Probability wave function is still in ground state after imparting momentum

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a quantum mechanics problem involving a particle in a ground state simple harmonic oscillator (SHO) wave function that has been subjected to an instantaneous force imparting momentum. Participants are exploring the probability of the system remaining in its ground state after this interaction.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to determine the probability of the system still being in the ground state by manipulating the wave function and considering its Fourier transform. Some participants question the correctness of this approach and the integral involved in calculating the probability.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively engaging with the problem, with some providing hints and suggestions for solving the integral involved. There is recognition of the complexity of the integral, and while some guidance has been offered, there is no explicit consensus on the method or outcome.

Contextual Notes

There is mention of using computational tools to solve the integral, and participants are discussing the feasibility of solving it by hand, indicating a potential constraint in the original poster's approach. The discussion also touches on the properties of the wave function and normalization conditions relevant to quantum mechanics.

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Homework Statement


An interaction occurs so that an instantaneous force acts on a particle imparting a momentum ## p_{0} = \hbar k_{0}## to the ground state SHO wave function. Find the probability that the system is still in its ground state.

Homework Equations


##\psi _{0} =\left( \frac{mw}{\hbar\pi} \right )^\frac{1}{4} e^{-mwx^{2}/2\hbar} ##

The Attempt at a Solution


[/B]
##\Psi(x)=\psi_{0}e^{ik_{0}x}##
This wave function gives a <p> =##\hbar k_{0}##
Im confused whether this is the correct Fourier transform to do.
##c(k)=\frac{1}{2\pi}^{0.5}\int_{-\infty}^{\infty}e^{-ikx}\psi_{0}e^{ik_{0}x}dx##
And then solving for when the wavenumber of the ground state using E0=0.5* hbar * w.
Therefore
##c(k)^2 ## = Probability

Is this correct?
 
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You want to know the probability of a particular result of a measurement of energy.
 
Ah right. So would this be the probability of the system still being in the ground state?
##\left | \int_{-\infty}^{\infty} \psi_{0} \psi_{0} e^{ik_{o}x}dx\right |^2=P##
 
Well done - left out a star, but ##\psi_0## is real so...
 
Thank you. Do you by any chance know any way to solve that integral by hand? I solved it on mathematica and it gave me ##P=e^\frac{-{k_{0}}^{2}\hbar}{4mw}## but I have no idea how to solve it by hand. Thanks again.
 
Hint: integrate by parts. (That's normal for quantum.)
You may be able to shortcut using ##\int_\infty \psi_0^2\; dx = 1##
 

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