Find Particle Given Wavefunction: Probability Amplitude & Exponential Decay

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In summary, the particle is most likely to be found where the probability amplitude is at its maximum, as the square modulus of the wavefunction gives the probability density. In 3-D, plotting rR(r) is necessary to find the most likely r, as a particle can be found at one value of r and be anywhere in a shell of radius r and thickness dr. The volume of the shell increases in proportion to the area of a sphere, or as r².
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stunner5000pt
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Homework Statement


Where is the particle most likely to be found given the wavefunction in the diagram
Also the wavefunction decays exponentially as x goes to infinty

Homework Equations


well the wavefunction is the probability amplitude
the square modulus of the wavefunction gives the probability desnity
and the square modulus times delta x gives the probability of finidng a particle bewtween x and x + delta x


The Attempt at a Solution


i think it is most likely to be fond where the probability amplitude is maximum because at those regions the particle has maximum proabiltiy of being found

is this correct??

thanks for your help!
 

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  • #2
stunner5000pt said:

Homework Statement


Where is the particle most likely to be found given the wavefunction in the diagram
Also the wavefunction decays exponentially as x goes to infinty

Homework Equations


well the wavefunction is the probability amplitude
the square modulus of the wavefunction gives the probability desnity
and the square modulus times delta x gives the probability of finidng a particle bewtween x and x + delta x


The Attempt at a Solution


i think it is most likely to be fond where the probability amplitude is maximum because at those regions the particle has maximum proabiltiy of being found

is this correct??

thanks for your help!

Yes

In 3-D you do have to be careful with radial wave funcions. The usual thing is to plot rR(r) because R(r) itself is not sufficient to find the most likely r. That's bcause a particle can be found at one value of r and be anywhere in a shell of radius r and thickness dr. The volume of the shell increases in proportion to the area of a sphere, or as r²
 

1. What is the wavefunction and probability amplitude?

The wavefunction describes the quantum state of a particle, while the probability amplitude represents the likelihood of finding the particle in a particular location or state.

2. How do you calculate the probability amplitude?

The probability amplitude is calculated by taking the square root of the probability density function, which is determined by the wavefunction.

3. What is exponential decay in relation to finding a particle?

Exponential decay is a mathematical function that describes the decrease in the probability of finding a particle in a particular state as time progresses.

4. Can the wavefunction and probability amplitude change over time?

Yes, the wavefunction and probability amplitude can change over time as the particle's quantum state evolves.

5. How does the uncertainty principle relate to finding a particle given the wavefunction?

The uncertainty principle states that it is impossible to know both the exact position and momentum of a particle simultaneously. This means that even with a known wavefunction, there will always be some uncertainty in the particle's location.

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