Free Particle moving in one dimension problem

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1. Mar 2, 2016

EmmaKate2009

1. The problem statement, all variables and given/known data
5) A free particle moving in one dimension is in the state

Ψ(x) = ∫ isin(ak)e(−(ak)2/2)e(ikx) dk

a) What values of momentum will not be found?
b) If the momentum of the particle in this state is measured, in which momentum
state is the particle most likely to be found?
c) if a=2.1 angstrom and the particle is an electron, what value of energy (in
eV) will measurement ﬁnd in the state described in part b?

2. Relevant equations

I know tha p=ħk

3. The attempt at a solution

I have attempted to complete the integration but this seems to go into very confusing and very difficult terms. I'm thinking that there is something simpler and I am just missing it.

2. Mar 2, 2016

Staff: Mentor

Do you know what that integral represents?

3. Mar 2, 2016

EmmaKate2009

the integral is from - infinity to + infinity, I just didn't know how to put it on the question on here

4. Mar 2, 2016

Staff: Mentor

I understand that.

My point is that the integral is a very specific kind. If you can figure out out what it is, you get the momentum representation of the wave function with no effort.

5. Mar 2, 2016

EmmaKate2009

I'm not sure I understand your statement. I know that a wave function can be either classified as sines and cosines or as exponentials, I haven't yet seen a wave function that includes a integral before.

6. Mar 3, 2016

Staff: Mentor

I'm surprised that you have such a problem to solve if you haven't seen such an integral before. It is a Fourier transform.