Math Problem Statement

Consider the wave function for the free particle shown below. At what value of x is the particle most likely to be found at a given time? 𝜓(x) = Aeikx

Solution

The given wave function for the free particle is:

ψ(x)=Aeikx\psi(x) = A e^{ikx}

Understanding the Wave Function:

  • AA: A constant (typically a normalization constant).
  • kk: The wave number, which is related to the momentum of the particle.
  • xx: The position variable.
  • eikxe^{ikx}: A complex exponential function representing the free particle's wave function.

To Find the Most Probable Location:

In quantum mechanics, the probability density P(x)P(x) of finding a particle at position xx is given by the square of the absolute value of the wave function:

P(x)=ψ(x)2P(x) = |\psi(x)|^2

For the given wave function:

ψ(x)=Aeikx\psi(x) = A e^{ikx}

The modulus of this wave function is:

ψ(x)=Aeikx|\psi(x)| = |A| \cdot |e^{ikx}|

Since eikxe^{ikx} is a complex number with magnitude 1, we have:

ψ(x)=A|\psi(x)| = |A|

Thus, the probability density is:

P(x)=ψ(x)2=A2P(x) = |\psi(x)|^2 = |A|^2

Conclusion:

The probability density P(x)P(x) is constant, meaning the particle has an equal probability of being found at any point along the xx-axis. Therefore, there is no specific value of xx where the particle is more likely to be found. The particle is equally likely to be found at any position.

Would you like more details or have further questions on this concept?

Here are 5 related questions to explore this topic further:

  1. What is the physical interpretation of the wave number kk in this context?
  2. How does the normalization constant AA affect the wave function?
  3. Can you describe the momentum associated with this free particle wave function?
  4. What happens to the probability distribution if the wave function is a superposition of different kk-values?
  5. How does this wave function compare to the wave function of a particle in a potential well?

Tip: In free-particle wave functions, the probability distribution is uniform across all space, indicating that the particle is completely delocalized.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Quantum Mechanics
Wave Function
Probability Density

Formulas

Wave function: 𝜓(x) = A e^{ikx}
Probability density: P(x) = |𝜓(x)|^2
Magnitude of wave function: |𝜓(x)| = |A|

Theorems

Born Rule (Probability Interpretation in Quantum Mechanics)

Suitable Grade Level

University (Undergraduate Physics)