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Say if the potential $V(x) < 0$ in the well but the sides or the scattered states its zero potential, anyways

  • How is that the energy in the well is less than zero?

  • Is it because the potential is less than zero?

Qmechanic
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Cleo
  • 449

1 Answers1

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Energy or the value of $V(x)$ negative means it is a bound system. Think of it in this way, if a particle is free and has no kinetic energy and potential energy then it's total energy is zero. If this particle is not free or otherwise is bounded by a negative potential well then it's potential energy is $-V$. You have to give the same amount of energy, in this case $+V$ to make it free. Then it's total energy will be $-V+V=0$ and it will go free. To summarize a particle in a potential well $-V(x)$ means it is bounded by the well and has $V$ amount of energy less than of what it would need to become free.

Taskin
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