Transition probability and superposition

In summary, the conversation discusses the probability of a particle being in a specific energy eigenstate within a potential well. If the size of the well is changed, the probability may change as well. The question arises about the probability of the particle being in a non-allowed state, which may not equal zero due to the limits of integration being different.
  • #1
amjad-sh
246
13
Hello
suppose that we are dealing with a particle moving in an infinite potential well(a box of length L).
Let the wavefunction of the particle be [itex]\psi(x,t)=c1\psi_{1}(x,t)+...+cn\psi_{n}(x,t)[/itex]
suppose that after measurement we find the particle at the energy eigenstate [itex]\psi_{1}(x,t)[/itex].
Now let's change the size of the box to 2L. Let's find the probability of the particle being in state [itex]\phi_{1}(x)[/itex] which is the ground state of the new box.The answer is [itex]|\int\phi^{*}_{1}(x)\psi_{1}(x)dx|^{2}[/itex],which may in many cases be not equal to zero.
My confusion is here: what if we didn't change the box and we computed the same integral above, which is the probability of the particle to be in state [itex]\phi_{1}(x)[/itex] and it is a non allowed state, the probability of course will not be zero because it is the same integral above.
How the probability of the particle in being in a non allowed state can be not equal to zero ?
 
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  • #2
It's not the same integral as the limits are different.
 
  • #3
Jilang said:
It's not the same integral as the limits are different.
No it is the same since [itex]\psi_{1}(x)[/itex]=0 for x outside the interval [0,L].
 

Related to Transition probability and superposition

1. What is transition probability?

Transition probability is a measurement used in quantum mechanics to describe the likelihood of a particle transitioning from one state to another. It is calculated by taking the square of the transition amplitude, which represents the complex number that determines the probability amplitude of the transition.

2. How is transition probability related to superposition?

Transition probability is related to superposition in that it is a result of the combination of different states of a quantum system. In superposition, a particle can exist in multiple states simultaneously, and transition probability measures the likelihood of the particle transitioning from one of these states to another.

3. Can superposition and transition probability be observed in everyday life?

No, superposition and transition probability are concepts that are unique to the quantum world and cannot be observed in everyday life. They are only applicable to subatomic particles and their behavior at the quantum level.

4. How is transition probability calculated?

Transition probability is calculated by taking the square of the transition amplitude. The transition amplitude is a complex number that represents the probability amplitude of the particle transitioning from one state to another. By squaring this number, we can determine the likelihood of the transition occurring.

5. Are there any real-world applications of transition probability and superposition?

Yes, there are several real-world applications of transition probability and superposition in fields such as quantum computing, cryptography, and quantum teleportation. These concepts are also used in advanced technologies such as MRI machines and superconductors.

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