Quantum Mechanics determining the normalized constant of a particle

In summary, the conversation discusses an example from a book that involves a particle confined to the surface of a sphere and the determination of a normalization constant. The conversation also mentions that the book did not provide an example on how the constant was determined, but it is assumed that the reader knows how to integrate over a sphere.
  • #1
tryingtolearn1
58
5
Homework Statement
Determining the normalization constant
Relevant Equations
Normalization
In my book it has the following example,

A particle confined to the surface of a sphere is in the state

$$\Psi(\theta, \phi)= \Bigg\{^{N(\frac{\pi^2}{4}-\theta^2), \ 0 < \theta < \frac{\pi}{2}}_{0, \ \frac{\pi}{2} < \theta < \pi}$$

and they determined the normalization constant for ##N## which is $$N = \frac{1}{\sqrt{\frac{\pi^5}{8}+2\pi^3 - 24\pi^2 + 48\pi}}$$

but they never provided an example on how it was determined?
 
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  • #2
tryingtolearn1 said:
but they never provided an example on how it was determined?
Given you are studying QM they probably assumed you knew how to integrate a function over a sphere.
 
  • #3
PeroK said:
Given you are studying QM they probably assumed you knew how to integrate a function over a sphere.
Oh okay gotcha it never crossed my mind for some reason to integrate over a sphere especially when the the question explicitly says spheres -__-. been a long day. Thanks!
 
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1. How does quantum mechanics determine the normalized constant of a particle?

Quantum mechanics uses mathematical equations, such as the Schrödinger equation, to describe the behavior of particles on a quantum level. These equations include terms for the normalized constant, which is a mathematical factor that ensures the total probability of finding a particle is equal to 1.

2. Why is the normalized constant important in quantum mechanics?

The normalized constant is important because it ensures that the mathematical description of a particle's behavior is consistent with experimental results. Without it, the probabilities of finding a particle in different states would not add up to 1, which would contradict our understanding of quantum mechanics.

3. How is the normalized constant calculated?

The normalized constant is calculated by finding the square root of the integral of the wavefunction squared over all possible positions of the particle. This integral is known as the normalization integral and is a fundamental part of solving the Schrödinger equation.

4. Can the normalized constant change for a particle?

Yes, the normalized constant can change for a particle depending on its state. For example, if a particle's wavefunction changes over time, the normalized constant will also change to ensure the total probability remains equal to 1.

5. How does the normalized constant affect the behavior of a particle?

The normalized constant does not directly affect the behavior of a particle. Instead, it is a mathematical factor that ensures the probabilities of finding a particle in different states are consistent with experimental results. However, the value of the normalized constant can provide information about the particle's energy and momentum, which can affect its behavior.

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