Finding the Right Normalization Constant for Gaussian Integrals

  • Thread starter Thread starter core1985
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Integral
Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around finding the appropriate normalization constant for Gaussian integrals, particularly in the context of wave functions. Participants are exploring the relationship between different mathematical expressions and the implications for normalization.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are considering various methods for integrating Gaussian functions and normalizing wave functions, including the use of integration by parts and substitution. There are questions about the correct form of trigonometric identities and how to handle exponential terms in the integrals.

Discussion Status

The conversation is ongoing, with participants sharing hints and suggestions for approaches. Some are questioning the assumptions made about the functions involved and exploring different mathematical techniques. There is no explicit consensus yet, but several productive lines of inquiry are being pursued.

Contextual Notes

Participants are working under the constraints of specific homework guidelines and are attempting to clarify the relationships between different mathematical expressions. There is mention of a specific problem reference and the need for hints rather than complete solutions.

core1985
Messages
34
Reaction score
2
Member warned about posting without the homework template
Hello I have tried gaussian integrals does gaussian integrals have this general form formula? if not then weather i do integration by parts or what just needed a hint to solve it correctly
 

Attachments

  • IMG_20161118_192259.jpg
    IMG_20161118_192259.jpg
    66.7 KB · Views: 445
Physics news on Phys.org
Hello Core, :welcome:

The template is there for a reason, don't erase it but use it; it will be to your benefit.

What is the question ? and what is the relationship between your first line and the second ?
 
I want to say in the pic I have tried many things here should I show the steps I tried?? just want a hint that how to correctly start this nothing more weather I substitute or use gaussian integral formula for expomentional that is sqrt(pie/a) then do integration by parts??
 
My point is it seems you are trying to normalize the wave function $$\Psi(x,t) = A\, e^{-x^2/a^2} e^{-i\omega t} \sin kx $$ on the first line.
But the second line does not reflect that ( it says ##\ \sin (2kx) \ ## instead of ##\ \sin^2 (kx) \ ## ).

So :
BvU said:
What is the question ? and what is the relationship between your first line and the second ?
 
yes yes it is sin^2(kx) we can use 1-cos2(x)/2 formula here
 
but that nasty exponential how to handle that
 
it is liboff problem 3.15 I have found <p> that is zero but I stuck at A?
 
these steps I have tried now where is mistake??
 

Attachments

  • IMG_20161118_201911.jpg
    IMG_20161118_201911.jpg
    47.3 KB · Views: 430
Now see here in this formula list there no formula for x^2 that's why I am stuck at this step needed a hint
 

Attachments

  • IMG_20161118_202454.jpg
    IMG_20161118_202454.jpg
    26 KB · Views: 387
  • #10
how to integrate E^x^2/a^2 sinkx
 
  • #11
core1985 said:
yes yes it is sin^2(kx) we can use 1-cos2(x)/2 formula here
For the latter expression, if you mean ##\frac{1 - \cos^2(x)}2##, use parentheses around the terms in the numerator. What you wrote means ##1 - \frac{\cos(2x)}2##. In any case, ##\sin^2(kx) \ne \frac{1 - \cos(2x)}{2}##. You have to consider that k mulitplier.
 
  • #12
thanks I am new to this website
 
  • #13
Maybe you want to check out number 6 here ?

Otherwise there is CRC handbook of chemistry and physics, or Abramowitz (7.4.6)
 
  • #14
so if I use number 6 then can I change limits to 0 to infinity multiplied by 2 then It can be applied ?
 
  • #15
one thing more can I change sin(kx) into exponentionals and then try to solve will it work or not??
 
  • #16
core1985 said:
so if I use number 6 then can I change limits to 0 to infinity multiplied by 2 then It can be applied ?
IF the function is even (##\ f(x) = f(-x)\ ##) then yes.
core1985 said:
one thing more can I change sin(kx) into exponentionals and then try to solve will it work or not??
You can give it a try... :rolleyes:
 
  • #17
what do you suggest now changing sin to exponential using euler formula or use this
 
  • #18
but cos(kx) is even ?? so I can use this to solve this nasty integral
 
  • #19
ok I am solving it by both methods and will tell you what I got
 
  • #20
core1985 said:
but cos(kx) is even ?? so I can use this to solve this nasty integral
Yes you can
core1985 said:
what do you suggest now changing sin to exponential using euler formula or use this
That would be the idea. But it doesn't look clean and quick to me, such a complex exponential...

After all, integrating ##\ e^{-x^2}\ ## alone already requires ingenious mathematical manipulating...
 
  • #21
ok then I use cos formula but can normalization have ? e term? according to the formula number 6 means I can write exponential in normalization
 
  • #22
The normalization process is to determine your ##A## such that ##\displaystyle \int \Psi(x,t)^* \Psi(x,t) \ = 1 ##. The result of the indefinite integral is basically just a number.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
Replies
7
Views
4K
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
3K
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K