What is the Probability of Finding an Electron in a Specific Angle in Hydrogen?

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The discussion revolves around calculating the probability of finding an electron in a hydrogen atom in the (2,1,1) state within a specific angle of ±30° from the x-y plane. The initial approach involved integrating the squared radial and angular wave functions, but an error was identified in the integration limits for the azimuthal angle, which should not include the exponential term. The correct probability expression simplifies to integrating the angular part without the exponential factor. The final calculation leads to a probability value of approximately 58.5 after correcting the integration setup. The thread emphasizes the importance of proper limits and factors in quantum mechanical probability calculations.
wavingerwin
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Homework Statement


Calculate the probability of finding the electron in a hydrogen within the angle \pm30\circ from the x-y plane.The hydrogen is in the (2,1,1) state.


Homework Equations


probability = \int\int\int\left|R_{2,1,1}\right|^{2} \left|Y^{1}_{1}\right|^{2} r^{2} sin(\theta) dr d\phi d\theta

Y^{1}_{1} = -\frac{1}{2}\sqrt{\frac{3}{2\pi}}sin(\theta)e^{i\phi}

The Attempt at a Solution


\int\left|R_{2,1,1}\right|^{2} r^{2} dr = 1
because limits are 0 to infinity.

limit for \theta is \frac{\pi}{3} to \frac{2\pi}{3}
limit for \phi is 0 to 2\pi

so...

probability = \int\int \left|Y^{1}_{1}\right|^{2} d\phi d\theta

probability = \int\int \frac{1}{4}\frac{3}{2\pi}sin^{3}\theta e^{\phi} d\phi d\theta

= \frac{3}{8\pi}\int\int sin^{3}\theta e^{\phi} d\phi d\theta
= \frac{3}{8\pi}\int sin^{3}\theta \left[e^{\phi}\right]^{2\pi}_{0} d\theta

= \frac{3}{8\pi} \left(e^{2\pi}-1\right) \int sin^{3}d\theta

and after some algebra..

\int^{\frac{2\pi}{3}}_{\frac{\pi}{3}} sin^{3}d\theta = 1-\frac{1}{12}

and so

probability = \frac{3}{8\pi} \left(e^{2\pi}-1\right) \left(1-\frac{1}{12}\right)

Now, e^{2\pi} is more than 500
which makes the probability equal to 58.5

?

Please help and thanks in advance
 
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...:smile: Nevermind.

Found what's wrong...
 
Can you please tell me what's wrong with it . Cos I have a similar problem . Thanks
 
probability = \int\int \frac{1}{4}\frac{3}{2\pi}sin^{3}\theta e^{\phi} d\phi d\theta

Should be

probability = \int\int \frac{1}{4}\frac{3}{2\pi}sin^{3}\theta d\phi d\theta
 

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