Quantum mechanics probability detection

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves a one-dimensional infinite potential well containing an electron in its third excited state, with a focus on calculating the probability of detection by a probe of a specific width. The context is rooted in quantum mechanics and probability detection.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss whether the width of the probe is sufficiently small to treat the probability as constant or if integration is necessary. There are questions about the limits for integration and the appropriate mathematical approach to find the probability.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided guidance on the necessity of integration and the limits to use, while others have expressed uncertainty about the implications of their choices on test outcomes. The conversation reflects a mix of interpretations and approaches to the problem.

Contextual Notes

There is an ongoing discussion about the definition of "small enough" in the context of the probe's width and its impact on the probability calculation. The original poster's understanding of the problem setup and the professor's expectations are also under consideration.

hvthvt
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Homework Statement


A one-dimensional infinite well of length 200 pm contains an electron in its third excited state. We
position an electron-detector probe of width 50 pm so that it is centered within the well. (a) What is the probability of detection by the probe? (b) If we insert the probe as described 1000 times, how many times should we expect the electron to materialize on the end of the probe (and thus be detected)?

My question is: since the width is 50 pm, the interval is 50 pm, which is "relatively big". (E.g. 2.0pm would be small)
Should I integrate the formula which is given for probability OR is 50 pm small enough to see it as constant? Meaning that the probability would be 20% ?

Homework Equations



p=ψ2dx


The Attempt at a Solution



(√2/L * sin(xnπ/L))2 dx
 
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Its you who decides 50pm is small enough or not because it depends on the accuracy that you want!
 
Oh really, haha :) I guess that my answer would be wrong on the test if I would not integrate
 
hvthvt said:
Oh really, haha :) I guess that my answer would be wrong on the test if I would not integrate

Ohhh...looks like I should correct myself.Its your professor who decieds 50pm is small enough or not.And if he thought so,he would write it in the question.So yeah,you should integrate!
 
So how should I integrate this?
What are the limits? 75 and 125? because 50 is in the center of the 200.
So∫2/L*sin(3∏/200pm*x) integrating from 7 to 125. How should I work this out?
I should take y=3pix/L ??
 
The integral is:
\frac{2}{200}\int_{75}^{125} \sin^2{(\frac{3 \pi x}{200})} dx=\frac{1}{100}\int_{75}^{125}\frac{1-\cos{(\frac{3\pi x}{100})}}{2}dx=\frac{1}{200}[\frac{1}{2}x|_{75}^{125}-\frac{100}{6 \pi}\sin{(\frac{3\pi x}{100})}|_{75}^{125}]
Where I have used the identity \sin^2{x}=\frac{1}{2}(1-\cos{2x})
 
Ooooh.. That works well. Thank you very much !
 

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