The Infinite Square Well Is Subtle

2015/05/01 by Chyi-Lung Lin, Lin, Chyi-Lung
Earth and Planetary Sciences · Mathematics · Physics and Astronomy · #Algebraic and Geometric Analysis #Black Holes and Theoretical Physics #FOS: Physical sciences #Quantum Physics (quant-ph) #Seismic Imaging and Inversion Techniques

paper · pdf · doi:10.48550/arxiv.1505.00101

openalex publication_date 2015/05/01 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/28

Abstract

We show that it needs a more delicate potential to confine particles inside a well. The original model containing a vague notation of infinity in the potential energy is ambiguous. Using the Heaviside step function and the Dirac delta-function, we give a precise form for the confining potential. Although such form appears unusual, the ambiguities are resolved. This form also shows that the infinite square well is not the limit of a finite square well.

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