Scribd
Upload
120 views

Wave Function and Probabilities

This document provides an overview of quantum mechanics and wave functions. It discusses that 1) quantum mechanics is needed to describe small particles like electrons and protons since their behavior cannot be predicted with certainty, 2) the wave function Ψ(r,t) describes the trajectory of a particle but does not have direct physical significance, and 3) the probability of finding a particle is given by |Ψ|2 which must always be positive.

Uploaded by

Abhishek Verma
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
120 views

Wave Function and Probabilities

This document provides an overview of quantum mechanics and wave functions. It discusses that 1) quantum mechanics is needed to describe small particles like electrons and protons since their behavior cannot be predicted with certainty, 2) the wave function Ψ(r,t) describes the trajectory of a particle but does not have direct physical significance, and 3) the probability of finding a particle is given by |Ψ|2 which must always be positive.

Uploaded by

Abhishek Verma
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 13

B. Tech.

1st Year
PHY-109 : Physics

Unit-2: Quantum Mechanics

Department of Applied Science


School of Engineering & Technology
Quantum Mechanics

• In Classical mechanics, if we know initial position and momentum


values together with the forces acting on the particle

• then we can determine the future state of a particle accurately.

• What is the need for Quantum mechanics?

• Quantum mechanics is necessary to describe the behavior of small


particles like electron and proton.

• Uncertainty in the measurement of components at a time makes it


impossible to tell about its future accurately.

• So, in Quantum mechanics we will estimate quantities with their


probabilities.
Wave function

• The quantity whose variations make up matter waves is


called the wave function.

•The wave function is denoted by Ψ(r,t).

• Wave function describes the trajectory of a particle.

• However, wave function itself has no direct physical


significance.

• The value of wave function at certain point x, y, z in space at


time t is related to the probability of finding the body there at
that time.
Wave function

• At a particular time and place, |Ψ|2 is the probability of


finding the particle.

• |Ψ|2 is called probability density per unit length in one


dimension, or probability density per unit volume in three
dimensions.

• |Ψ(x,t)|2 δx is the probability of finding the particle in an


infinitesimal region or at a point δx at that time.

• |Ψ|2 = Ψ*Ψ is large in the regions where probability of


occurrence of a particle is maximum.

• |Ψ|2 = Ψ*Ψ is small in the regions where probability of


occurrence of a particle is minimum.
Wave function

• The wave function has the form of a complex number:


Ψ = A + iB

• where, A and B are real functions.

• Since, Ψ is a complex quantity, so it does not correspond to


real physical measurements on a system.

• However, the probability |Ψ|2 is a measurable quantity.

• So, probability |Ψ|2 has physical significance.


Wave function

• The probability |Ψ|2 must always be a positive real quantity.

• The wave function is given as:


Ψ = A + iB

• Complex conjugate of the wave function Ψ is given as:


Ψ* = A – iB

• So, the probability can be calculated as:


|Ψ|2 = Ψ* Ψ
⇒ |Ψ|2 = (A – iB).(A + iB)
⇒ |Ψ|2 = A2 - i2B2
⇒ |Ψ|2 = A2 + B2 (since, i2 = -1)
Wave function

• Hence, |Ψ|2 is always a positive and real quantity, as required.

• Well-Behaved Wave Function

• The wave function Ψ must have few properties for obtaining


physically meaningful results.

• Only such well behaved wave functions are admissible as


mathematical representations of real bodies.
Wave function

• Properties of well behaved wave functions is as follows:

1. Ψ must be continuous and single-valued function


everywhere (i.e. for all values of x and t).

Or we can say, the probability density must be uniquely


defined.

2. ∂Ψ/ ∂x, ∂Ψ/ ∂y and ∂Ψ/ ∂z must be continuous and single


valued everywhere.

3. Ψ must be normalizable.

i.e. Ψ must go to zero as x → ±∞,


±∞ y → ±∞,
±∞ z → ±∞
Wave function

4. The integral ∫|Ψ|2dV must have a finite positive value.

5. Normalization Condition should be staisfied: Total


probability for a particle to be somewhere should always be
one.

• Normalization condition in one dimension is given as:


∞
2
∫
−∞
Ψ(x, t) dx = 1

• A wave function satisfying the above equation is said to be


a normalized wave function.
Wave function

• Normalization condition in three dimensional space is given


as:
 2 3
∫ Ψ ( r, t ) d r = 1
all space
Wave function

• Normalization of wavefunction

• Let us suppose that we have a wave function which is not


normalized.

• Multiply Ψ by a constant A, to give a new wave function,


which is also a wave function.

• Using new function write normalization condition and


solve it for A:
∞

∫
*
(Aψ )AψdV = 1
−∞
Wave function

2 1
⇒ A = ∞

∫
−∞
ψ * ψdV

• where |A| is called normalization constant.

• So, the normalized wave function is written as |A|Ψ.


Slides can be downloaded from
Sharda Physics website
(Type shardaphysics in Google)

E-mail: [email protected]

Department of Applied Science


School of Engineering & Technology

You might also like