H atom electron in combined spin/position state

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves an electron in a hydrogen atom described by a combined spin and position state. The original poster seeks to determine the probability density for finding the electron with a specific spin state and at a given radius from the origin.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to calculate the probability density using a specific formula but questions whether an integral is necessary to account for angular dependencies. Some participants suggest that integration over angles is required to obtain a radius-dependent answer, while others express concerns about the implications of integrating out non-isotropic dependencies.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants exploring the need for integration and the implications of angular dependence on the probability density. There is no explicit consensus, but guidance has been offered regarding the necessity of considering angular variables in the calculation.

Contextual Notes

Participants are navigating the complexities of the problem, particularly regarding the isotropy of the probability density and the requirements of the question posed.

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Homework Statement


An electron in a H atom occupies the combined spin and position state: R21{(sqrt(1/3)Y10χ+) + (sqrt(2/3)Y11χ-)} If you measured both the z component of spin and the distance from the origin, what is the probability density for finding the particle with spin up and at radius r?


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



The answer should just be |R21|^2*(1/3)*|Y10|^2*|χ+|^2 = (r^2)/(96πa^5) * exp(-r/a) * (cosθ)^2, right? Or do I need to do an integral? The theta dependence of my answer is bugging me, but I'm not entirely sure if I need to integrate over theta and phi to just get an r dependent answer? Could somebody please help me think through this? Thanks very much.
 
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If the question just asks for "radius r", then, yes, you do have to integrate out the theta and phi dependence.
 
Sorta makes sense, but if the probability density is not isotropic in theta, it still seems wrong to me to integrate that dependence away.
 
If you don't integrate over the angles, the expression you have doesn't give the probability density that the electron is at a distance r; it's the probability density that the electron is at a distance r, angle θ, and angle φ.
 

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