Orthogonality of momentum space wavefunctions

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the orthogonality of momentum space wavefunctions for a symmetric potential well, specifically focusing on the non-normalized even wavefunctions. The participants are tasked with evaluating an integral that relates to the orthogonality condition, which involves the use of partial fractions and integral tables.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are attempting to rewrite the integrand using partial fractions and are discussing the challenges associated with this process. Questions are raised about the necessity of rewriting all terms and the specific form of the integrand.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants exploring different aspects of the problem. Some have provided insights into the structure of the integrand and the use of partial fraction decomposition, while others express uncertainty about the correctness of the problem statement and the approach being taken.

Contextual Notes

There is a noted confusion regarding the formulation of the wavefunctions, particularly the argument of the sine function, which has led to some participants questioning the initial setup of the problem.

ehrenfest
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Page 152 Robinett:

Consider the (non-normalized) even momentum space wavefunctions for the symmetric well:,

\phi_n^+(p) = 2sin(w-m)/(w-m)+sin(w+m)/(w+m) where
w = sin((n-1/2)pi) and
m = ap/hbar.

Show that

\int_{-\infty}^{\infty}\phi_n^+(p)^*\cdot \phi_n^+(p) dp = \delta_{n,m}

The hint is to use partial fractions to rewrite the product found in the denominators and then use an integral table.

So, there are there are terms in the expansion of that integrand. Do I need to rewrite all of them in terms of partial fractions?

The first is 2sin(w-m)sin(w+m)/(w-m)(w+m), which I am having trouble with partial fractions. I get A=B=0 for the numerators?
 
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ehrenfest said:
Page 152 Robinett:

Consider the (non-normalized) even momentum space wavefunctions for the symmetric well:,

\phi_n^+(p) = 2sin(w-m)/(w-m)+sin(w+m)/(w+m) where
w = sin((n-1/2)pi) and
m = ap/hbar.

Show that

\int_{-\infty}^{\infty}\phi_n^+(p)^*\cdot \phi_n^+(p) dp = \delta_{n,m}

The hint is to use partial fractions to rewrite the product found in the denominators and then use an integral table.

So, there are there are terms in the expansion of that integrand. Do I need to rewrite all of them in terms of partial fractions?

The first is 2sin(w-m)sin(w+m)/(w-m)(w+m)...

no, it's 2sin(w-m)(w+m)/(w-m)(w+m).
 
So the integrand is

\frac{a}{2\pi\hbar} \left(sin^2(w-m)/(w-m) + 2 sin (m-w) sin (w+m)/(w-m)(w+m) + sin^2(w+n)/w+m\right) dp

I think I can integrate the squared terms, but I am not sure how to do partial decomposition on the middle term to derive something useful from it.

When I try partial fraction decomposition on that term I get

2 sin(w-m) sin(w+m)/(2n- pi) (1/(w-m) +1/(w+m) )Sorry. The statement of the problem is wrong. (n-1/2)pi not the sine of that.
 
Last edited:
Sorry. The statement of the problem is wrong. (n-1/2)pi not the sine of that.
 

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