In Section 39.5, we found that the de Broglie equation relates the momentum of a particle to its wavelength through the relation p = h/A. If an ideal free particle has a precisely known momentum p, its wave function is an infinitely long sinusoi- dal wave of wavelength A = h/p, and the particle has equal probability of being at any point along the x axis (Fig. 39.18a). The wave function y for such a free particle moving along the x axis can be written as (x) = Aekx (40.4)

Physics for Scientists and Engineers with Modern Physics
10th Edition
ISBN:9781337553292
Author:Raymond A. Serway, John W. Jewett
Publisher:Raymond A. Serway, John W. Jewett
Chapter40: Quantum Mechanics
Section: Chapter Questions
Problem 41AP
icon
Related questions
Question

Consider the wave function for the free particle, as shown. At what value of x is the particle most likely to be found at a given time? (a) at x = 0 (b) at small nonzero values of x (c) at large values of x (d) anywhere along the x axis

In Section 39.5, we found that the de Broglie equation relates the momentum of
a particle to its wavelength through the relation p = h/A. If an ideal free particle
has a precisely known momentum p, its wave function is an infinitely long sinusoi-
dal wave of wavelength A = h/p, and the particle has equal probability of being at
any point along the x axis (Fig. 39.18a). The wave function y for such a free particle
moving along the x axis can be written as
(x) = Aekx
(40.4)
Transcribed Image Text:In Section 39.5, we found that the de Broglie equation relates the momentum of a particle to its wavelength through the relation p = h/A. If an ideal free particle has a precisely known momentum p, its wave function is an infinitely long sinusoi- dal wave of wavelength A = h/p, and the particle has equal probability of being at any point along the x axis (Fig. 39.18a). The wave function y for such a free particle moving along the x axis can be written as (x) = Aekx (40.4)
Expert Solution
trending now

Trending now

This is a popular solution!

steps

Step by step

Solved in 2 steps with 3 images

Blurred answer
Knowledge Booster
Connection Formulae for WKB approximation
Learn more about
Need a deep-dive on the concept behind this application? Look no further. Learn more about this topic, physics and related others by exploring similar questions and additional content below.
Similar questions
Recommended textbooks for you
Physics for Scientists and Engineers with Modern …
Physics for Scientists and Engineers with Modern …
Physics
ISBN:
9781337553292
Author:
Raymond A. Serway, John W. Jewett
Publisher:
Cengage Learning
Principles of Physics: A Calculus-Based Text
Principles of Physics: A Calculus-Based Text
Physics
ISBN:
9781133104261
Author:
Raymond A. Serway, John W. Jewett
Publisher:
Cengage Learning
Modern Physics
Modern Physics
Physics
ISBN:
9781111794378
Author:
Raymond A. Serway, Clement J. Moses, Curt A. Moyer
Publisher:
Cengage Learning
University Physics Volume 3
University Physics Volume 3
Physics
ISBN:
9781938168185
Author:
William Moebs, Jeff Sanny
Publisher:
OpenStax
Physics for Scientists and Engineers: Foundations…
Physics for Scientists and Engineers: Foundations…
Physics
ISBN:
9781133939146
Author:
Katz, Debora M.
Publisher:
Cengage Learning