- #1
galaxyrocker
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Homework Statement
Given the wavefunction, [itex]\psi(x) = Cx[/itex] for 0 < x < 10 and [itex]\psi(x) = 0[/itex] for all other values.
What is the normalization constant of C? I got [itex]\sqrt{3/1000}[/itex].
What is <x>? I got 30/4.
What is <p>? Here is where I'm confused.
Homework Equations
[tex]\langle p \rangle = C^2 \frac{\hbar}{i} \int_0^{10} \psi^* \frac{d}{dx} \psi \, dx[/tex]
The Attempt at a Solution
I worked out the integral, and got [itex](3/20)(\hbar/i)[/itex].
It's here that I can't figure out whether to leave it as that, or say it's 0, since the momentum is an observable, and must be real. I realize that the function is odd, but I'm not integrating it from -a to a, which means I can't just say it's 0 for that reason.
[strike]PS: Sorry for my horrible usage of LaTeX.[/strike]
Mod note: Fixed your LaTeX for you.
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