Infinite square well. probability isues.

The probability density is given by \left | \psi_{1}(x) \right |^{2}, so the probability of finding the particle in a small interval dx around x is simply \left | \psi_{1}(x) \right |^{2}dx.Therefore, in summary, the ground state wave function and energy can be obtained as \psi_{1}(x)=\sqrt{\frac{1}{a}}sin(\frac{\pi}{a}x) and E_{1}=\frac{\hbar^{2}\pi^{2}}{2m}, respectively. The wave function has one node and the probability of finding the particle in a small interval dx around a certain point x is given by \left |
  • #1
OGrowli
14
0
(a) Obtain the ground state wave function and energy. Draw the wave function
[tex]\psi_{1}(x)[/tex]
(how many nodes are there in the ground state?) and the probability
[tex]\left | \psi_{1}(x) \right |^{2}[/tex]
of finding the particle in dx about x.

[tex] V(x)=\begin{cases}
& \infty,\text{ }x \geq a, x\leq -a \\
& 0,\text{ } -a< x< a
\end{cases} [/tex]

I've found the ground state wave function and energy to be:

[tex]\psi_{1}(x)=\sqrt{\frac{1}{a}}sin(\frac{\pi}{a}x)[/tex]
[tex]E_{1}=\frac{\hbar^{2}\pi^{2}}{2m}[/tex]

I'm not quite sure what is meant by "and the probability [tex]\left | \psi_{1}(x) \right |^{2}[/tex] of finding the particle in dx about x."

Are they literally asking for [tex]\left | \psi_{1}(x) \right |^{2}[/tex]or are they looking for an integral such as:
[tex]\int_{x-dx}^{x+dx}\left | \psi_{1}(x^{'}) \right |^{2}dx^{'}[/tex]
 
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  • #2
They are not asking for the integral, (which would be trivial btw), but they want to know the probability of finding the particle around a certain point x in the well.
 

FAQ: Infinite square well. probability isues.

What is an infinite square well?

An infinite square well is a theoretical model used in quantum mechanics to describe a particle confined to a one-dimensional space with infinitely high potential walls on either side.

How does the infinite square well affect the probability of finding a particle?

In an infinite square well, the probability of finding a particle is constant throughout the well, meaning the particle is equally likely to be found at any point within the well.

What is the probability distribution for a particle in an infinite square well?

The probability distribution for a particle in an infinite square well is a sinusoidal curve, known as a standing wave, with peaks at the edges of the well and nodes at the center.

How does the width of the infinite square well affect the probability of finding a particle?

The width of the infinite square well has a direct effect on the probability of finding a particle. As the width increases, the probability of finding the particle at any given point within the well decreases.

Can a particle in an infinite square well have a probability of zero at certain points?

Yes, a particle in an infinite square well can have a probability of zero at certain points, known as nodes. These points correspond to the potential energy being at its maximum and the kinetic energy being at its minimum.

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