Hello, Before I post the question I want to tell you that this is not a "homework" question. I''m going into my first year, in university and my university has sent me an "Assumed knowledge worksheet". Only problem is that I''ve never, ever, been introduced to this material and all the information I''ve found over the web is way over my head. So if someone could help me, I''ll be very grateful: Q: Using first order perturbation theory, find the shift in the ground state energy of the one-dimensional harmonic oscillator when the perturbation a) V(x) = bx4 b) V(x) = bx3 is added to H=(1/2)p2/m + (1/2)mw2x2 If you know the answer or an online tutorial or a site that would explain this topic please let me know. Thanks

Hi,

Hmmm, "assumed knowledge worksheet".

I wouldn''t get too upset about it. Around this time alot of Student Associations especially for engineering, physics, chemistry and comp sci, like to send a "fake exam" to froshes as a little joke. The questions always include things that you will only learn later in the degree, FOPT (first order perturbation theory) is usually covered in middle to advanced level quantum mechanics courses which you will probably only take at the end of your 2nd year (assuming you are in physics) or in advanced structure of semiconductor courses.

Normally they say it is required for "placement" or something like that . I know student associations at McGill, Concordia and Waterloo do this for sure.

The results are usually published later in the year in the student paper.

Check to see exactly who from the Univ, sent it. If you''re supposed to come to certain place at a certain time with it then....

Take care,
- James

Hey,

Well I''ve received this from the science society at my university, and I wouldn’t pay much attention to it if it weren’t for this: I can hand this in on Sept 3 for bonus marks

As a future first year student I wouldn’t mind getting some bonus marks, and so I''ve spent a lot of time trying to find the answers. You wouldn''t know a website or a tutorial by any chance would you?


I''ve yet to say "no" to bonus marks

Thanks,

Well, rather than writing a whole lot. You can find the answer here:
http://electron6.phys.utk.edu/phys594/modules/module15.htm

Have fun,
- James

Thanks A lot.