Troubleshooting Integration for Particle Probability in an Infinite Well

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves determining the probability of finding a particle in a specific state within an infinite potential well. The focus is on integrating the square of the wave function over a defined interval.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to integrate the probability density function using the provided wave function. They express concern about an unexpected variable remaining in their final answer.

Discussion Status

Participants are engaging with the integration process, with some confirming the setup and others suggesting the use of trigonometric identities to simplify the integration. There is acknowledgment of the original poster's approach, but no consensus on the resolution of the issue has been reached.

Contextual Notes

The original poster mentions difficulties with LaTeX formatting and expresses uncertainty about their integration steps. There is a reference to a potential issue with the integration leading to an extraneous variable in the result.

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Homework Statement


Determine the probability of finding a particle of mass m between x=0 and x=L/10, if it is in n=3 state of an infinite well.

Homework Equations


[tex]P = \int_a^b\left |\psi\left(x\right)\right|^2 dx[/tex]
[tex]\left|\psi\right|^2 = \frac{2}{L}Sin^2\left(\frac{nx\pi}{L}\right)[/tex]

The Attempt at a Solution


I'm trying to integrate...

[tex]\int_0^{\frac{L}{10}}\frac 2 L \sin^{2}\left(\frac{3x\pi}{L}\right)dx[/tex]
step (1)
[tex]\frac{1}{L}\left[ \int_0^\frac{L}{10}1-\int_0^\frac{L}{10}Cos\left(\frac{6x\pi}{L}\right)\right]dx[/tex]step (2)

[tex]\frac{1}{L}\left[\frac{L}{10} - Sin\left(\frac{3\pi}{5}\right)\right][/tex]

When I finish solving, I end up with an L in the answer...
which I know I'm not suppose to have, did I mess up my integration somewhere?
sorry about my pooooor pooor latex
 
Last edited:
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[tex]\int_0^{\frac{L}{10}}\frac 2 L \sin^{2}\left(\frac{3x\pi}{L}\right)dx[/tex]

Yes?
 
yep that's right sorry =(
 
Sorry, PF was like broke last night. Use this trig identity:

[tex]\cos{2x}=\cos^{2}x-\sin^{2}x[/tex]

[tex]\sin^{2}x=\frac 1 2(1+\cos{2x})[/tex]

But I think that's what you did, so it's good? Sorry don't have time to work it out myself.
 
Yes thank you!
 

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