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

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the probability of finding an electron in a hydrogen atom in the (2,1,1) state within an angle of ±30° from the x-y plane. The probability is derived using the integral formula involving the radial function \( R_{2,1,1} \) and the spherical harmonic \( Y^{1}_{1} \). The correct formulation of the probability integral is confirmed to be \( \int\int \frac{1}{4}\frac{3}{2\pi}sin^{3}\theta d\phi d\theta \), correcting a previous error that included an unnecessary exponential term. The final calculated probability is approximately 58.5.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of quantum mechanics, specifically hydrogen atom states
  • Familiarity with spherical harmonics, particularly \( Y^{1}_{1} \)
  • Knowledge of integral calculus, especially triple integrals
  • Experience with probability calculations in quantum systems
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the properties of spherical harmonics in quantum mechanics
  • Learn about the radial wave functions of hydrogen, focusing on \( R_{n,l,m} \)
  • Explore the derivation of probability density functions in quantum systems
  • Investigate the implications of angular momentum in quantum mechanics
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Students and professionals in physics, particularly those specializing in quantum mechanics, as well as educators seeking to clarify concepts related to electron probability distributions in atomic systems.

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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