Chapter 40: Problem 6
Compute \(|\Psi|^{2}\) for \(\Psi=\psi \sin \omega t,\) where \(\psi\) is time independent and \(\omega\) is a real constant. Is this a wave function for a stationary state? Why or why not?
Short Answer
Expert verified
\(|\Psi|^2 = \psi^2 \sin^2 \omega t\). It is not stationary due to time dependence.
Step by step solution
01
Understand the Problem
We are given a function \(\Psi = \psi \sin \omega t\), where \(\psi\) is time independent and \(\omega\) is a real constant. We need to compute \(|\Psi|^2\) and determine if this represents a wave function of a stationary state.
02
Express the Magnitude
To find \(|\Psi|^2\), we need to understand that \(|\Psi|\) denotes the magnitude of \(\Psi\). Since \(\Psi\) is a product of a real time-independent function \(\psi\) and \(\sin \omega t\), which is also real, the magnitude is a straightforward multiplication of the two values.
03
Calculate \(|\Psi|^2\)
Calculate the squared magnitude:\[ |\Psi|^2 = |\psi \sin \omega t|^2 = (\psi \sin \omega t) \cdot (\psi \sin \omega t) = \psi^2 \sin^2 \omega t \]This shows that \(|\Psi|^2 = \psi^2 \sin^2 \omega t\).
04
Analyze the Stationarity
For a wave function to be stationary, \(|\Psi|^2\) must be time-independent. However, since \(\sin^2 \omega t\) is a function of time, \(|\Psi|^2\) is clearly not constant over time. Hence, the wave function \(\Psi = \psi \sin \omega t\) is not that of a stationary state.
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Stationary States
Stationary states are a fascinating concept in quantum mechanics. These states refer to wave functions whose probability density, represented by \(|\Psi|^2\), does not change over time. In simpler terms, if you have a stationary wave function, the likelihood of finding a particle in a specific region remains constant. This leads to stability in the observed properties of a quantum system.
When we talk about stationary states, the wave function \(\Psi(x, t)\) typically takes the form of a product of a spatial part \(\psi(x)\) and a time-dependent phase factor \(e^{-i\omega t}\). Notably, the magnitude squared \(|\Psi|^2\) involves just the spatial function \(\psi(x)\), because the time-dependent factors cancel out during this calculation.
In the problem, however, the presence of the \(\sin \omega t\) term in the wave function suggests a time-dependent nature for \(|\Psi|^2\). Since it oscillates with time, it indicates the wave function is not stationary. Therefore, analyzing the time dependence is key in determining the nature of a state.
When we talk about stationary states, the wave function \(\Psi(x, t)\) typically takes the form of a product of a spatial part \(\psi(x)\) and a time-dependent phase factor \(e^{-i\omega t}\). Notably, the magnitude squared \(|\Psi|^2\) involves just the spatial function \(\psi(x)\), because the time-dependent factors cancel out during this calculation.
In the problem, however, the presence of the \(\sin \omega t\) term in the wave function suggests a time-dependent nature for \(|\Psi|^2\). Since it oscillates with time, it indicates the wave function is not stationary. Therefore, analyzing the time dependence is key in determining the nature of a state.
Wave Function Properties
Wave functions are central to understanding quantum mechanics. They describe the quantum state of a system and contain all the information about a system's behavior. Here are some critical properties:
- Normalization: Wave functions must be normalized, meaning the total probability over all space must equal one. Mathematically, this requirement is expressed as \(\int |\Psi(x)|^2 dx = 1\).
- Continuity: A valid wave function should be continuous and smooth. This ensures that probabilities remain well-defined across all points.
- Linearity: Wave functions can be added together to form new solutions. This property is crucial for understanding phenomena such as interference and superposition.
Time-Dependent Functions
Time-dependent functions are critical in describing how physical systems evolve with time in quantum mechanics. Time-dependence typically appears in the form of oscillations or exponential decay, often represented through sine, cosine, or complex exponential functions.
In many quantum problems, the time part of a wave function is extracted separately for clarity. For example, a common form includes a phase factor such as \(e^{-i \omega t}\), where \(\omega\) is the angular frequency. This form provides a direct link to the energy of the state via the relation to Planck's constant.
In our exercise, the function \(\Psi = \psi \sin \omega t\) shows how time-dependent factors explicitly determine a state's non-stationary nature. Here, \(\sin \omega t\) introduces periodic time fluctuations, significantly impacting \(|\Psi|^2\) and ensuring it changes over time. Understanding these time-dependent behaviors is pivotal for interpreting dynamical processes in quantum systems.
In many quantum problems, the time part of a wave function is extracted separately for clarity. For example, a common form includes a phase factor such as \(e^{-i \omega t}\), where \(\omega\) is the angular frequency. This form provides a direct link to the energy of the state via the relation to Planck's constant.
In our exercise, the function \(\Psi = \psi \sin \omega t\) shows how time-dependent factors explicitly determine a state's non-stationary nature. Here, \(\sin \omega t\) introduces periodic time fluctuations, significantly impacting \(|\Psi|^2\) and ensuring it changes over time. Understanding these time-dependent behaviors is pivotal for interpreting dynamical processes in quantum systems.