Probability for a momentum value for particle in a box

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The discussion revolves around calculating the probability of observing a specific momentum value for a particle in a one-dimensional box, as outlined in problem 7.37 from Levine's Quantum Chemistry textbook. The probability expression derived is \(\frac{4|N|^{2}s^{2}}{l(s^{2}-b^{2})^{2}}\left(1-(-1)^{n}cos(bl)\right)dp\), where \(s\) and \(b\) are defined in terms of quantum numbers and momentum. The user initially struggled with the integration process but later corrected their approach and confirmed the solution by ensuring the absolute value was considered. The discussion highlights the importance of proper substitutions and integration techniques in quantum mechanics. Ultimately, the user successfully solved the problem after addressing their earlier mistakes.
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[SOLVED] Probability for a momentum value for particle in a box

Homework Statement



This is the problem 7.37 from Levine's Quantum Chemistry Textbook.

Show that, for a particle in a one-dimensional box of length l, the probability of observing a value of p_{x} between p and p+dp is:

\frac{4|N|^{2}s^{2}}{l(s^{2}-b_{2})}\left(1-(-1)^{n}cos(bl)\right)dp​

Where s\equiv n\pi l^{-1} and b\equiv p\hbar^{-1}. The constant N is to be chosen so that the integral from minus infinity to infinity of the previous equation is unity.

Homework Equations



Since p has a continue range of eigenvalues, the probability of finding a value of p beetween p and p+dp for a system in the state \Psi is

|\left\langle g_{p}(x)|\Psi (x,t) \right\rangle |^{2}dp​

where g_{p} are the eigenfunctions of \hat{p}.

For a particle in a box:

\Psi = \left(\frac{2}{l}\right)^{1/2}sin\left(\frac{n\pi x}{l}\right)​

and the eigenfunctions of the momentum operator are:

g=Ne^{ipx/\hbar}​

The Attempt at a Solution



I made the corresponding substitutions to obtain the integral:

\int ^{0}_{l}Ne^{-ipx/\hbar}\left(\frac{2}{l}\right)^{1/2}sin\left(\frac{n\pi x}{l}\right)dx​

Which after computing and using some identities gives:

\int ^{0}_{l}Ne^{-ipx/\hbar}\left(\frac{2}{l}\right)^{1/2}sin\left(\frac{n\pi x}{l}\right)dx = \frac{\sqrt{2}Ns\left[1-(-1)^{n}e^{-ibl}\right] }{\sqrt{l}\left(s^{2}-b^{2}\right)}​

Which looks a lot like the square root of the expression that I seek, however I'm stuck at this point. Any help will be appreciated, if more informations is needed please tell me.

Thanks in advance
 
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Sorry, I made a mistake in the first equation. Instead of

\frac{4|N|^{2}s^{2}}{l(s^{2}-b_{2})}\left(1-(-1)^{n}cos(bl)\right)dp​

Must be:

\frac{4|N|^{2}s^{2}}{l(s^{2}-b^{2})^{2}}\left(1-(-1)^{n}cos(bl)\right)dp​
 
Ok thanks anyway, I already solved it. I forgot to take the absolute value.
 

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