Square of wave function gives us the probability density

[ahsaas]

we often say that the square of wave function gives us the probability density where the particle is. how can the square of a function might predict about the existence of a particle?

 

[Meir Achuz]

Why not?

 

[jtbell]

how can the square of a function might predict about the existence of a particle?

It's a fundamental postulate of quantum mechanics, in the wave-mechanics formulation. and therefore has no further explanation. Its justification is the experimental verification of predictions derived from it and the other postulates of QM.

 

[heliocentricprose]

It's a fundamental postulate of quantum mechanics, in the wave-mechanics formulation. and therefore has no further explanation. Its justification is the experimental verification of predictions derived from it and the other postulates of QM.

Is the uncertainty in the wave-function caused by our inability to measure the particles without affecting them?

 

[jtbell]

No. See message #5 in the following thread for a brief description of how the uncertainty principle arises:

https://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?t=138352