Probability of finding an electron in a cylinder..

Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the probability of finding an electron within a specified cylindrical region in the context of quantum mechanics, specifically related to the hydrogen atom. The original poster expresses uncertainty about integrating the wavefunction in cylindrical coordinates.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the integration of the wavefunction \(\Psi_{321}\) over a cylindrical volume, questioning how to adapt the wavefunction from spherical to cylindrical coordinates. There are inquiries about the relationships between probability, probability density, and the wavefunction.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants exploring different interpretations of the problem and seeking clarification on fundamental concepts. Some guidance has been provided regarding the need for a volume integral and the transformation of coordinates, but no consensus has been reached on the specific approach to take.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the challenge of working with different coordinate systems and the implications of integrating over a cylindrical volume. There is also mention of the original wavefunction being derived in spherical coordinates, which adds complexity to the problem.

vwishndaetr
Messages
86
Reaction score
0
For,[tex]\Psi_{321}[/tex], calculate the probabily of finding the electron inside the region defined by a thin cylinder of radius .10a and length 10a, where a is the Bohr radius.

Little lost on this one.

What I do know/think, is that because it is a thin cylinder, dr is negligible, so r can just be substituited for [tex]\Psi_{321}[/tex]. But what about [tex]\phi[/tex] ? Can [tex]2\pi[/tex] just be substituited also? And I'm assuming dz gets integrated from 0 to 10a.

Please shed some light. :)
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Ohh, and to add, this is in a hydrogen atom. Stupid not to mention that.
 
Also, I derived [tex]\Psi_{321}[/tex] in a previous section to be:

[tex]\Psi_{321}= \sqrt{\frac{1}{9(120)^3}} \ e^{\frac{-r}{3a}}\left(\frac{320r^3}{a^3}\right) \sqrt{\frac{15}{8\pi}}\ sin{\theta}\ cos{\theta}\ e^{i\phi}[/tex]

Can I apply this function to solve this problem? My function is in spherical coords, and question seems to be in cylindrical. I'm not sure how to derive in cylindrical I don't think. Do I have to?
 
vwishndaetr said:
Also, I derived [tex]\Psi_{321}[/tex] in a previous section to be:

[tex]\Psi_{321}= \sqrt{\frac{1}{9(120)^3}} \ e^{\frac{-r}{3a}}\left(\frac{320r^3}{a^3}\right) \sqrt{\frac{15}{8\pi}}\ sin{\theta}\ cos{\theta}\ e^{i\phi}[/tex]

Can I apply this function to solve this problem? My function is in spherical coords, and question seems to be in cylindrical. I'm not sure how to derive in cylindrical I don't think. Do I have to?

First, let me ask you a couple of basic questions:

(1) What is the mathematical relationship between probability and probability density?
(2) How is probability density related to the wavefunction?

Second, upon answering these questions you should realize that you will need to perform a volume integral over the volume of the cylinder. To make that integration easier, you will want to transform your expression for [itex]\Psi_{321}[/itex] to cylindrical coordinates. So, what is the relationship between spherical coordinates [itex]\{r,\theta,\phi\}[/itex] and cylindrical coordinates [itex]\{\rho,\phi,z\}[/itex]?
 

Similar threads

Replies
4
Views
4K
Replies
7
Views
3K
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 21 ·
Replies
21
Views
3K
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
4K
Replies
4
Views
3K
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
2K
Replies
13
Views
3K
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
4K