How Do I Set Up the Schrodinger Equation for This Wave Function?

  • Thread starter Thread starter apigban
  • Start date Start date
Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around setting up the Schrödinger equation for a particle described by the wave function Ψ = A sinh(x). Participants are exploring the implications of using different forms of the wave function, specifically the hyperbolic versus exponential forms, and addressing normalization concerns.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the necessity of using the exponential form of the hyperbolic function for the Schrödinger equation. Questions arise regarding the normalization of the wave function and the treatment of the complex conjugate, particularly since the function appears real-valued.

Discussion Status

The conversation is ongoing, with some participants providing guidance on normalization and integration. There is acknowledgment of different approaches to the wave function's form, but no consensus has been reached regarding the best method for normalization or the implications of using one form over the other.

Contextual Notes

Participants are navigating the complexities of the Schrödinger equation, including potential energy considerations and the limits of integration for normalization. There is a recognition of the need for clarity on these topics, but specific details remain under discussion.

apigban
Messages
6
Reaction score
0
Hi! I am having some problems in setting up the Schrödinger equation for a particle described by the wave function:

\Psi = A sinh (x)

should I use the exponential form of the hyperbolic function?

[URL]http://62.0.5.135/upload.wikimedia.org/math/9/c/7/9c74b71126c6bb1f4d6b865019a2735e.png[/URL]


Also, for normalization, do you have any guides that show how to form the complex conjugate of the above function (i don't see the complex parts).
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Physics news on Phys.org
What's the problem with the Schroedinger equation? Are you using the time-independent version (I assume you should be), is there a potential energy associated with this wavefunction?

Further, the complex conjugate of a real valued function is just the real function again. So normalization should look something like:

1=A2 \intsinh2(x)dx
 
Last edited:
This is my solution to the normalization of the wave equation. I am sorry I am totally new at this.

[PLAIN]https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/249293_246586558696823_100000364410765_866703_7618168_n.jpg

Is it correct? I just followed wikipedia's
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Normalizable_wave_function#Example_of_normalization

My question on the Schroedinger Eq. is that: Should i use the exponential form of the hyperbolic function? or does it matter if i use the hyperbolic? In the normalization above i used the exponential form.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
When you use the wavefunction in the Schrödinger equation, it shouldn't matter what form (hyperbolic or exponential) you use. Your normalization is off however. The integral of sinh2(x) is:

Exponential form: \frac{1}{4} (exp(2x)/2+exp(-2x)/2-2x)
Hyperbolic form: \frac{1}{4} (sinh(2x) -2x)

Further, you need to take the integral only between o and L, the other parts can be ignored. I may be reading this wrong, but it seems like you tried to absorb the exponentials into A2 and ignored any actual integration.

Cheers,
-Malus
 
thanks! I did the integration. and found what the factor is. thanks also for pointing that hyperbolic or exponentials can be used!.
 

Similar threads

Replies
29
Views
2K
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
3K
  • · Replies 39 ·
2
Replies
39
Views
4K
  • · Replies 19 ·
Replies
19
Views
3K
Replies
5
Views
2K
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 21 ·
Replies
21
Views
2K