Finding the probability (again)

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the probability of finding an electron in a spherical shell of width 0.01Å and radius 0.35Å for a hydrogen atom. The probability is determined using the wave function ψ (1s), expressed as ψ² multiplied by the volume of the shell. Participants suggest integrating the wave function over the specified volume using spherical coordinates, specifically the integral 0.345∫0.355 0∫2π 0∫2π ψ² r² sinφ dr dφ dθ, to achieve a more accurate probability calculation. The importance of considering both angular and radial components of the wave function is emphasized, along with the suggestion to use the Bohr radius for measurements.

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NicolasM
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So, we have a hydrogen atom. What is the probability of an electron being found in a spherical shell with 0,01Å width and a radious of 0,35Å?

By approximation, we can sonsider the value of ψ (1s) stable within the shell, and thus the chance is ψ2 x Volume. Right?
Also, by considering 0,35Å the median radious, can I express the probability as 0,3450,355 0 0 ψ2 r2 sineφ dr dφ dθ ? Would that give a more accurate solution?
 
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the chance is ψ2 x Volume
... you mean:

The probability of finding a particle with wave-function ##\psi## in volume ##V## is $$P_V=\int_V \psi^\star\psi \; dv$$

Also, by considering 0,35Å the median radious, can I express the probability as 0,345∫0,355 0∫2π 0∫2π ψ2 r2 sineφ dr dφ dθ ? Would that give a more accurate solution?

That would be reasonable taking the "radius" as the center of the shell.
Don't forget that the 1s shell has angular as well as radial components, something like: ... ##\psi=Y(\theta,\phi)R(r)##.

You can use the symmetry of the 1s state to work out the result of the integration over all possible angles. It may help to measure radii in units of the Bohr radius.
 

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