The plots of wave function of harmonic oscillator

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the interpretation of wave function plots for the harmonic oscillator as presented in Griffiths' "Introduction to Quantum Mechanics." The wave function, defined by the equation $$\psi_{n}(x)=(\frac{m\omega}{\pi\hbar})^{1/4}\frac{1}{\sqrt{2^{n}n!}}H_{n}(\xi)e^{-\xi^{2}/2}$$, indicates that while the order (n) increases, the height of the plots does not correlate with the wave function's normalization. Instead, the plots represent the probability distribution, which shows that as n increases, the energy levels rise, allowing the particle to extend further from the origin.

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Homework Statement


In Griffiths' book "Introduction to Quantum Mechanics", Section 2.3, Chapter 2, the Fig. 2.7 gives the plots of the wave function (##\psi_{n}##) and its modulus of the harmonics oscillator, see the Appendix. With the order (##n##) increasing, they become both higher. However, according to the Equation [2.85], the wave function shouldn't be higher with ##n## increasing. They are just a normalizable wave function, if the baseline is greater than 1, it won't normalize. So how to understand the plots?
wavefunction.png


Homework Equations


$$\psi_{n}(x)=(\frac{m\omega}{\pi\hbar})^{1/4}\frac{1}{\sqrt{2^{n}n!}}H_{n}(\xi)e^{-\xi^{2}/2}$$
$$\xi\equiv x\sqrt{m\omega/\hbar}$$

The Attempt at a Solution


I doubt if it is just a demonstration of Energy level and the plots' height is not related to the wave function.
 
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first off, the graf you called the "modulus" is actually the probability distrbution.
wth that in mind, the lines "n=x" are (must be) your 0 line, they are just ploted over each other. was that your question?

E=(n+1/2)ħw so with n increasing you have more energy therefore you can "travel" further from the origin.
 
WrongMan said:
first off, the graf you called the "modulus" is actually the probability distrbution.
wth that in mind, the lines "n=x" are (mist be) your 0 line, they are just ploted over each other. was that your question?
Yes, that is. All of the functions should be around the horizontal axis.
 

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