# wave function problem

by Gregg
Tags: function, wave
 P: 463 1. The problem statement, all variables and given/known data The function $\Psi(r) = A(2-{Zr\over a})e^-{Zr\over 2a}$ gives the form of the quantum mechanical wavefunction representing the electron in a hydrogen-like atom of atomic number Z when the electron is in its first allowed spherically symmetric excited state. Here r is the usual spherical polar coordinate, but, because of the spherical symmetry, the coordinates θ and φ do not appear explicitly in Ψ. Determine the value that A (assumed real) must have if the wavefunction is to be correctly normalised, i.e. the volume integral of |Ψ|^2 over all space is equal to unity. 3. The attempt at a solution ${\int \int \int}_R |\Psi|^2 dV = 1$ $\int _0^{\infty }\int _0^{2\pi }\int _0^{\pi }A^2e^{-\frac{Zr}{a}} \left(2-\frac{Zr}{a}\right)^2d\phi d\theta dr = 1$ Which implies $\int _0^{\infty }A^2e^{-\frac{\text{Zr}}{a}} \left(2-\frac{\text{Zr}}{a}\right)^2dr = {1\over 2\pi^2}$ This turns out to be $\frac{2aA^2}{Z} = \frac{1}{2\pi^2}$ $A = \pm \frac{\sqrt{\frac{z}{a}}}{2\pi}$ This is wrong though? Is the problem the fact that Psi(r) isnt a function of theta or phi?
 HW Helper P: 482 Looks to me you forgot the r2 sin term from the differential volume element (note that the way you did it, the volume of a unit ball would come out as 2pi2). See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spheric...rdinate_system

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