Zero probability of the wavefunction for a particle in a finite space

In summary, the probability density being zero at certain points in a particle in a box does not mean the particle cannot move across these points. It simply implies that the particle can travel from one point to another without occupying the intervening points. This concept can be difficult to grasp when thinking of the particle as a classical object, but it is better understood when considering the wave function as the actual particle.
  • #1
EnSlavingBlair
36
6

Homework Statement


1) The probability density at certain points for a particle in a box is zero. Does this imply that the particle cannot move across these points?

There was also 2 figures that go with it, but I don't know if it's possible to upload them. One shows psi against the length of the box and the other is |psi|^2 against the length of the box.

The Attempt at a Solution


There is no probability of the particle ever being at certain points within the box, which does not mean the particle gets stuck in one area of the box, but instead implies that the particle travels from one point to another without needing to occupy all intervening points.

As far as I can tell from my textbook, this is a fairly acceptable answer. It just doesn't sit well for me. That would imply things like teleportation are possible. The only way I can imagine this to be possible is if, at those points, all the 'waves' that make up the particle cancel each other out, but I still don't like it as an explanation

Thank you for any help
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
The particle doesn't have a position in the ordinary sense before you measure it. If you think about it as a classical particle with a position, and which moves at a certain speed, there is no way for it to move from one side of the zero-probability point to the other without spending a finite amount of time near the point itself, making the probability density finite there. You should think of the wave function as being the particle, and [tex] |\psi(x)|^2 [/tex] as the probability density of finding it at x when you measure it.
 

FAQ: Zero probability of the wavefunction for a particle in a finite space

What does "zero probability of the wavefunction" mean?

When a particle's wavefunction has a zero probability, it means that there is no chance of finding the particle in a particular location within a finite space.

How can the wavefunction have a zero probability?

The wavefunction represents the probability of finding a particle in a certain location. If the wavefunction has a value of zero, it means that there is no chance of finding the particle in that location.

Does this mean the particle cannot exist in the finite space?

No, the particle can still exist in the finite space. The zero probability of the wavefunction only means that there is no chance of finding the particle in a specific location within that space.

What factors can lead to a zero probability of the wavefunction?

Factors such as boundaries, barriers, or potential wells in the finite space can lead to a zero probability of the wavefunction for a particle. This is because the wavefunction must follow certain rules and cannot have non-zero values in these areas.

How does this concept relate to the uncertainty principle?

The uncertainty principle states that it is impossible to know both the exact position and momentum of a particle at the same time. In the case of a zero probability of the wavefunction, it means that the particle's position is completely uncertain and cannot be pinpointed within the finite space.

Back
Top