Help Solve for the normalization constant of this QM integral

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around finding the normalization constant for a given wavefunction in quantum mechanics. Participants are examining the integral required for normalization and its implications on the validity of the wavefunction.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Some participants attempt to solve the integral for the normalization constant but express difficulty in manipulating the wavefunction into a solvable form. Others question the convergence of the integral and the validity of the wavefunction itself, suggesting it may not be normalizable.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants exploring the implications of the integral's convergence. Some have raised concerns about the problem's context, particularly regarding its presentation in a final exam setting, and have reached out to the professor for clarification.

Contextual Notes

There is mention of standard results for Gaussian functions, and some participants speculate about potential typos in the wavefunction provided, which may affect its normalizability.

casparov
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Misplaced Homework Thread
Homework Statement
find A
Relevant Equations
psi = A exp [ - x^2 / (2+ix) ]
I'm given the wavefunction

ψ = A exp(-x^2/(2 + i x))


and I need to find the normalization constant A.

I believe that means to solve the integral

1/A^2 = integral_(-∞)^∞ e^(-x^2/(2 + i x)) e^(-x^2/(2 - i x)) dx


The question does give some standard results for the Gaussian function, also multiplied by x to some different powers in the integrand, but I can't seem to get it into that form.
Whatever I do, I get an x in the denominator of the exponent, and makes it impossible to solve for me.
 
Last edited:
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casparov said:
I'm given the wavefunction

View attachment 326989

and I need to find the normalization constant A.

I believe that means to solve the integral

View attachment 326990
That is correct. However, this integral does not converge, so the given wave function is not normalizable (hence not a valid wave function).
 
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DrClaude said:
That is correct. However, this integral does not converge, so the given wave function is not normalizable (hence not a valid wave function).
Sorry for the misplacement, it was a question on a final exam. Seems super odd to give this when the follow up questions implied it was normalizable. Thank you very much. Contacted my professor
 
casparov said:
Sorry for the misplacement, it was a question on a final exam. Seems super odd to give this when the follow up questions implied it was normalizable. Thank you very much. Contacted my professor
Could it be a typo?
$$
\psi = A \exp \left(- \frac{x^2}{2} + i x \right)
$$
would make more sense from a quantum mechanical point of view.
 
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