A Modern Approach to Quantum Mechanics · Problem 4.16

A System of Two Spin-1/2 Particles — John S. Townsend

Physics — Quantum Mechanics · natural-linewidth-energy-uncertainty

Problem

The lifetime of hydrogen in the

2p

state to decay to the

1s

ground state is

1.6 \times 10^{-9}

s [see (14.169)]. Estimate the uncertainty

\Delta E

in energy of this excited state. What is the corresponding linewidth in angstroms?