A complex scalar field that describes a quantum mechanical system. The square of the modulus of the wave function gives the probability of the system to be found in a particular state.
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1answer
20 views
Nodes and Antinodes for standing wave
In the arrangement shown in the figure below, an object of mass m can
be hung from a string (linear mass density $\mu$ = 2.00 g/m) that passes over
a light (massless) pulley. The string is connected ...
2
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2answers
89 views
Vector representation of wavefunction in quantum mechanics?
I am new to quantum mechanics, and I just studied some parts of "wave mechanics" version of quantum mechanics. But I heard that wavefunction can be represented as vector in Hilbert space. In my eye, ...
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vote
1answer
55 views
Why does a plane wave have definite momentum?
Apologies if this is a little vague. It might not have a good answer.
Given the interpretation of $|\psi(x)|^2$ as a probability distribution it's unsurprising that a wave function that is ...
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1answer
78 views
Potential step and its transmission / reflection
Lets say we have a potential step with regions 1 with zero potential $W_p\!=\!0$ (this is a free particle) and region 2 with potential $W_p$. Wave functions in this case are:
\begin{align}
...
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1answer
61 views
How does one find the wave velocity and the phase speed?
While I was studying beats, I tried to find a displacement function of any particle in the most generalized form. I ended up with $$y=2A\sin(\pi(t-x/v)(f_1+f_2))\cos(\pi(t-x/v)(f_1-f_2)).$$
Now, ...
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2answers
78 views
Why the hydrogen radial wave function is real?
Why the hydrogen radial wave function is real?
Is it a coincidence?
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1answer
43 views
Why do people say the phase oscillates in time and the amplitude stays the same but the intensity of a traveling beam does oscillate with time?
I'm confused why people say the phase oscillates in time and the amplitude stays the same (the reason for having complex numbers). But on the other hand, the intensity of a traveling beam does ...
1
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2answers
77 views
Why does the wave description say that probability oscillates, while the phase interpretation says constant amplitude?
The wave description of a particle illustrates an oscillating probability of the particle being found in any point in space.
When a particle travels, it carries along with it a phase that oscillates ...
1
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1answer
64 views
normalizing a wavefunction
I have a homework problem that I can't get started on, below is the first bit. I feel like I should just be able to integrate to find $C$ but I get a divergent integral. Can someone give me a hint as ...
2
votes
1answer
43 views
Does the observer or the camera collapse the wave function in the double slit experiment?
Ok so if we setup a camera before the slit we will find a single photon and will follow through accordingly, likewise by having a camera setup after the slit, we can retroactivly collapse the wave ...
1
vote
0answers
25 views
Is there anything to prevent paired-up neutrons from a complete overlap
The reason "neutrons don't overlap", as DarenW explained it, has to do with intricate forces at play that take into account the spins, iso-spins and symmetry of the wavefunctions.
However, assume I ...
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vote
1answer
32 views
Why is the Horizontal Force Constant in Deriving the One Dimensional Wave Equation
My textbook in deriving the wave equation for a one dimensional elastic string stated that the horizontal direction force is constant.I understand that the horizontal components of the tensions on ...
1
vote
1answer
99 views
Finite, square, potential well
Lets say we have a finite square well symetric around $y$ axis (picture below).
I know how and why general solutions to the second order ODE (stationary Schrödinger equation) are as follows for ...
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0answers
74 views
Scattering and partial wave analysis for cross section [closed]
Problem
Given the central potential:
$V(r)=-\frac{\hbar^2}{m a^2}\frac{1}{\cosh({r\over a})}$
and given that we know the solution to the following ODE
$\frac{d^2 y}{dx^2}+k^2 ...
-1
votes
1answer
81 views
Is normalization consistent with Schrodinger's Equation?
Schrodinger's Equation does not set a limit on the size of wave functions but to normalize a wave function a limit must be set. How is this consistent physically and mathematically with Schrodinger's ...
