Tagged Questions
2
votes
0answers
166 views
Prove that the first order perturbation theory overestimates fundamental state [closed]
This was a question on my exam and I don't know how to solve it.
Use the variational principle to prove that the first order perturbation theory always overestimates the energy of the fundamental ...
1
vote
0answers
77 views
Are there any good reading materials for variational approach in many-body theory? [closed]
I need something like a summary of existing results, including the treatment of BCS Hamiltonian and Hubbard model. Auerbach's book is a good one but I still hope to get more comprehensive review. My ...
4
votes
1answer
120 views
Variational wavefunctions and “spread” of potential in quantum mechanics
A particle in a box has an energy that decreases with the size of the box. In the general case, it is often said that a variational solution for a "narrow and deep" potential is higher in energy than ...
22
votes
5answers
1k views
Hamilton's Principle
Hamilton's principle states that a dynamic system always follows a path such that its action integral is stationary (that is, maximum or minimum).
Why should the action integral be stationary? On ...
