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The harmonic oscillator is defined by the mean value energy $\langle E\rangle=\frac{2}{3} \hbar\omega$. Can we have a wavefunction which describes such a state?

Any help is appreciated. Is it possible to have such state, as we know the energy is $E=\hbar\omega(n+\frac{1}{2})$?

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    $\begingroup$ Energy eigenstate, no. It is clear what is the spectrum of a QHO. $\endgroup$ Commented Oct 1, 2019 at 7:23
  • $\begingroup$ Dear Zarko, Many thanks for your reply. $\endgroup$
    – Born_SS
    Commented Oct 1, 2019 at 8:07

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In general $$ \psi(x)=\sum_n c_n \psi_n(x) \tag{1} $$ where $\psi_n(x)$ are eigenstates with eigenvalue $(n+1/2)\hbar\omega$. The average energy of the state in (1) would be $$ \langle E\rangle = \sum_n \vert c_n\vert^2 (n+1/2)\hbar\omega \tag{2} $$ so you need to find any set of numbers $c_n$ such that the right hand side of (2) gives $2\hbar\omega/3$, subject to the normalization constraint that $\sum_n\vert c_n\vert^2=1$. Indeed there is at least one solution, which you can find by yourself.

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  • $\begingroup$ Many thanks, your answer is logical, Would you please give me more insight, Do you mean a superpostion of eigenstates can create such mean energy value ? $\endgroup$
    – Born_SS
    Commented Oct 1, 2019 at 16:58

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