Normalization of wave functions

1. Feb 10, 2008

darkfall13

[SOLVED] Normalization of wave functions

Mainly my question is that with the normalization of a wave function in quantum mechanics we use $$\int_\infty^\infty |\Psi(x,t)|^2 dx = 1$$ and we can solve for a constant we may have been given in the problem.

1. The problem statement, all variables and given/known data

Determine normalization constant:

$$\Psi(x) = A\cos{\frac{2\pi{x}}{L}}$$ for $$\frac{-L}{4} \leq x \leq \frac{L}{4}$$ and $$\Psi = 0$$ elsewhere

2. Relevant equations

3. The attempt at a solution

I'm wondering if I'm given those boundaries because we can replace the infinities in the normal equation with these boundaries or would they be used for something else? Thank you!

2. Feb 10, 2008

siddharth

Outside those boundaries, the value of $$\Psi(x)$$ is 0, as is stated in your post.

So, only the part between -L/4 and L/4 will contribute to the integral.

3. Feb 10, 2008

darkfall13

Ah ok thanks!

4. Feb 10, 2008

vincebs

Be sure to mark down this thread as SOLVED once you've gotten the answer.