Show that a wave function is correctly normalised?

In summary, to show that a wave function is correctly normalised, you integrate the absolute square of the function between infinity and negative infinity, including its complex conjugate. The expectation value of the position for a wavefunction can be equal to zero, meaning the particle is equally likely to be found on either side of the coordinate system's origin. However, this depends on the specific conditions, such as in the case of a hydrogen atom in the ground state or a particle in an infinite square well. The expectation value of momentum, <p>, can also be zero if the conditions allow for it.
  • #1
Dream_Theater
3
0
Hi, could someone please tell me how I would show that a wave function is correctly normalised?

I know to integrate the square of the function between infinity and negative infinity, but is the complex conjugate required?

Any help is much appreciated :D
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
You integrate the absolute square of the wave function, which is the wave function times its complex conjugate.
 
  • #3
Thanks, that helps a lot. I can see where I was going wrong.

Also, for a wavefunction, can the expectation value of the position be equal to zero?
 
  • #4
It means that the particle is equally likely to be found on one side of the origin of your coordinate system, as on the opposite side. Whether that's possible or not depends on the situation. For a hydrogen atom in the ground state, with the proton at the origin, <x> for the electron is in fact zero. For the classic textbook particle in an "infinite square well" whose boundaries are at x = 0 and x = L, <x>= 0 is not possible.
 
  • #5
Thanks, that really helps. I was wondering because I was looking at a question that didn't really specify the conditions. I'll check through my working and see if I've made any mistakes. Also, if <x> is zero, can <p> also be zero?
 

FAQ: Show that a wave function is correctly normalised?

What is a wave function?

A wave function is a mathematical description of a quantum system that represents the probability of finding the system in a particular state. It is a complex-valued function that contains all the information about the quantum state of a particle or system.

Why is it important to show that a wave function is correctly normalized?

Normalization of a wave function ensures that the total probability of finding a particle in all possible states is equal to 1. This is a fundamental requirement in quantum mechanics, as it ensures the consistency and validity of the wave function.

How do you determine if a wave function is correctly normalized?

To determine if a wave function is correctly normalized, you must integrate the square of the wave function over all possible states. If the integral evaluates to 1, then the wave function is correctly normalized. This integral is also known as the probability of finding the particle in a particular state.

What happens if a wave function is not correctly normalized?

If a wave function is not correctly normalized, it means that the total probability of finding the particle in all possible states is not equal to 1. This could lead to incorrect predictions and inconsistencies in the results obtained from the wave function.

Can a wave function be normalized to a value other than 1?

No, a wave function must always be normalized to a value of 1. This is a fundamental principle in quantum mechanics that ensures the consistency and accuracy of the wave function's predictions. If a wave function is not normalized to 1, it means that the total probability of finding the particle in all possible states is not equal to 1.

Similar threads

Replies
5
Views
2K
Replies
4
Views
2K
Replies
5
Views
2K
Replies
4
Views
1K
Replies
14
Views
3K
Replies
1
Views
2K
Replies
24
Views
2K
Replies
4
Views
5K
Back
Top