Assume that (∗) has bounded solutions with two turning points a,b where b>a,q′(b)>0 and q′(a)<0.
(a) Use the WKB approximation to derive the relationship
ϵ1∫ab∣q(ξ)∣1/2dξ=(n+21)π with n=0,1,2,⋯
[You may quote without proof any standard results or formulae from WKB theory.]
(b) In suitable units, the radial Schrödinger equation for a spherically symmetric potential given by V(r)=−V0/r, for constant V0, can be recast in the standard form (∗) as:
2mℏ2dx2d2ψ+e2x[λ−V(ex)−2mℏ2(l+21)2e−2x]ψ=0
where r=ex and ϵ=ℏ/2m is a small parameter.
Use result (∗∗) to show that the energies of the bound states (i.e λ=−∣λ∣<0) are approximated by the expression: