Why Must ψ and Its Derivative Be Continuous and Finite in Quantum Physics?

quantumevo
Messages
1
Reaction score
0
Hello all,

I have a quantum physics question which is more conceptual and mathematical than anything. Here's the question:

Explain why ψ and its derivative have to be continuous and finite.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Hi quantumevo, welcome to PF! :smile:

We're not here to do your homework for you.

What are your thoughts on the question?...Some things you may want to look at are what the Schroedinger equation looks like at points where the wavefunction is discontinuous; and the probability of measuring the position of a particle in the immediate vicinity of a discontiuity in its wavefunction...
 
Thread 'Need help understanding this figure on energy levels'

Thread 'Need help understanding this figure on energy levels'

This figure is from "Introduction to Quantum Mechanics" by Griffiths (3rd edition). It is available to download. It is from page 142. I am hoping the usual people on this site will give me a hand understanding what is going on in the figure. After the equation (4.50) it says "It is customary to introduce the principal quantum number, ##n##, which simply orders the allowed energies, starting with 1 for the ground state. (see the figure)" I still don't understand the figure :( Here is...
View full post »
Thread 'Understanding how to "tack on" the time wiggle factor'

Thread 'Understanding how to "tack on" the time wiggle factor'

The last problem I posted on QM made it into advanced homework help, that is why I am putting it here. I am sorry for any hassle imposed on the moderators by myself. Part (a) is quite easy. We get $$\sigma_1 = 2\lambda, \mathbf{v}_1 = \begin{pmatrix} 0 \\ 0 \\ 1 \end{pmatrix} \sigma_2 = \lambda, \mathbf{v}_2 = \begin{pmatrix} 1/\sqrt{2} \\ 1/\sqrt{2} \\ 0 \end{pmatrix} \sigma_3 = -\lambda, \mathbf{v}_3 = \begin{pmatrix} 1/\sqrt{2} \\ -1/\sqrt{2} \\ 0 \end{pmatrix} $$ There are two ways...
View full post »

Similar threads

Electron Bands in 2D Semiconductor
Replies
0
Views
2K
Electron in a triangular quantum well with triangular barrier
Replies
1
Views
2K
Assignment on the tight binding model
Replies
1
Views
2K
I Klein-Gordon equation and continuity equation
Replies
6
Views
1K
I Is the derivative of a discontinuity a delta function?
Replies
1
Views
4K
Perturbation treatment of hydrogen molecular ion
Replies
15
Views
2K
Triple delta potential probability of state transition
Replies
2
Views
3K
I Why is this interpretation of MWI wrong?
Replies
13
Views
2K
Finding state vectors for pure states
Replies
1
Views
1K
Using AI to evaluate white papers?
Replies
42
Views
1K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top