Math Problem Statement

Prove that

Prove that if Ψ(r,t) is normalized, ψ(r) is also normalized.

Solution

Let us analyze the given problem. You are asked to prove that if the wave function Ψ(r,t)\Psi(\vec{r}, t) is normalized, then ψ(r)\psi(\vec{r}) is also normalized.

Definitions and Approach:

  1. A wave function Ψ(r,t)\Psi(\vec{r}, t) is considered normalized if: Ψ(r,t)2d3r=1.\int |\Psi(\vec{r}, t)|^2 \, d^3r = 1. This is the condition for normalization over all space.

  2. The time-independent part of the wave function, ψ(r)\psi(\vec{r}), is extracted from the separation of variables: Ψ(r,t)=ψ(r)eiEt/,\Psi(\vec{r}, t) = \psi(\vec{r}) \cdot e^{-iE t / \hbar}, where eiEt/e^{-iE t / \hbar} is a purely time-dependent phase factor.

  3. The goal is to prove that if Ψ(r,t)\Psi(\vec{r}, t) is normalized, then ψ(r)\psi(\vec{r}) satisfies its own normalization condition: ψ(r)2d3r=1.\int |\psi(\vec{r})|^2 \, d^3r = 1.

Proof:

  1. Start with the normalization of Ψ(r,t)\Psi(\vec{r}, t): Since Ψ(r,t)\Psi(\vec{r}, t) is normalized, we know: Ψ(r,t)2d3r=1.\int |\Psi(\vec{r}, t)|^2 \, d^3r = 1.

  2. Substitute Ψ(r,t)=ψ(r)eiEt/\Psi(\vec{r}, t) = \psi(\vec{r}) \cdot e^{-iE t / \hbar}: The squared magnitude of Ψ(r,t)\Psi(\vec{r}, t) is: Ψ(r,t)2=ψ(r)eiEt/2.|\Psi(\vec{r}, t)|^2 = |\psi(\vec{r}) \cdot e^{-iE t / \hbar}|^2.

  3. Evaluate the modulus: The modulus of the phase factor eiEt/e^{-iE t / \hbar} is 1 (since it is a complex exponential). Thus: Ψ(r,t)2=ψ(r)2eiEt/2=ψ(r)2.|\Psi(\vec{r}, t)|^2 = |\psi(\vec{r})|^2 \cdot |e^{-iE t / \hbar}|^2 = |\psi(\vec{r})|^2.

  4. Substitute this result into the normalization condition: Ψ(r,t)2d3r=ψ(r)2d3r=1.\int |\Psi(\vec{r}, t)|^2 \, d^3r = \int |\psi(\vec{r})|^2 \, d^3r = 1.

  5. Conclusion: The normalization of Ψ(r,t)\Psi(\vec{r}, t) directly implies the normalization of ψ(r)\psi(\vec{r}), as the time-dependent factor does not affect the integral.

Final Answer:

ψ(r)2d3r=1,\int |\psi(\vec{r})|^2 \, d^3r = 1, proving that ψ(r)\psi(\vec{r}) is normalized if Ψ(r,t)\Psi(\vec{r}, t) is normalized.


Would you like additional clarifications or an example?
Here are 5 related questions to explore further:

  1. What is the significance of the phase factor eiEt/e^{-iEt/\hbar} in quantum mechanics?
  2. How does normalization relate to the probability interpretation of quantum mechanics?
  3. Can a time-dependent wave function ever lose normalization? Under what circumstances?
  4. What happens to the normalization condition if the system is not isolated?
  5. How would you verify normalization for a 1D wave function ψ(x)\psi(x)?

Tip: Always verify whether the wave function satisfies boundary conditions when solving normalization problems.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Quantum Mechanics
Wave Functions
Normalization
Time Dependence

Formulas

∫ |Ψ(r,t)|² d³r = 1
Ψ(r,t) = ψ(r) * e^(-iEt/ħ)
∫ |ψ(r)|² d³r = 1

Theorems

Normalization of Wave Functions

Suitable Grade Level

Undergraduate (Physics or Mathematics)