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View Full Version : Quantum Mechanics Integral Trouble


jakePHYS
Feb28-08, 05:28 PM
1. Problem: int[(x^2)*(sin^2 (n*Pi*x/a)] from 0 to a

3. Physics teacher tells me to just look it up. I've wrestled with every table of integrals I can find (web, library, my books), but I'm still hung up.
1. The problem statement, all variables and given/known data



2. Relevant equations



3. The attempt at a solution

Dick
Feb28-08, 06:01 PM
Write it as x^2*sin(k*x) where k is n*pi/a. First use the trig identity sin^2(kx)=(1-cos(2kx))/2. Then to integrate something like x^2*cos(2kx) you just have to integrate by parts twice. It's not the easiest integral in the world, but it's not the hardest either.

jakePHYS
Feb28-08, 06:29 PM
:biggrin: This has been vexing me for 3 1/2 weeks now! THANK YOU! :biggrin:

Dick
Feb28-08, 07:15 PM
If you are allowed to just look things up, you also might want to check out: http://integrals.wolfram.com/index.jsp You're welcome!