Normalization constant for a 3-D wave function

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The discussion revolves around the normalization of a three-dimensional wave function for a particle in a box. The normalized wave function is given as Ψ(x,y,z) = √(8/abc) * sin(nxπx/a) * sin(nyπy/b) * sin(nzπz/c). A key point of confusion is the treatment of the product Ψ*(x,y,z)Ψ(x,y,z) in the context of multiple integrals, specifically why it appears outside the integrals. It is clarified that this notation is simply a matter of writing convention and does not imply that the integrand is outside the integrals. Understanding this notation is essential for correctly applying the normalization condition.
Valeria
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Homework Statement


Show that the normalized wave function for a particle in a three-dimensional box with sides of length a, b, and c is:
Ψ(x,y,z) = √(8/abc) * sin(nxπx/a)* sin(nyπy/b)* sin(nzπz/c).

Homework Equations


Condition for the normalization:
0adx ∫0bdy ∫0cdz Ψ*(x,y,z)Ψ(x,y,z) = 1.

The Attempt at a Solution


From the 1-D case I know that I should arrive to this:
0adx ∫0bdy ∫0cdz Ψ*(x,y,z)Ψ(x,y,z) = 1 = (AxAyAz)20asin2(nxπx/a)dx ∫0bsin2(nyπy/b)dy ∫0csin2(nzπz/c)dz

However, I do not understand why Ψ*(x,y,z)Ψ(x,y,z) (unlike a 1-D case) is outside of the integrals. How exactly Ψ*(x,y,z)Ψ(x,y,z) is related to ∫0adx ∫0bdy ∫0cdz then? I do not understand how it is split between 3 integrals to give the formula above.

(I know how to proceed with the solution once I can arrive to this formula, so actually finding the normalization constant for me is not important.)
 
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Valeria said:

Homework Statement


Show that the normalized wave function for a particle in a three-dimensional box with sides of length a, b, and c is:
Ψ(x,y,z) = √(8/abc) * sin(nxπx/a)* sin(nyπy/b)* sin(nzπz/c).

Homework Equations


Condition for the normalization:
0adx ∫0bdy ∫0cdz Ψ*(x,y,z)Ψ(x,y,z) = 1.

The Attempt at a Solution


From the 1-D case I know that I should arrive to this:
0adx ∫0bdy ∫0cdz Ψ*(x,y,z)Ψ(x,y,z) = 1 = (AxAyAz)20asin2(nxπx/a)dx ∫0bsin2(nyπy/b)dy ∫0csin2(nzπz/c)dz

However, I do not understand why Ψ*(x,y,z)Ψ(x,y,z) (unlike a 1-D case) is outside of the integrals. How exactly Ψ*(x,y,z)Ψ(x,y,z) is related to ∫0adx ∫0bdy ∫0cdz then? I do not understand how it is split between 3 integrals to give the formula above.

(I know how to proceed with the solution once I can arrive to this formula, so actually finding the normalization constant for me is not important.)

In multiple integrals like this they sometime write all of the integration variables and limits on the left and the integrand on the right. This is not supposed to mean that the integrand is 'outside' of the integral or anything. It's just supposed to make it a little easier to read. I think you know exactly what to do. Just ignore that writing convention and put the integrand where you know it should be.
 
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@Valeria There are two ways to write an integral, whether is has one variable or several

##\int f(x)dx##

Might be considered the normal mathematician's convention.

Or:

##\int dx f(x)##

which physicists may prefer.

They both mean the same. When it comes to multivariable integrals, I prefer the former. For example:

##\int \int \int f(x,y,z) dx dy dz##
 
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The book claims the answer is that all the magnitudes are the same because "the gravitational force on the penguin is the same". I'm having trouble understanding this. I thought the buoyant force was equal to the weight of the fluid displaced. Weight depends on mass which depends on density. Therefore, due to the differing densities the buoyant force will be different in each case? Is this incorrect?

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