Normalizing a Wavefunction for the Cyclopentadienyl Radical

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on normalizing the wavefunction for the cyclopentadienyl radical using Huckel approximations. The wavefunction is expressed as the sum of five basis atomic orbitals: \(\phi_{1}+\phi_{2}+\phi_{3}+\phi_{4}+\phi_{5}\). Participants clarify that to normalize the wavefunction, one must first multiply by a normalization constant before squaring it. The final normalization constant determined is \(N=1/5\).

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Homework Statement


Assuming the five basis atomic orbitals are normalised use the Huckel approximations to normalise the wavefunction for the cyclopentadienyl radical
Wavefunction = [tex]\phi_{1}+\phi_{2}+\phi_{3}+\phi_{4}+\phi_{5}[/tex].


Homework Equations



I know that [tex]\phi_{i}\phi_{j}[/tex] = 1 if i=j and 0 otherwise and I know that to normalise a wavefunction you square it and times by a constant.

In the end I got N=1/5
 
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baldywaldy said:

Homework Statement


Assuming the five basis atomic orbitals are normalised use the Huckel approximations to normalise the wavefunction for the cyclopentadienyl radical
Wavefunction = [tex]\phi_{1}+\phi_{2}+\phi_{3}+\phi_{4}+\phi_{5}[/tex].


Homework Equations



I know that [tex]\phi_{i}\phi_{j}[/tex] = 1 if i=j and 0 otherwise and I know that to normalise a wavefunction you square it and times by a constant.
You're close, but you have things in wrong order.

First, you multiply the wavefunction by a constant.

Then you square it.

In the end I got N=1/5
Following my suggestion will change that answer.
 

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