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Wave Function Normalization Problems

The document presents a series of quantum mechanics problems focused on wave function normalization. It includes solutions for various wave functions such as exponential, sine, complex exponential, Gaussian, and superposition of sine functions, detailing the calculation of normalization constants and probabilities. Each problem is solved step-by-step, demonstrating the application of integration and normalization principles.

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Tuấn Anh Lê
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42 views3 pages

Wave Function Normalization Problems

The document presents a series of quantum mechanics problems focused on wave function normalization. It includes solutions for various wave functions such as exponential, sine, complex exponential, Gaussian, and superposition of sine functions, detailing the calculation of normalization constants and probabilities. Each problem is solved step-by-step, demonstrating the application of integration and normalization principles.

Uploaded by

Tuấn Anh Lê
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

Quantum Mechanics: Wave Function Normalization Problems

Problem 1: Exponential Wave Function

A particle has a wave function:

ψ(x) = Ae−a∣x∣ , −∞ < x < ∞

where a >0.

(a) Find the normalization constant A .

Solution: We require:

∞
∫ ∣ψ(x)∣2 dx = 1
−∞

∣ψ(x)∣2 = A2 e−2a∣x∣

Since the function is even:


∞
A2 ⋅ 2 ∫ e−2ax dx = 1
0
∞
1 −2ax 1 A2
= 2A2 [− e ] = 2A2 ⋅ = =1
2a 0 2a a

A= a

Problem 2: Sine Wave Function in 1D Box

2πx
ψ(x) = A sin ( ), 0≤x≤L
L

(a) Find A .

(b) Find the probability the particle is between 0 and L/2 .

Solution: (a)

L
∫ ∣ψ(x)∣2 dx = 1
0
L
2πx
A2 ∫ sin2 ( ) dx = 1
0 L

1
L 2
= A2 =1⇒A=
2 L

(b)

L/2
2πx
P = A2 ∫ sin2 ( ) dx
0 L
2 L
= ⋅ = 0.5
L 4

Problem 3: Complex Exponential Wave Function

ψ(x) = Aeikx , 0≤x≤L

(a) Find A .

(b) Find the probability the particle is between L/4 and 3L/4 .

Solution: (a)

∣ψ∣2 = ∣A∣2
1 iϕ
∣A∣2 L = 1 ⇒ A = e
L
where ϕ is arbitrary.

(b)

P = ∣A∣2 (3L/4 − L/4) = ∣A∣2 L/2 = 0.5

Problem 4: Gaussian Wave Function

2
ψ(x) = Ae−ax , −∞ < x < ∞

(a) Find A .

(b) Find probability particle is in [−1, 1] if a =1.

Solution: (a)

1/4
2a
=1⇒A=( )
π
A2
2a π

2
(b)

1
P = A2 ∫
2
e−2x dx
−1

(Numerical integration gives P ≈ 0.76 )

Problem 5: Superposition of Sine Functions

2πx
ψ(x) = A (sin ),
πx
+ sin 0≤x≤L
L L

(a) Find A .

Solution:

2
2πx
∣ψ∣2 = A2 (sin )
πx
+ sin
L L

= A2 (∫ dx)
L
πx 2πx
sin2 + sin2
0 L L

1
= A2 L ⇒ A =
L

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