How Can You Normalize a Wave Function with Constants C and x0?

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on normalizing the wave function \(\psi(x,0) = C \exp\left(-\frac{|x|}{x_0}\right)\) where \(C\) and \(x_0\) are constants. To achieve normalization, the integral of the square of the wave function over the entire domain must equal 1. The participants agree that the normalization should be evaluated over the bounds of \(-\infty\) to \(+\infty\), leveraging the even nature of the function to simplify calculations by doubling the integral from 0 to \(\infty\).

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FrankSilliman
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1. [tex]Find \ C \ in \ terms \ of \ x_0 \ such \ that \ \psi(x,0) \ is \ normalized, \ where \ C \ and \ x_0 \ are \ constants.[/tex]
2. [tex]\psi(x,0)=Cexp\left (-\frac{\left |x \right |}{x_0} \right )[/tex]
3. [tex]\\ \psi(x,0)=Cexp\left (-\frac{\left |x \right |}{x_0} \right )\\<br /> \Rightarrow \psi(x,0)=Cexp\left ( -\frac{x}{x_0} \right ) \ for \ x\geq 0 \\<br /> and \ \psi(x,0)=Cexp\left ( \frac{x}{x_0} \right ) \ for \ x<0[/tex]

My thoughts were to split the absolute value up, but I am unsure. Also, I am unsure as to how to choose the bounds for normalizing. Should it just be over (-∞,+∞)?
 
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The domain of the function should have been specified. If not, I think you are probably to assume (-∞,∞). It should be clear that the function (and its square) is an even function. So, the integral from -∞ to +∞ can be evaluated by taking twice the integral from 0 to infinity. Don't forget that it's the integral of the square of the function that should equal 1.
 

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