Graph of a wave function and how to work out velocity from it.

Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around understanding how to determine the velocity of a wave from its wave function graph. Participants are exploring the relationship between the graphical representation of the wave function and the concept of velocity in this context.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are questioning the meaning of "velocity" in relation to the wave function and how to extract this value from the graph. There is an attempt to analyze specific points on the graph and their behavior over time.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants sharing their thoughts and interpretations. Some guidance has been offered regarding focusing on specific features of the graph and considering their behavior as time progresses, but no consensus has been reached on the method to obtain velocity.

Contextual Notes

One participant mentions struggling with the problem and providing an incomplete guess, indicating potential gaps in understanding or information. There is also a reference to the assignment suggesting the redrawing of the function at various times, which may imply specific constraints or requirements in the homework task.

Rich667
Messages
3
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


Open Question 2.bmp


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



Open Answer 2.bmp

I really struggled with this one, my answer is nothing more than an incomplete educated guess.
 

Attachments

  • Question 2.JPG
    Question 2.JPG
    41.4 KB · Views: 539
  • Answer 2.JPG
    Answer 2.JPG
    43.5 KB · Views: 524
Physics news on Phys.org
In terms of the wave-function... graphically (or visually) speaking... what does "velocity" mean?
 
"Velocity" means the speed the object (or in this case wave) is moving at in a certain direction.

But I don't know how to obtain the value of Velocity from the graph (that I still do not know how to draw).
 
At some time t=T, consider a snapshot of the graph. Focus on particular point (a bump, if wish) located at x=X on the graph. So, that feature has height H=g( 0.5X - 3T ). As T increases, what happens to that feature [keeping that height the same (which means keeping constant (0.5X - 3T) ]?

It might help to redraw your function at various times t (as suggested in your assignment).
 

Similar threads

Wave Function for a Particle in a Symmetric Infinite Square Well
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
E<V Potential Step Confusion
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
3K
Eigensolution of the wave function in a potential field.
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
The plots of wave function of harmonic oscillator
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K
Given a wave function, predict the result
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Show that the wave function is normalized
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
12K
Wave Functions With Same Energies Are the Same (only differ by a complex phase)
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
Wave function (schrodinger equation)
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
4K
Instantaneous Decay of Tritium into Helium
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
3K
Expansion of the wave equation for a stationary wave
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K