Sketch the wave function. Is it smooth?

ψ(x)={2a3xe-axX>00X<0

Short Answer

Expert verified

The diagram for the variation of with is given below.

Step by step solution

01

Understanding the concept of wave functions.

In quantum physics, a wave function is a variable number that mathematically characterises a particle's wave properties. The value of a particle's wave function at a given place in space and time is proportional to the probability of the particle being there at that time.

02

Applying the concept of wave function.

Description of motion of a particle in quantum mechanics is described by wave function, which is a function of both position and time. The wave function is continuous in nature and it satisfied the Schrödinger equation.

Write the expression of the wave function of a particle for x > 0.

Ψ(x)=2a3xe-ax

Write the expression of the wave function of a particle for x < 0.

Ψ(x)=0

Draw a diagram to show the variation of ψx with x.

03

Draw the diagram to show the variation.

Draw a diagram to show the variation of ψxwith x.

As the potential energy is infinite for infinite well, so the derivative of the wave function is discontinuous. Thus the curve for variation of Ψ(x)with x has positive slope at right and negative slope at left.

Thus, the diagram for the variation of Ψ(x)with x is given above.

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Most popular questions from this chapter

What is the probability that the particle would be found between x = 0and x = 1/a?

Consider a particle of mass mand energy E in a region where the potential energy is constant U0. Greater than E and the region extends tox=+

(a) Guess a physically acceptable solution of the Schrodinger equation in this region and demonstrate that it is solution,

(b) The region noted in part extends from x = + 1 nm to +. To the left of x = 1nm. The particle’s wave function is Dcos (109m-1 x). Is also greater than Ehere?

(c) The particle’s mass m is 10-3 kg. By how much (in eV) doesthe potential energy prevailing from x=1 nm to U0. Exceed the particle’s energy?

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The figure shows a potential energy function.

(a) How much energy could a classical particle have and still be bound?

(b) Where would an unbound particle have its maximum kinetic energy?

(c) For what range of energies might a classical particle be bound in either of two different regions?

(d) Do you think that a quantum mechanical particle with energy in the range referred to in part?

(e) Would be bound in one region or the other? Explain.

The term interaction is sometimes used interchangeably with force, and other times interchangeably with potential energy. Although force and potential energy certainly aren't the same thing, what justification is there for using the same term to cover both?

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