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briteliner
Oct26-08, 06:51 PM
1. The problem statement, all variables and given/known data
a particle moving in one dimension between rigid walls separated by a distance L has the wave function \Psi(x)=Asin(\Pix/L), since the particle must remain between the walls, what must be the value of A?


2. Relevant equations



3. The attempt at a solution

Ok so I'm thinking that since the particle has to be between x=0 and x=1, i should set the probability function = to one for these limits on the integral. i'm really confused on how to do that though

G01
Oct26-08, 08:38 PM
What must the following integral be equal to according to the probability interpretation of the wave function?

\int_0^L\Psi^*\Psi dx=?

briteliner
Oct26-08, 08:42 PM
1? to get psi* what do i do?

thanks

gulsen
Oct27-08, 05:19 AM
The star means complex conjugate: replaces all is with -is. In your case, \psi^* = A^* sin(\pi x / L), but you can takeA to be real, making \psi = \psi^*.

briteliner
Oct27-08, 08:49 AM
okay, thanks a lot

G01
Oct27-08, 03:44 PM
Yes, that integral is equal to 1. You now, need to evaluate that and figure out what A must be for that expression to be true.

(I have been busy today and I see I'm a little late to respond. I hope you were able to figure it out.)