How do I prove that the wave function R_{10}(r) is normalized?

  • Thread starter Thread starter karkas
  • Start date Start date
AI Thread Summary
To prove that the wave function R_{10}(r) is normalized, the integral of its squared magnitude must equal 1. The initial attempt incorrectly integrated without considering the volume element in spherical coordinates, leading to an incorrect result of 2/a_0^2. The correct approach requires including the factor of r² in the integration, which accounts for the spherical volume element. This adjustment resolves the normalization issue. The discussion concludes with a request for clarification on the derivation of the volume integral in three-dimensional coordinates.
karkas
Messages
131
Reaction score
1

Homework Statement


Its simple, I've encountered this problem in Beiser's book and it doesn't seem right:

Prove that the function R_{10}(r) = \frac{2}{a_{0}^{3/2}}\cdot e^{-\frac{r}{a_0}} is normalized.

Homework Equations


\int_{-\infty}^{\infty} |\psi|^2 dV = 1

The Attempt at a Solution


I figured it's simply just taking the integral
R_{10} (r)=\int^{\infty}_{0}( \frac{2}{a_{0}^{3/2}}\cdot e^{-\frac{r}{a_0}})^2dr = 1
but the result is not 1, it's 2/a_0^2
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Don't you need r²dr instead of just dr?
(volume integral, spherical-polar coords.)
 
Yes it appears that solves the problem, thanks!
 
I would enjoy a pointer as to where this comes from exactly, maybe a link?

edit: just standard triple integration in 3 coordinates?
 
Last edited:
Kindly see the attached pdf. My attempt to solve it, is in it. I'm wondering if my solution is right. My idea is this: At any point of time, the ball may be assumed to be at an incline which is at an angle of θ(kindly see both the pics in the pdf file). The value of θ will continuously change and so will the value of friction. I'm not able to figure out, why my solution is wrong, if it is wrong .
TL;DR Summary: I came across this question from a Sri Lankan A-level textbook. Question - An ice cube with a length of 10 cm is immersed in water at 0 °C. An observer observes the ice cube from the water, and it seems to be 7.75 cm long. If the refractive index of water is 4/3, find the height of the ice cube immersed in the water. I could not understand how the apparent height of the ice cube in the water depends on the height of the ice cube immersed in the water. Does anyone have an...
Back
Top