Particle in a box probability

In summary, the conversation discusses the wave functions of a particle in a cubic box with infinitely hard walls and the value of the normalization constant A. The correct value for A is A^2=8/L^3 and triple integrals need to be used to find the probability of the particle being found within a given range.
  • #1
jairusgarcia
19
0

Homework Statement



A particle is in a cubic box with infinitely hard walls whose edges have length L. The wave functions of the particle are given by

[tex]\psi(x)=Asin\frac{n\pi(x)}{L}Asin\frac{n\pi(y)}{L}Asin\frac{n\pi(z)}{L}[/tex]

a) Find the value of the normalization constant A.
b) Find the probability that the particle will be found in the range



Homework Equations



in a)--- both questions, do i really need to do the triple integral?

The Attempt at a Solution



is this right? [tex]A=L/8[/tex]
 
Last edited:
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  • #2
It should be A^2=L/8. You can use the fact that sin^2 averages to 1/2 to do the integral quickly.
For any given range, you would have to do the integral over those limits.
 
  • #3
Yes, you need to do the triple integral - but it's essentially only doing the same integral thrice. Your value for A is incorrect. Also, typically, one doesn't write the wavefunction with the normalization constant A^3 as you've written above. Are you sure that's how it is in the question given to you?
 
  • #4
Meir Achuz said:
It should be A^2=L/8.
That doesn't look right. I think you may have inverted it...
 
  • #5
Gokul43201 said:
I think you may have inverted it.
Sorry. It was all wrong. It should be A^2=8/L^3. I did it in my cubical head.
 

1. What is a "particle in a box"?

A "particle in a box" is a theoretical model used in quantum mechanics to describe the behavior of a particle confined within a finite space or potential well. The particle is assumed to have zero potential energy outside the box and infinite potential energy within the box.

2. How is the probability of finding a particle in a box calculated?

The probability of finding a particle in a box is calculated using the Schrödinger equation, which describes the wave function of the particle. The square of the wave function gives the probability density, and integrating this over the volume of the box gives the probability of finding the particle within that volume.

3. What is the significance of the "particle in a box" model?

The "particle in a box" model is significant because it helps us understand the quantum behavior of particles in confined spaces, which is essential for many applications in nanotechnology, materials science, and electronics. It also serves as a simplified example for more complex systems in quantum mechanics.

4. How does the size of the box affect the probability of finding the particle?

The size of the box directly affects the probability of finding the particle. As the size of the box decreases, the probability of finding the particle in a specific location within the box increases. This is because the energy levels of the particle become more closely spaced, resulting in a higher probability of finding the particle in any given energy level.

5. Can the "particle in a box" model be applied to real-world systems?

While the "particle in a box" model is a simplified theoretical concept, it can be applied to real-world systems with some modifications. For example, in molecules, the electrons can be thought of as particles in a box, and the "box" can represent the space between the atoms. However, the model does not take into account the effects of quantum tunneling and other factors that are present in real-world systems, so it cannot be applied directly without further considerations.

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