Introduction to Quantum Mechanics · Problem 7.33

Time-Independent Perturbation Theory — David J. Griffiths

Physics — Quantum Mechanics · finite_nuclear_size_correction

Problem

Estimate the correction to the ground state energy of hydrogen due to the finite size of the nucleus. Treat the proton as a uniformly charged spherical shell of radius bb, so the potential energy of an electron inside the shell is constant: −e2/(4πϵ0b)-e^2/(4\pi\epsilon_0 b); this isn't very realistic, but it is the simplest model, and it will give us the right order of magnitude. Expand your result in powers of the small parameter (b/a)(b/a), where aa is the Bohr radius, and keep only the leading term, so your final answer takes the form ΔEE=A(b/a)n.\frac{\Delta E}{E} = A(b/a)^n. Your business is to determine the constant AA and the power nn. Finally, put in b≈10−15b \approx 10^{-15} m (roughly the radius of the proton) and work out the actual number. How does it compare with fine structure and hyperfine structure?

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