The probability density for finding a particle at position xis

px=a1-xb1-x-1mmx<0mm0mmx1mm

and zero elsewhere

Short Answer

Expert verified

we can conclude that the relation between a and b is a=b

the numerical value of a and b is 0.84

Therefore the probability of finding the particle in the left side of the origin is 58.1%

Step by step solution

01

 The trajectory a particle could not be exactly predicted  

In a quadrium world the trajectory a particle could not be exactly predicted . The probability pxof finding the particle a certain location in wave is determined by the calculating the expectation value of the wave function localid="1648836367063" pxoftheparticlepx=vxdx3

02

Subpart (a) step 1:The problem states the probability density of finding the particle at position  x.px=a1-x             -1mm≤x≤0mmb1-x            0mm≤x≤1mm

The wave function is continuous. We can apply the boundary conditions, so the wave function at boundaries is same.

limxpx=limxpxlimx-a1-x-limxb(1-x)

Therefore, we can conclude that the relation between a and b is a=b

03

sub part (b) step 2:The area of probability density function is always 1. This can be stated in relation,

-pxdx=1

Now substitute the value of P(x) given in the problem in the above equation

-10a1-xdx+01-4cx+4cx2dx=1-aIn(1-x)-10+bx-x2201=1aIn2+b/2=1

substitute b for a

aLn2+a/2=1a=22In2+1=0.84

Therefore, the numerical value of a and b is 0.84

04

sub part (c) step 3:The graph below shows the probability density over the interval -1mm≤x≤1mm

05

subpart (d) step 4: The probability that the particle is found on the negative  x -axis (left from the origin) is, 

px=-10a1-xdx=a-In1-x-10=aIn2

Substitute 0.84 for a

=(0.84)In2

=0.581

Therefore the probability of finding the particle in the left side of the origin is 58.1%

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