What is the Probability of Finding an Electron in a Specific Angle in Hydrogen?

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves calculating the probability of finding an electron in a hydrogen atom within a specific angular range, focusing on the (2,1,1) quantum state. The original poster presents an integral setup for determining this probability, incorporating spherical coordinates and relevant wave functions.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to evaluate the probability integral using specific limits for the angles and discusses the integration process. Other participants question the correctness of the integral setup and suggest potential errors in the calculations.

Discussion Status

Some participants have identified a possible mistake in the original poster's approach, specifically regarding the integration of the wave function. There is an ongoing exploration of the problem, with one participant seeking clarification on the identified issues.

Contextual Notes

The discussion includes references to specific quantum mechanical concepts and the mathematical treatment of wave functions. There is an indication of a similar problem faced by another participant, suggesting a broader context of inquiry.

wavingerwin
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Homework Statement


Calculate the probability of finding the electron in a hydrogen within the angle [tex]\pm30\circ[/tex] from the x-y plane.The hydrogen is in the (2,1,1) state.


Homework Equations


[tex]probability = \int\int\int\left|R_{2,1,1}\right|^{2} \left|Y^{1}_{1}\right|^{2} r^{2} sin(\theta) dr d\phi d\theta[/tex]

[tex]Y^{1}_{1} = -\frac{1}{2}\sqrt{\frac{3}{2\pi}}sin(\theta)e^{i\phi}[/tex]

The Attempt at a Solution


[tex]\int\left|R_{2,1,1}\right|^{2} r^{2} dr = 1[/tex]
because limits are 0 to infinity.

limit for [tex]\theta[/tex] is [tex]\frac{\pi}{3}[/tex] to [tex]\frac{2\pi}{3}[/tex]
limit for [tex]\phi[/tex] is [tex]0[/tex] to [tex]2\pi[/tex]

so...

[tex]probability = \int\int \left|Y^{1}_{1}\right|^{2} d\phi d\theta[/tex]

[tex]probability = \int\int \frac{1}{4}\frac{3}{2\pi}sin^{3}\theta e^{\phi} d\phi d\theta[/tex]

[tex]= \frac{3}{8\pi}\int\int sin^{3}\theta e^{\phi} d\phi d\theta[/tex]
[tex]= \frac{3}{8\pi}\int sin^{3}\theta \left[e^{\phi}\right]^{2\pi}_{0} d\theta[/tex]

[tex]= \frac{3}{8\pi} \left(e^{2\pi}-1\right) \int sin^{3}d\theta[/tex]

and after some algebra..

[tex]\int^{\frac{2\pi}{3}}_{\frac{\pi}{3}} sin^{3}d\theta = 1-\frac{1}{12}[/tex]

and so

[tex]probability = \frac{3}{8\pi} \left(e^{2\pi}-1\right) \left(1-\frac{1}{12}\right)[/tex]

Now, [tex]e^{2\pi}[/tex] is more than [tex]500[/tex]
which makes the probability equal to [tex]58.5[/tex]

?

Please help and thanks in advance
 
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...:smile: Nevermind.

Found what's wrong...
 
Can you please tell me what's wrong with it . Cos I have a similar problem . Thanks
 
[tex]probability = \int\int \frac{1}{4}\frac{3}{2\pi}sin^{3}\theta e^{\phi} d\phi d\theta[/tex]

Should be

[tex]probability = \int\int \frac{1}{4}\frac{3}{2\pi}sin^{3}\theta d\phi d\theta[/tex]
 

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