Ground state in an infinite square well with length doubling

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves a particle in the ground state of an infinite square well, initially of length L, which is then symmetrically expanded to a length of 2L. The task is to determine the probability of finding the particle in the ground state of the new well without disturbing the system's state.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the need to renormalize the wave function due to the change in the well's length and the implications of the integration limits. There is also a focus on the interpretation of the probability calculation and the discrepancies between the calculated results and the textbook answer.

Discussion Status

Some participants have identified mistakes in their initial reasoning regarding the need for renormalization and the limits of integration. There is ongoing clarification about the correct interpretation of the probability calculation and the source of discrepancies in the results.

Contextual Notes

Participants are working under the constraints of the problem's setup, specifically the implications of the infinite square well model and the definitions of the wave functions involved. The discussion reflects uncertainty regarding the textbook's claims and the calculations performed.

cpsinkule
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Homework Statement


Assume a particle is in the ground state of an infinite square well of length L. If the walls of the well increase symmetrically such that the length of the well is now 2L WITHOUT disturbing the state of the system, what is the probability that a measurement would yield the particle in the ground state of the 2L-Well?

Homework Equations


Ground State of infinite well of length L: |ψ>= ∫√(2/L)cos(π/L*x)|x>dx from -L/2 to L/2

The Attempt at a Solution


Since the well has expanded, the current state of the system is no longer an eigenstate and needs to be renormalized because the range of integration has changed which yields
ψ=√(1/L)cos(π/l*x).
Now, the NEW ground state is just
φ=∫√(1/L)cos(π/2L*x')|x'>dx'
so the probability of finding the particle in the new ground state is just
<φ|ψ>=∫∫<x'|x>(1/L)cos(π/2L*x')cos(π/L*x)dx'dx=
∫∫δ(x'-x)(1/L)cos(π/2L*x')cos(π/L*x)dx'dx=
∫(1/L)cos(π/2L*x)cos(π/L*x)dx from -L to L
which I found to be equal to 4/3π, but the text claims the answer should be (8/3π)2! can someone point me to the mistake I've made somewhere?
 
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I've found my mistake! There is no need to renormalize the initial ground state because it is 0 outside the original limits! Also, The final integration should only be taken from -L/2 to L/2 for the same reason! but I still get an answer of 8/3π and NOT (8/3π)^2 like the book claims. Where does the square come from?
 
The probability is interpreted as ##|\langle \phi | \psi \rangle|^2 ## because when you sum it up for all the expansion bases, you get unity.
 
Thanks! It completely slipped my mind! LOL
 

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