Normalisation of the radial wavefunction in 2s state?

Click For Summary
The discussion focuses on finding the normalization constant, N, for the radial wavefunction in the 2s state of hydrogen, given by R20(r) = N (1−r/2a0) e-r/a0. The user expresses difficulty in isolating constants from the integral while attempting to normalize the wavefunction to equal 1. Key points of confusion include the incorrect manipulation of terms, such as misapplying the distributive property and misunderstanding how to handle constants like a0 in the integral. Participants point out specific mathematical errors, emphasizing the need for careful treatment of the wavefunction's components during normalization. Accurate normalization is crucial for proper quantum mechanical calculations in hydrogen's 2s state.
ASSAem
Messages
1
Reaction score
0
OP warned about not using the homework template
Okay, so I've been set this homework to find the normalisation constant, N, for the radial wave function in the 2s state for hydrogen (my title was too long to fit that vital information in). thing is; I'm having a bloody hard time and in the process confusing myself with trying to take out all constants from the integral after normalising the radial wavefunction.
we are given that the radial wavefunction in the 2s state for hydrogen is:

R20(r) = N (1−r/2a0) e-r/a0

where N is the normalisation constant.
Im going to attach a picture of what i have done so far, as

a)I'm new to this and have no idea how to insert formulae
b)typing it out in this way would be confusing for people...i think.

29472975_10215886387812098_8789544730384924672_n.jpg


So I get to here, where I've squared out the wavefunction in order to normalise it to equal 1; and as I am integrating w.r.t. r; I need to keep those into the equation.

the problem i am having is taking out the constants a0 and a02
so i tried taking it apart but i think this is incorrect.

can anyone give any advice? thank you :)


 

Attachments

  • 29472975_10215886387812098_8789544730384924672_n.jpg
    29472975_10215886387812098_8789544730384924672_n.jpg
    23.5 KB · Views: 936
Last edited by a moderator:
Physics news on Phys.org
There are a couple of things wrong here.

First,
$$
N^2 (1 + a + b) \neq N^2 + 1 + a + b
$$

Second, you have a similar problem in the integral. ##r/a_0## cannot become ##1/a_0 + r##, and so on.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
795
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
Replies
7
Views
3K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 21 ·
Replies
21
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
5K
  • · Replies 28 ·
Replies
28
Views
4K