How do I plot ψ(x,t) as a function of x at time t=a/v?

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on plotting the wave function ψ(x,t) at time t=a/v, given the initial conditions ψ(x,0) = 0 and ∂ψ/∂t (x,0) = v for -a≤x≤a. The wave equation, described by d'Alembert's formula, simplifies to ψ(x,t) = (1/2v) ∫(x-vt)^(x+vt) ∂ψ/∂t(x,0) dx due to the initial condition. The integral needs to be evaluated between the limits of x+vt and x-vt, with ∂ψ/∂t(x,0) equating to v within the specified range. The challenge lies in understanding how to evaluate the integral and plot the resulting function at t=a/v.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of the 1D wave equation and d'Alembert's solution.
  • Knowledge of integral calculus, specifically evaluating definite integrals.
  • Familiarity with wave functions in quantum mechanics.
  • Basic graphing skills for plotting functions of two variables.
NEXT STEPS
  • Learn how to evaluate definite integrals involving piecewise functions.
  • Study the properties of wave functions in quantum mechanics.
  • Explore numerical methods for plotting functions in Python or MATLAB.
  • Investigate the implications of boundary conditions on wave behavior.
USEFUL FOR

Students studying quantum mechanics, physicists working with wave equations, and anyone interested in understanding wave function behavior over time.

whatisreality
Messages
286
Reaction score
1

Homework Statement


A 1D wave function ψ(x,t) satisfies these initial conditions:
ψ(x,0) = 0 for all x

∂ψ/∂t (x,0) is v for -a≤x≤a
0 otherwise
Plot ψ(x,t) as a function of x at time t=a/v.

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution


I know the 1D wave equation is given by d'Alembert's:
##\psi(x,t) = 0.5[\psi(x+vt,0) + \psi(x-vt,0)] + \frac{1}{2v} \int_{x-vt}^{x+vt} \frac{\partial \psi}{\partial t}(x,0) \mathrm dx##

But for this function because ψ(x, 0) = 0 for all x, that simplifies to
##\psi(x,t) = \frac{1}{2v} \int_{x-vt}^{x+vt} \frac{\partial \psi}{\partial t}(x,0) \mathrm dx##

I wanted to sketch ψ(x,t) first but I'm not sure how to evaluate the integral. For -a≤x≤a,
##\frac{\partial \psi}{\partial t}(x,0)## = v,
But do I still integrate between x+vt and x-vt? Do I sub x=a or x=-a into the limits, or maybe t=0? I;m fairly sure you just integrate v between x+vt and x-vt (w.r.t x).

Then I have to plot the graph at t=a/v. And I'm not given what
##\frac{\partial \psi}{\partial t}(x,\frac{a}{v})## is, and there's no easy relationship I can spot between the two graphs in terms of for example ψ(x,0) is ψ(x, a/v) translated or rotated etc.

In fact, I can't see how it being t=a/v instead of t=0 would affect the graph at all!
 
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org
When you do the integral, you will have a function ##\psi(x,t)## which is of x and t and is valid in [-a,a].
Then you can find what that function is for any particular time t ... which will be a function of x alone.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
1K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
3K
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
3K
Replies
13
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Replies
3
Views
2K
Replies
6
Views
2K
Replies
2
Views
1K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K