An Alternative Derivation of the Energy Levels of the "Particle on a Ring" System

• Published in: Journal of chemical education Vol. 73; no. 10; p. 1001
• Main Author: Vincent, Alan
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Easton Division of Chemical Education 01.10.1996; American Chemical Society
• Subjects: Chemistry; Energy; Energy levels; Experiments; Function words; Schrodinger equation; Science education; Wave functions; Alkenes; Physical Chemistry; Upper-Division Undergraduate
• ISSN: 0021-9584; 1938-1328
• DOI: 10.1021/ed073p1001

All acceptable wave functions must be continuous mathematical functions. This criterion limits the acceptable functions for a particle in a linear 1-dimensional box to sine functions. If, however, the linear box is bent round into a ring, acceptable wave functions are those which are continuous at the 'join'. On this model some acceptable linear functions become unacceptable for the ring and some unacceptable cosine functions become acceptable. This approach can be used to produce a straightforward derivation of the energy levels and wave functions of the particle on a ring.These simple wave mechanical systems can be used as models of linear and cyclic delocalised systems such as conjugated hydrocarbons or the benzene ring. The promotion energy of an electron can then be used to calculate the wavelength of absorption of uv light. The simple model gives results of the correct order of magnitude and shows that, as the chain length increases, the uv maximum moves to longer wavelengths, as found experimentally.