Probability distribution of stationary Schrodinger equation

1. May 16, 2008

ariana13

1. The problem statement, all variables and given/known data
Stationary Schrodinger equation for a particle moving in a potential well has two solutions
psi1(x)=e^-ax^2 with energy E1 and
psi2(x)xe^-ax^2 with energy E2

At t=o, the particle is in the state psi(x)=psi1(x)+psi2(x)

Calculate the probability distribution as a function of time.

2. Relevant equations

psi(x,t)=e^iEt/h-bar * psi(x) and

probability distribution function=[mod(psi(x,t)]^2

3. The attempt at a solution

Well I tried subbing in psi(x,t)=e^iEt/h-bar * psi(x) for psi1(x) and psi2(x) to get psi(x) as a function of t.
But then when I try to do the modulus squared to get the probability distribution, the t disappears since I get (x+1)^2 * (e^-2ax^2) * (cos^2(Et/h-bar) + sin^2(Et/h-bar).
So I'm just left with (x+1)^2 * (e^-2ax^2).

I'm obviously making a stupid mistake here, unless I've got the theory part wrong? I definately need a t term in the answer because the next question asks to figure out the time at which the probability distribution returns to the initial.

2. May 16, 2008

alphysicist

Hi ariana13,

I think you did not take into account that the states have different energies; there is no energy E, just energies E1 and E2 when you construct psi1(x,t) and psi2(x,t).