundaries is not re-
ally infinite, but just very large.
(b) this is the most convenient choice of the
zero level of potential energy.
(c) potential and momentum cannot be exactly
determined simultaneously.
(d) the ground state has no nodes in the inte-
rior of the box.

140. A one-dimensional harmonic oscillator of mass

m and natural frequency ω is the quantum
state
|Ψi = √13 |0i + √i3 |1i + √i3 |2i 143. The normalized wave function of a particle
at time t=0, where |ni denotes the eigenstate can be written as
1
with eigenvalue (n + 2 )~ω. It follows that the ∞
X 1
expectation value (x) of the position operator Ψ(x) = N ( √ )n Φn (x)
x̂ is n=0
7
(a) x(0)[cos ωt + √13 sin ωt] (b) where Φn (x) are the normalized energy eigen-
x(0)[cos ωt − sin ωt] functions of a given Hamiltonian. The value of
(c) x(0)[cos ωt − 12 sin ωt] (d) N is
x(0)[cos ωt + √12 sin ωt]
p p p
(a) 1/7 (b) 6/7 (c) 3/7 (d)
q √
141. A particle moving in one dimension is confined (6 − 2 7)/7
inside a rigid box located between x = −a and
a
2 144. The energy of an electron in the ground state
x = 2 . If the particle is in its ground state
q of the He atom is -79 eV. Considering the Bohr
2 πx
Ψ0 (x) = a
cos a the quantum mechanical model of the atom, what would be 10 times the

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Sk Jahiruddin QM Basics

first ionization potential for a He+ ion, in units 149. If an electron is in the ground state of the hy-
of eV? drogen atom, the probability that its distance
from the proton is more than one Bohr radius
145. Electron in agiven system of hydrogen atoms is approximately
are described by the wave function (a) 0.68 (b) 0.48 (c) 0.28 (d)
Ψ(r, θ, φ) = 0.8Ψ100 + 0.6eiπ/3 Ψ311 0.91
where the Ψnlm denoted normalized energy 150. Given that the ground state energy of the hy-
eigenstates. If (L̂x , L̂y , L̂z ) are the components drogen atom is -13.6 eV, the ground state en-
of the orbital angular momentum operator, the ergy of positronium (which is a bound state of
2
expectation value of L̂x in this system is an electron and a positron) is
(a) 1.5~2 (b) 0.36~2 (c) 0.18~2 (d) (a) +6.8 eV (b) -6.8 eV (c) -13.6
zero eV (d) -27.2 eV
151. The enrgy of the first excited quantum state
146. The wave function of a particle is given by
of a particle in the two-dimensional potential
( √12 Φ0 + Φ1 ), where Φ0 and Φ1 are the nor-
V (x, y) = 21 mω 2 (x2 + 4y 2 ) is
malized eigenfunctions with energies Eo and
E1 corresponding to the ground state and first (a) 2~ω (b) 3~ω (c) 32 ~ω (d)
5
excited state, respectively. The expectation 2
~ω
value of the Hamiltonian in the state Ψ is
152. A particle of mass m is in a cubic box of size a.
E0 E0
(a) 2
+ E1 (b) 2
− E1 (c) The potential inside the box (0 ≤ x < a, 0 ≤
E0 −2E1 E0 +2E1
3
(d) 3 y < a, 0 ≤ x < a) is zero and infinite outside.
If the particle is in an eigenstate of energy E =
147. In a system consisting of two spin 1/2 par- 14π~2
2ma2
, its wavefunction is
ticles labeled 1 and 2, let S ~ (1) ~ (1)
= 2 ~σ and
(a) Ψ = ( a2 )3/2 sin 3πx
a
sin 5πy
a
sin 6πz
a
(b)
~ (2) ~ (2)
S = 2 ~σ denote the corresponding spin op- 2 3/2 7πx 4πy 3πz
Ψ = ( a ) sin a sin a sin a
erators. Here ~σ ≡ (σx , σy , σz ) and σx , σy , σz are
(c) Ψ = ( a2 )3/2 sin 4πx
a
sin 8πy
a
sin 2πz
a
(d)
the three Pauli matrices. In the standard ba- 2 3/2 πx 2πy 3πz
(1) (2) Ψ = ( a ) sin a sin a sin a
sis the matrices for the operators Sx Sy and
(1) (2)
Sy Sx are respectively, 153. Let Ψnlm denote the eigenfunction of a Hamil-
2

1 0

2

−1 0
 tonian for a spherically symmetric potential
(a) ~4
−1
, ~4 V(r). The wavefunction Ψ = 14 [Ψ210 +
0 0 1 √ √
2

i 0

2

−i 0
 5Ψ21−1 + 10Ψ211 ] is an eigenfunction only
(b) ~4 , ~4 of
0 −i 0 i
(a) H, L2 and Lz
   
0 0 0 −i 0 0 0 −i (b) H and Lz (c)
2 2
2  0 0 i 0  2  0 0 −i 0  H and L (d) L and L z
(c) ~4   ~ 
 0 −i 0 0  , 4  0 i 0 0 

154. The commentator [x2 , p2 ] is
i 0 0 0 i 0 0 0

0 1 0 0
 
0 −i 0 0
 (a) 2i~xp (b) 2i~(xp + px) (c)
2  1 0 0 0  2i~px (d) 2i~(xp − px)
 ~2  i 0 0 0 
 
(d) ~4   0 0 0 −i  , 4  0 0 0 1 
155. The wave function of a state of the hydrogen
0 0 i 0 0 0 1 0 atom is given by Ψ = Ψ200 + 2Ψ211 + 3Ψ210 +
√
2Ψ21−1 where Ψnlm is the normalized eigen
148. These two operators satisfy the relation
function of the state with quantum number n, l
(1) (2) (1) (2) (1) (2)
(a) {Sx Sy , Sy Sx } = Sz Sz (b) and m in the usual notation. The expectation
(1) (2) (1) (2)
{Sx Sy , Sy Sx } = 0 value of Lz in the state Ψ is
(1) (2) (1) (2) (1) (2)
(c) [Sx Sy , Sy Sx ] = iSz Sz (d) (a) 15~/16 (b) 11~/16 (c)
(1) (2) (1) (2)
[Sx Sy , Sy Sx ] = 0 3~/8 (d) ~/8

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Sk Jahiruddin QM Basics

156. The energy eigenvalues of a particle in the po- If we measure Sz , the probabilities of getting
tential V (x) = 12 ω 2 x2 − ax are + h2 and − h2 , respectively are
(a) En = (n + 21 )hω − 2mω
a 2
2 (b) En = (a) 12 and 1
2
2
(b) 11 and 9
11
(d) 0
1 3
2
(n + 21 )hω + 2mω
a and 1 (d) 11 and 11
2
a2
(c) En = (n + 21 )~ω − mω 2 (d) En = 163. Let Ψnlm denote the eigenfunctions of a Hamil-
(n + 21 )~ω tonian for a spherically symmetric potential
V(r). The expectation
√ value
√ of Lz in √ the state
157. Given the usual canonical commutation rela- 1
Ψ = 6 [3Ψ200 + 5Ψ210 + 10Ψ21−1 + 20Ψ211 ]
tions, the commutator [A, B] of A = i(xpx − is
ypx ) and B = (ypz + zpy is
(a) − 5~
18
(b) 5~
6
(c) ~ (d) 5~
18
(a) ~(xpz − px z) (b) −~(xpz − px z)
(c) ~(xpz + px z) (d) −~(xpz + px z) 164. If A, B and C are non-zero Hermitian opera-
tors, which of the following relations must be
158. In a basis in which the z-component Sz of the false?
spin is diagonal,
√
an electron is in a spin state
(a) [A, B]=C (b) AB + BA = C (c)
Ψ = ( (1+i)/
√ 6 ). The probabilities that a mea-
2/3 ABA = C (d) A + B = C
surement of Sz will yield the value ~/2 and
-~/2 are, respectively, 165. If Ψ(x) = Aexp(-x4 ) is the eigenfunction of
a one dimensional Hamiltonian with eiggen-
(a) 1/2 and 1/2 (b) 2/3 and 1/3 (c) value E = 0, the potential V(x) (in units where
1/4 and 3/4 (d) 1/3 and 2/3 ~=2m=1) is
159. Consider the normalized state |Ψi of a par- (a) 12x2 (b) 16x6 (c) 16x6 +
ticle in a one-dimensional harmonic oscillator 12x2 (d) 16x6 − 12x2
|Ψi = b1 |0i + b2 |1i where |0i and |1i denote
the ground and first excited states respectively, 166. An electron is in the ground state of a hydro-
and b1 and b2 are real constants. The expec- gen atom. The probability that it is within the
tation value of the displacement x in the state Bohr radius is approximately equal to
|Ψi will be a minimum when (a) 0.60 (b) 0.90 (c) 0.16 (d)
0.32
(a) b2 = 0, (b1 = 1) (b) b2 = √12 b1 (c)
b2 = 12 b1 (d) b2 = b1 167. A particle is in the ground state of an infi-
nite
 square well potential  given by, V (x) =
160. If the operators A and B satisfy the commuta- 0 for−a ≤ x ≤ a
tion relation [A, B]=1, where I is the identity ∞ otherwise
operator, then The probability to find the particle in the in-
(a) [eA , B] = eA (b) [eA , B] = terval between − a2 and a2 is
[eB , A] (c) [eA , B] = [e−B , A] (d) (a) 21 (b) 12 + π1 (c) 21 − π1 (d)
A
[e , B] = I 1
π

161. If Ψnlm denotes the eigenfunction of the Hamil- 168. The expectation value of the x-component of
tonian with a potential V =V(r) then the ex- the orbital angular
√ momentum √ Lx in the state
2 2 1
pectation value of the operator Lx + Ly in the Ψ = 5 [3Ψ2,1,−1 + 5Ψ2,1,0 − 11Ψ2,1,+1 ] (where
1
√
state Ψ = 5 [3Ψ211 + Ψ210 − 15Ψ21−1 ] is Ψnlm are the eigenfunction in usual notation),
is
(a) 39~2 /25 (b) 13~2 /25 (c) √ √
~ 10
2~2 (d) 26~2 /25 (a) − ( 11 − 3) (b) 0 (c)
√
~ 10
√25 √
25
( 11 + 3) (d) ~ 2
1
162. A spin
 − 2
particle is in the state χ =
1 1 + i 2
169. A particle is prepared in a simultaneous eigen-
√ in the eigenbasis of S and Sz . state of L2 and Lz . If I(l +1)~2 and m~ are
11 3

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Sk Jahiruddin QM Basics

respectively the eigenvalues of L2 and Lz , then 175. If Li are the components of the angular mo-
the expectation value hL2x i in the state satisfies
P ~ L
mentum operator i=1,2,3 [[L, ~i ], Li ] equals
(a) hL2x i = 0 (b) 0 ≤ hL2x i ≤ l2 ~2 (c) ~
(a) L ~
(b) 2L ~
(c) 3L ~
(d) −L
l(l+1)~2 l~2
0 ≤ hL2x i ≤ 3
2
(d) 2 ≤ hLx i ≤
l(l+1)~2 176. A particle of mass m is in a potential V =
1
3
2
mω 2 x2 , where ω is a constant. Let â =
mω ip̂
). In the Heisenberg picture dâ
p
170. A particle of mass m in
 three dimensions
 is in 2~
(x̂ + mω dt
0 r<a is given by
the potential V (x) =
∞ r>a (a) ωâ (b) −iωâ (c) ωâ+ (d)
Its ground state energy is −iωâ +
π~ 2 π~2 3π~2
(a) 2ma 2 (b) ma2
(c) 2ma2
(d)
π~2 177. A hermitian operator Ô has two normalized
9 2ma 2
eigenstates |1i and |2i with eigenvalues 1 and
171. 
A particle in the  infinite square well V (x) = 2, respectively. The two states |ui = cos θ|1i +
0 0<x<a sin θ|2i and |vi = cos φ|1i + sin φ|2i are such
∞ otherwise that hv|Ô|vi = 7/4 and hu|vi = 0. Which of
is prepared  in a3 state with the wavefunction the following are possible values of θ and phi?
πx

A sin ( a ) 0 < x < a (a) θ = − π6 and φ = π3 (b) θ = π6 and
V (x) =
0 otherwise φ= 3 π
The expectation value of the energy of the par- (c) θ = − π4 and φ = π4 (d) θ = π3 and
ticle is φ = −6 π
2 π2 9~2 π 2 9~2 π 2
(a) 5~ 2ma2
(b) 2ma2
(c) 10ma2
(d)
~2 π 2 178. Let Ψnlm denote the eigenstates of a hydro-
2ma2 gen atom in the usual
1
√ notation.
√ The state
172. Consider the normalized wavefunction φ = Ψ = 5 23Ψ200 3Ψ211 + 7Ψ210 − 5Ψ21−1 ] is an
a1 Ψ11 +a2 Ψ10 +a3 Ψ1−1 where Ψlm is a simulta- eigenstate of
neous normalized eigenfunction of the angular (a) L2 , but not of the Hamiltonian or
2
momentum operators L and Lz , with eigen- Lz (b) the Hamiltonian, but not of
values l(l+1)~2 and mhbar respectively. If φ is 2
L or Lz (c) the Hamiltonian L2 and
an eigenfunction of the operator Lx with eigen- Lz (d) L2 and Lz , but not of
value ~, then the Hamiltonian
1 1
(a) a1 = −a3 = 2 , a2 = √2 (b) a1 = a3 =
1 1
179. If L̂x , L̂y and L̂z are the components of the an-
2
, a2 = √2 gular momentum operator in three dimensions,
1 1
(c) a1 = a3 = 2 , a2 = − 2 √ (d) a1 = a2 = the commutator [L̂x , L̂x L̂y L̂z ] may be simpli-
1
a3 = 3 √ fied to
(a) i~L̂x (L̂2z − L̂2y ) (b) i~L̂z L̂y L̂x (c)
173. Let x and p denote, respectively, the coordi-
2 2
nate and momentum operators satisfying the i~L̂x (2L̂z − L̂y ) (d) 0
canonical commutation relation [x, p] = i in
180. Consider the two lowest normalized energy
natural units 9~ = 1). Then the commutator
eigenfunctions Ψ0 (x) and Ψ1 (x) of a one di-
[x, pe−p ] is
mensional system. They satisfy Ψ0 (x) =
(a) i(1 − p)e−p (b) i(1 − p2 )e−p (c) Ψ∗0 (x) and Ψ1 (x) = α dΨ dx
0
, where α is a real
−p −p
i(1 − e ) (d) ipe constant. The expectation value of the mo-
mentum operator in the state Ψ1 is
174. The ratio of the energy of the first excited state
E1 of a particle in a three-dimensional rectan- (a) − α~2 (b) 0 (c) α~2 (d) 2 α~2
gular box of side L, L and L/2, is 181. Consider the operator a = x + d acting dx
(a) 3:2 (b) 2:1 (c) 4:1 (d) on smooth functions of x. The commutator
4:3 [a, cos x] is

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Sk Jahiruddin QM Basics

(a) − sin x (b) cos x (c) cos x (d)

0

182. The state of a particle of mass m in a one-

dimensional rigid box in the interval 0 to L is
given
q by the normalised wavefunction Ψ(x) =
2 3
(
L 5
sin( 2πx
L
) + 54 sin( 4πx
L
)). If its energy is
measured, the possible outcomes and the av-
erage value of energy are, respectively
h 2 2
2h 73h2 h2 2
(a) 2mL 2 , mL2 and 50mL2
(b) , h
8mL2 2mL2
19h 2
and 40mL 2
h2 2h2 19h2 h2 2
(c) 2mL 2 , mL2
and 10mL2
(d) , 2h
8mL2 mL2
73h2
and 200mL2

183. Consider the operator ~π = p~ − q A, ~ where p~

is the momentum operator, A ~ = (Ax , Ay , Az
is the vector potential and q denotes the elec-
tric charge. If B ~ = (Bx , By , Bz ) denotes the
magnetic field, the z-component of the vector
operator ~π × p~ is
(a) iq~Bz + q(Ax py − Ay px ) (b) −iq~Bz −
q(Ax py − Ay px ) (c) −iq~Bz (d) iq~Bz

184. A particle in one dimension is in a potential

V (x) = Aδ(x − a). Its wavefunction Ψ(x) is
continuous everywhere. The discontinuity in
dΨ
dx
at x =a is
(a) 2m
~2
AΨ(a) (b) A(Ψ(a) − Ψ(−a)) (c)
~
2m
A (d) 0

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