General question about wavefunctions

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the calculation of the probability of finding a particle at a specific location over a time interval using the wavefunction ψ(x,t). The integral ∫ab|ψ(x,t)|²dx is correctly identified for spatial probability, while the proposed integral ∫titf|ψ(x,t)|²dx for temporal probability raises concerns about exceeding unity, indicating a misunderstanding of quantum mechanics principles. The conversation highlights the impact of observation on wavefunction behavior, emphasizing that without measurement, position cannot be determined at any given time.

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Homework Statement


Is it possible given a wavefunction ψ(x,t) to find the probability that the particle is at a particular location over an interval of time?


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The Attempt at a Solution


Intuitively, given that the probability of finding the particle in a region a<x<b at a time t is ∫ab|ψ(x,t)|2dx, i would guess that the probability of finding the particle ti<t<tf at the point x would be ∫titf|ψ(x,t)|2dx. However, this leads to a bit of a paradox: this integral can leads to probabilities greater than 1, which would suggest that I am missing something pretty critical.
 
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Hi.
If you observe the position at t=ti wave function changes or contracts so it is a mess.
If you do not observe, you cannot say anything about position at t = ti or about staying in point x.
Regards.
 

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