Free particle wavefunction represent a fixed profile= wavepacket?

In summary, Griffiths explains that any function of x and t that depends on these variables in the special combination (x±vt) represents a wave of fixed profile, traveling in the -+x direction at speed v. This means that the wave shape stays the same for each time, but it moves either to the right or left. This is shown through two forms of the wave function, \psi(t,x)=f(x-v t) or \psi(t,x)=f(x+v t). These forms can be visualized through a graph of the wave function against x, showing that they are a superposition of two traveling waves. To understand these concepts, further study of waves and wave functions may be necessary.
  • #1
Outrageous
374
0
Why the Griffiths book says : any function of x and t that depends on these variables in the special combination (x±vt) represent a wave of fixed profile, traveling in the -+x direction at speed v...
I don't really get the reason why from 2 terms of wavefunction can become only one term?

Please help.
Thanks
 

Attachments

  • image.jpg
    image.jpg
    34 KB · Views: 550
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
Griffiths means that your wave function is either of the form [itex]\psi(t,x)=f(x-v t)[/itex] or of the form [itex]\psi(t,x)=f(x+v t)[/itex]. Obviously the shape of the wave stays the same for each time, but it's moving to the right or left, respectively.
 
  • #3
vanhees71 said:
Griffiths means that your wave function is either of the form [itex]\psi(t,x)=f(x-v t)[/itex] or of the form [itex]\psi(t,x)=f(x+v t)[/itex]. Obviously the shape of the wave stays the same for each time, but it's moving to the right or left, respectively.

How do you know there are two form of wavefunction?
By drawing out a graph of wavefunction against x? To see they are actually two superposition of two traveling wave?
Those information are from the wave function? How do you know? Do I miss any wave knowledge? Where should I study these?
 

Related to Free particle wavefunction represent a fixed profile= wavepacket?

1. What is a free particle wavefunction?

A free particle wavefunction is a mathematical function that describes the quantum state of a particle that is not subject to any external forces or interactions. It is used to predict the probability of finding the particle at a certain position and time.

2. What does it mean for a wavefunction to represent a fixed profile?

A wavefunction representing a fixed profile means that the probability of finding the particle at a certain position is constant over time. This indicates that the particle's position is not changing and is in a state of equilibrium.

3. What is a wavepacket and how is it related to a free particle wavefunction?

A wavepacket is a localized wave that represents the probability distribution of a particle's position. It is related to a free particle wavefunction as it is a superposition of different energy states that make up the overall probability distribution.

4. What are the implications of a fixed profile wavepacket?

A fixed profile wavepacket indicates that the particle's position is known with certainty, but its momentum is completely uncertain. This is a fundamental principle of quantum mechanics known as the Heisenberg uncertainty principle.

5. How is the concept of a fixed profile wavepacket used in real-world applications?

The idea of a fixed profile wavepacket is used in various fields such as quantum computing, where the manipulation of wavepackets is used to encode and process information. It is also used in the study of electron transport in materials and in quantum cryptography.

Similar threads

  • Quantum Physics
3
Replies
70
Views
5K
Replies
4
Views
959
  • Quantum Physics
Replies
1
Views
1K
Replies
1
Views
857
Replies
2
Views
2K
Replies
4
Views
2K
Replies
10
Views
3K
Replies
5
Views
1K
Replies
19
Views
5K
Replies
2
Views
1K
Back
Top