Calculating Probability of Particle in a Box

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves calculating the probability of finding a particle in a one-dimensional box of width L within a specified region. The context is quantum mechanics, specifically the particle-in-a-box model, and the discussion focuses on the ground state and first excited state of the particle.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the integration of the probability density function to find the probability in the specified region. There are questions about the correct application of the formula and the boundaries used for integration. Some participants express confusion over the results obtained, particularly regarding values exceeding 1.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants providing clarifications and corrections regarding the integration process and the boundaries considered. Some have identified errors in their calculations, while others are confirming the consistency of the probability density function across different states.

Contextual Notes

There is mention of different boundary conditions affecting the probability density function, and some participants are reflecting on their assumptions regarding these boundaries.

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Homework Statement



A particle is in a box of width L. Calculate the probability to find the particle in the region [L/4, 3L/4] when the particle is a) in the ground state b) in the first excited state.

Homework Equations



(2/L)sin(n*π*x/L)^2 dx is the probability in [x, x+dx]

The Attempt at a Solution



Integrating that gives me 2/L[x/2-[L/(4π)]sin(2n*π*x/L)], boundaries being L/4 and 3L/4. For a) n=1 and b) n=2, right? After I plug in the values, I get value greater than 1. Where have I gone wrong?

Hopefully this is readable, no LaTeX. :cry:
 
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The probability density is (2/L)sin²(nπx/L) for even n and (2/L)cos²(nπx/L) for odd n.

EDIT: Sorry, this is only if you take the boundaries of the box to be -L/2 and L/2.
 
Last edited:
No, it's the same formula for all n!
After integration i got 2/L[x/2-[L/(4π n)]sin(2n*π*x/L)]
For n = 1 -> (2+π)/(2π)
for n = 2 -> 1/2
 
Yes sorry, I took the boundaries to be -L/2 and L/2.
 
Thanks for the replies, guys! I forgot the one n in my first post. I found out my error was in the easy stuff after the integration, I'd done a mistake in adding fractions. :redface:
 

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