Normalizing the wave function of the electron in hydrogen

AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around proving that the wave function of the electron in hydrogen is normalized. The user initially struggles with the integration limits and the correct application of spherical coordinates. After realizing the need to square the wave function and integrate over the appropriate limits, they find that they still do not achieve the expected result of 1. The conversation emphasizes the importance of methodical calculations and confirms that the probability of finding the electron between specified radii is approximately 49.65%. The thread highlights common challenges in quantum mechanics related to normalization of wave functions.
Cocoleia
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Homework Statement


upload_2017-4-1_19-3-55.png

I am having trouble with part d, where they ask me to prove that the wave function is already normalized

The Attempt at a Solution


upload_2017-4-1_19-5-18.png

But that clearly doesn't give me 1. I tried to use spherical coordinates since it is in 3D? Not really sure how to proceed.
EDIT: I realize that I didn't square the wave function, so
upload_2017-4-1_19-8-5.png

Which still doesn't give me 1
 
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The integration limit should be from ##0## to ##\infty##.
 
blue_leaf77 said:
The integration limit should be from ##0## to ##\infty##.
Ok. I was thinking 0 to r since the most it could go was to the radius. I guess the logic is wrong
upload_2017-4-1_19-47-25.png

multiplied by 4pi, so the 4's will cancel out, leaving me with (a_0^3)(pi)
Which still doesn't = 1. What am I missing
 
It pays to be methodical
##\psi(r,\theta,\phi) =\frac{1}{\sqrt{\pi}} \left( \frac{1}{a_0} \right )^{3/2} e^{-r/a_0}##
##\psi^*(r,\theta,\phi) \psi(r,\theta,\phi) =\frac{1}{{\pi}} \left( \frac{1}{a_0} \right )^{3} e^{-2r/a_0}##
Now do the integrals.
 
kuruman said:
It pays to be methodical
##\psi(r,\theta,\phi) =\frac{1}{\sqrt{\pi}} \left( \frac{1}{a_0} \right )^{3/2} e^{-r/a_0}##
##\psi^*(r,\theta,\phi) \psi(r,\theta,\phi) =\frac{1}{{\pi}} \left( \frac{1}{a_0} \right )^{3} e^{-2r/a_0}##
Now do the integrals.
If I use the spherical coordinates I still get (a^3)π. I say that 0<Θ<π and 0<Φ<2π
 
Cocoleia said:
If I use the spherical coordinates I still get (a^3)π. I say that 0<Θ<π and 0<Φ<2π
Can you show the expression that you integrated to get this result?
 
kuruman said:
Can you show the expression that you integrated to get this result?
upload_2017-4-2_19-0-21.png

I took out the constant and then used spherical coordinates
 
Cocoleia said:
View attachment 117362
I took out the constant and then used spherical coordinates
Oh wait. I think I figured it out. I lost my constant along the way.
When I integrate to find the probability of finding the electron in a certain place will I use spherical coordinates again ?
 
Yes.
 
  • #10
Is it true that the probability of finding electron betwee r1= ao/2 and r2= 3a0/2 is 49,65%? For this problem
 
  • #11
rb120134 said:
Is it true that the probability of finding electron betwee r1= ao/2 and r2= 3a0/2 is 49,65%? For this problem
Yes.
 
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