# Wave function

1. Mar 31, 2010

### roshan2004

A particle moving on a straight line is described by $$\psi(x)=\frac{1+ix}{1+ix^2}$$.
Where is the particle likely to be found?
I took the derivative of probability density with respect to x and equated it to 0. I got my answer to be x=0.643,-0.643,1.554i and -1.554i.
Please tell me whether I am right or wrong or are there any other methods to solve this problem or not?

2. Mar 31, 2010

### dx

There is no reason for the expectation value to be at a stationary point of the probability density.

You have to evaluate the integral <x> = ∫ψ*(x)xψ(x)dx = ∫xP(x)dx.

3. Mar 31, 2010

### roshan2004

But the question is about maximum probability of finding the particle, isn't it?

4. Mar 31, 2010

### dx

"Where is the particle likely to be found" usually means that they want you to find the expectation value of x.

5. Mar 31, 2010

### dx

Unless the exact wording of the question was "where is the particle most likely to be found". Then you would find the x which maximises P(x).

6. Mar 31, 2010

### roshan2004

So if the question is where the particle is most likely to be found, is my answer correct.

7. Mar 31, 2010

### dx

x is a real number, how did you get imaginary values?

8. Mar 31, 2010

### roshan2004

By factorising

9. Mar 31, 2010

### dx

10. Mar 31, 2010

### roshan2004

Now I finally got it, thanks dx