Calculating Normalization Constant for Wavefunction

In summary, the conversation discusses how to calculate the normalization constant for a given wavefunction and how to write the explicit harmonic oscillator wavefunction for a specific quantum number in terms of pi, alpha, and y. The importance of knowing the number of dimensions for the oscillator is also mentioned.
  • #1
sarabellum02
10
0
How do I calculate the normalization constant for a wavefunction of the form (r/a)e^(-r/2a) sin(theta)e^(i*phi)?

How would I write the explict harmonic oscillator wavefunction for quantum number 8(in terms on pi, alpha, and y)

thanx
 
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  • #2
Remember that the probability of the particle existing somewhere in all space is certain. So we have

[tex]\int_{-\infty}^{\infty}\psi\left(x\right)\psi^*\left(x\right)dx=1[/tex].

For the case of the wavefunction you have been given, an exact anti-derivative exists with these particular limits.

EDIT: Now correct for the 1D case. See jtbell's post for the correct answer.
 
Last edited:
  • #3
No, this is a three-dimensional wave function in spherical coordinates, so the integral looks like this:

[tex]\int_0^{2 \pi} {\int_0^{\pi} {\int_0^{\infty}{\psi^*(r, \theta, \phi) \psi(r, \theta, \phi)} r^2 \sin \theta \ dr} \ d\theta} \ d\phi} = 1[/tex]
 
  • #4
Yes, of course, jtbell is correct. Sorry. What I wrote was wrong even in the 1D case.
 
  • #5
It was correct in the ID case,those wave functions are scalars (bosonic variables) and can be switched places inside the integral.


Daniel.
 
  • #6
sarabellum02 said:
How would I write the explict harmonic oscillator wavefunction for quantum number 8(in terms on pi, alpha, and y)

thanx

How many dimensions does this oscillator have...?It's essential to know this fact.As for the variables you posted,they couldn't ring a bell,because notation conventions are not unique... :wink:

Daniel.
 

FAQ: Calculating Normalization Constant for Wavefunction

What is a normalization constant for a wavefunction?

A normalization constant for a wavefunction is a mathematical term used to ensure that the total probability of a system is equal to 1. It is calculated by taking the square root of the integral of the absolute square of the wavefunction over all possible values of the system's coordinates.

Why is it important to calculate the normalization constant for a wavefunction?

Calculating the normalization constant is important because it allows us to properly interpret the wavefunction of a system. The wavefunction describes the probability of a system occupying a certain state, and without normalization, this probability may not add up to 1, making it difficult to understand the behavior of the system.

How do you calculate the normalization constant for a wavefunction?

The normalization constant can be calculated by taking the square root of the integral of the absolute square of the wavefunction over all possible values of the system's coordinates. This integral is also known as the probability density function.

What is the significance of the normalization constant being equal to 1?

When the normalization constant is equal to 1, it means that the total probability of a system occupying any possible state is 1. This ensures that the wavefunction accurately describes the behavior of the system and allows us to make meaningful predictions and calculations based on it.

Are there any assumptions made when calculating the normalization constant for a wavefunction?

Yes, when calculating the normalization constant, it is assumed that the wavefunction is square integrable, meaning that it is finite and well-behaved over all possible values of the system's coordinates. Additionally, the wavefunction must also be continuous and single-valued.

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