Very curious integral (overlap integral)

In summary, the placement of "dx" at the front or back of an integrand has no impact and is interchangeable. This was explained simply as Duke Ellington's quote "It don't mean a thing..." and confirmed by the speaker that it holds the same meaning either way.
  • #1
Ahmad Kishki
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The dx actually precedes the function! What does that mean, please explain it simply, my qm book just brushed over it.
 
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  • #2
Ahmad Kishki said:
The dx actually precedes the function! What does that mean, please explain it simply, my qm book just brushed over it.

Duke Ellington: "It don't mean a thing..."

You can put "dx" at the front or at the back of the integrand; there is no difference. They mean the same thing.
 
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Likes Ahmad Kishki
  • #3
Quantum Defect said:
Duke Ellington: "It don't mean a thing..."

You can put "dx" at the front or at the back of the integrand; there is no difference. They mean the same thing.

My life is a lie :D thanks.
 

1. What is a "Very curious integral"?

A "Very curious integral" is a type of mathematical integral that is often used in physics and chemistry to calculate the overlap of two wavefunctions. It is also referred to as an overlap integral or a Coulomb integral.

2. How is a "Very curious integral" calculated?

The calculation of a "Very curious integral" involves integrating the product of two wavefunctions over all space. This is typically done using numerical methods, such as Gaussian quadrature, due to the complexity of the integral.

3. What is the significance of the "Very curious integral" in science?

The "Very curious integral" is an important tool in quantum mechanics as it helps to calculate the degree of overlap between two quantum states. This information is crucial in understanding the behavior of electrons in atoms and molecules.

4. Can the "Very curious integral" be solved analytically?

In general, the "Very curious integral" cannot be solved analytically due to its complexity. However, there are some special cases where analytical solutions can be found, such as for simple wavefunctions or in one-dimensional systems.

5. Are there any applications of the "Very curious integral" outside of physics and chemistry?

While the "Very curious integral" is primarily used in physics and chemistry, it also has applications in other fields such as materials science and engineering. It can be used to calculate the electron density distribution in materials, which is important for understanding their properties and behavior.

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