Quantum Mechanics: Wave Equation Probability

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around normalizing a wave function in quantum mechanics and determining the probability of measuring momentum for that wave function. The subject area is quantum mechanics, specifically focusing on wave functions and their properties.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to normalize the wave function and calculate the momentum representation. Some participants question the limits of integration for the normalization integral and suggest that it should encompass the entire range from negative to positive infinity.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively discussing the normalization process, with some confirming the need for adjustments in the integral limits. There is a general agreement on the setup for the second part of the problem, although explicit consensus on the normalization approach has not been reached.

Contextual Notes

There is a focus on ensuring the normalization integral is correctly set up, with some participants noting the need for clarity regarding the integration limits. The original poster's initial setup is acknowledged as needing revision.

Robben
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Homework Statement



Normalize the wave function $$ \langle x|\psi\rangle = \left\{ \begin{array}{l l} Ne^{-kx} & \quad x>0\\
Ne^{kx} & \quad x<0 \end{array} \right..$$
Determine the probability that a measurement of the momentum p finds the momentum between ##p## and ##p + dp## for this wave function.

Homework Equations



##\langle p|\psi\rangle = \frac{1}{\sqrt{2\pi \hbar}}\int^{\infty}_{-\infty}e^{-ipx/\hbar}\psi(x)dx.##

The Attempt at a Solution



I am wondering if I did this correctly?

Normalization:

$$1 = \int^{\infty}_{0}|\psi(x)|^2dx = |N|^2\int^{\infty}_{0} e^{-2kx}dx \implies N = \sqrt{2k}.$$

$$\langle p|\psi\rangle = \psi(p) = \frac{1}{\sqrt{2\pi \hbar}}\int^{\infty}_{-\infty}e^{-ipx/\hbar}\psi(x)dx = \frac{N}{\sqrt{2\pi \hbar}} \left[\int^{\infty}_0e^{-ipx/\hbar}e^{-kx}dx + \int^0_{-\infty}e^{-ipx/\hbar}e^{kx}dx\right].$$
 
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The normalization integral should be from ##-\infty## to ##\infty##. Your setup for the second part is fine.
 
vela said:
The normalization integral should be from ##-\infty## to ##\infty##. Your setup for the second part is fine.
So it should be like $$1 = \int^{\infty}_{-\infty}|\psi(x)|^2dx = |N|^2\int^{\infty}_{0} e^{-2kx}dx + |N|^2\int^{0}_{-\infty} e^{2kx}dx?$$
 
Yup.
 
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Likes   Reactions: Robben
vela said:
Yup.
Thank you very much!
 

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