Does the mod square of the wave function always have to be real?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the properties of the modulus square of the wave function in quantum mechanics, specifically referencing Griffiths' "Introduction to Quantum Mechanics." It is established that the modulus square of the wave function, denoted as |ψ(x,t)|², must always yield a positive real number, which is crucial for interpreting probabilities. The confusion arises from the presence of the term isin(2πt/h(E2-E1)), which is clarified through the application of trigonometric identities to simplify the expression. The resolution confirms that the modulus square remains real and positive after simplification.

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Plaetean
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Homework Statement


Doing a bit of QM from Griffiths intro to QM and got stuck early on on the following worked example:

http://imgur.com/6aPVGIr

I was under the impression that the mod square of the wave function ψ(x,t) should always be a positive, real number, but I cannot understand where the isin(2πt/h(E2-E1)) has gone in the last line. Perhaps I'm missing some simplification using trig identities perhaps?


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution

 
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In the next to last equality of the example, there is a product of two expressions in parentheses. Show us what you get when you multiply this out.
 
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