Calculate Approximate Energies and Wave Functions with Variational Method

Physics Academic Software Releases VARIATIONAL METHOD

January 15, 1993 -- VARIATIONAL METHOD uses the linear variational method
to calculate approximate ground and excited state energies and wave
functions for familiar one-dimensional systems from a simple binomial
basis set. It treats a general two-parameter potential which, for suitable
parameter choices, approaches or reduces to the potential of well-know
problems, including the particle in a box, the harmonic oscillator, the
infinite tilted well, and the double well.

Developed by David Keeports and John Furth, Mills College, VARIATIONAL
METHOD is intended for two distinct instructional applications at the
upper division, university physics level: as a generator of good
approximate energies and wave functions for common one-dimensional
systems, and as a tool for illustrating the variational method as an
approximation method in quantum mechanics.

In principle, the application of quantum mechanics to a physical system- is
a simple process, easily accomplished by writing and solving the
Schrodinger wave equation for the system under consideration.
Unfortunately, for most physical systems of interest, this differential
equation is too complex to be solved analytically. In this case, the
application of the variational method can often provide reliable results.

Reviewers are enthusiastic about VARIATIONAL METHOD. "A good, single-topic
package," says Roger Rollins, Ohio University. "The simplicity and
directness of the approach is the program's strength." David Winch,
Kalamazoo College, says, "As a generator of good approximate energies and
wave functions, VARIATIONAL METHOD delivers." And Ronald Stoner, Bowling
Green State University, calls the software "A useful aid for teaching the
variational method in introductory quantum mechanics."

The VARIATIONAL METHOD package includes a User's Manual containing a
thorough introduction to variational method calculations, an overview of
the theory behind these calculations, a tutorial to orient new users to
the program, a summary of input and output commands for quick reference,
and an instructor's guide offering suggestions for classroom use.

VARIATIONAL METHOD is published and distributed by Physics Academic
Software, which is a project of the American Institute of Physics in
cooperation with the American Physical Society and the American
Association of Physics Teachers as part of a continuing series of
educational software from PAS.

VARIATIONAL METHOD will operate on any Macintosh Plus or later computer
using system software 6.0.2 or later.

VARIATIONAL METHOD may be purchased from Physics Academic Software for
$39.95 plus $3.50 shipping and handling for the first package ($7.50
foreign) and $.75 for each additional package. Lab Packs, which include
ten copies of the software and one User's Manual, are available for
$119.95.

For a limited time, you can purchase the entire PAS collection, with or
without Lab Packs, and save up to 33% off the regular price. Physics
Academic Software offers a no-risk guarantee by providing a full refund
for packages returned within 30 days.

PAS also offers a Standing Order Plan, which brings the latest in
innovative physics courseware to your door, along with exceptional
savings. When you join the Standing Order Plan, you will automatically
receive each new PAS program, with or without Lab Packs, and save up to
33% off the list price.

Orders and requests for a free catalog of all Physics Academic Software
titles should be directed to The Academic Software Library, Campus Box
8202, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695-8202. By
telephone, call (800) 955-TASL or (919) 515-7447; FAX (919) 515-2682.

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