Hydrogen Wave Function Homework Problem

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on a homework problem involving the normalization of a hydrogen atom's wave function, specifically the state represented as \Psi=A(\sqrt{6}\psi_{100}+\sqrt{2}\psi_{200}+\psi_{211}+2\psi_{31-1}+\sqrt{3}\psi_{321}+3\psi_{32-2}). Participants emphasize the importance of recalling the radial wave functions R_{nl} and the associated recursion relations for coefficients. The normalization condition is defined as the integral of the product of the wave function and its complex conjugate equaling one. The solution requires substituting \Psi into this integral to solve for the normalization constant A.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of quantum mechanics and wave functions
  • Familiarity with hydrogen atom eigenfunctions \psi_{nlm}
  • Knowledge of normalization conditions in quantum mechanics
  • Ability to work with spherical harmonics Y^m_l and radial functions R_{nl}
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of hydrogen atom eigenfunctions \psi_{nlm}
  • Learn about the normalization process for quantum states
  • Explore the recursion relations for radial wave functions R_{nl}
  • Review spherical harmonics Y^m_l and their applications in quantum mechanics
USEFUL FOR

Students of quantum mechanics, particularly those tackling problems related to hydrogen atom wave functions and normalization techniques. This discussion is beneficial for anyone preparing for examinations in quantum physics.

toqp
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Homework Statement


A problem from an examination:
A hydrogen atom is in the state
[tex]\Psi=A(\sqrt{6}\psi_{100}+\sqrt{2}\psi_{200}+\psi_{211}+2\psi_{31-1}+\sqrt{3}\psi_{321}+3\psi_{32-2})[/tex]
where [tex]\psi_{nlm}[/tex] are the eigenfunctions of hydrogen. Find A so that the equation is normalized.

Homework Equations


[tex]\psi_{nlm}=R_{nl}Y^m_l,\ \ \ Y^m_l=AP^m_l(cos\theta)[/tex]

The Attempt at a Solution


Well I can get the angular parts for Y from some handbook. But in the test no additional data is provided, so should I just remember the equations for R to get the problem solved.

I mean... in another problem it was told:
"Remember that [tex]a_{+}\psi=\sqrt(n+1)\psi_{n+1}[/tex]"

and then suddenly I have to remember how to get Rnl?
Well, ok.

I can remember that (according to Griffiths)
[tex]R_{nl}=\frac{1}{\rho}(\rho)^{l+1}\nu(\rho),\ \ \ \rho=\frac{r}{an}[/tex]

But then I also have to remember the recursion formula for the coefficients of [tex]\nu(\rho)[/tex]?

I can understand if that stuff is really something one needs to memorize, but what I find confusing is that in several cases stuff far easier to remember is given along with the problem. Which leads me to think I've gotten something wrong... that it shouldn't be this complex.
 
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offtop: totally agree with you about memorizing all this coeffs and formulas.

normalization condition is:
[tex]\int_{-\infty}^{\infty}\Psi \Psi^{*} = 1[/tex]
where [tex]\Psi^{*}[/tex] is http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Complex_conjugation" of [tex]\Psi[/tex]

so, introduce your [tex]\Psi[/tex] in integral, and get [tex]A[/tex] from there.
 
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