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When a mathematician "normalizes" any function involving probability, it means she multiplies the function by the number necessary for the grand total probability of SOMETHING happening to be 1. If y is a function of x, such that y is the probability of something happening if x is equal to a value, and x can range from any value from -∞ to ∞; then we know that

ʃ f(x)dx,

where x ranges from -∞ to ∞

MUST be equal to 1.

That's because SOMETHING has to happen over all the values of x.

For example, if

f(x) = e^(-x^2/2)

then

ʃ f(x)dx over that range would √2ᴨ

To "normalize" that probability function would require that she multiply the original function by 1/√2ᴨ, so that the probability of the integral of y over all ranges of x -- the probability of SOMETHING happening -- would be 1.

If ɸ(x) is the quantum wave function of a particle at position x, then we know that, over the entire range of x from -∞ to ∞,

ʃ ɸ(x)*ɸ(x)dx MUST be equal to 1.

That's because the particle must be SOMEWHERE.

Depending on what ɸ(x) is, the mathematician would have to multiply the integral by some value in order for the integral over all possible values of x to be equal to one.

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What is normalising a wave function?

A wave function is normalized by determining normalization constants such that both the value and first derivatives of each segment of the wave function match at their intersections. If instead you meant renormalization, that is a different problem having to do with elimination of infinities in certain wave functions.


What is normalization in quantum mechanics?

Did you mean normalization or renormalization? Normalization involves determination of constants such that the value and first determinant of each segment of a wave function match at the intersections of the segments. Renormalization is a process to remove infinities from a wave function.


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The potential can be calculated from the wave function using the Schrödinger equation, where the potential energy operator acts on the wave function. This involves solving the time-independent Schrödinger equation to find the potential energy function that corresponds to the given wave function. The potential can be obtained by isolating the potential energy term on one side of the equation.


What is the difference between normalising and quenching?

In the normalising metal treatment process, the metal is cooled slowly and gradually while in quenching metal treatment process the metal is called very fast and abruptly.


What is the derivation of the wave function?

A simple wave function can be expressed as a trigonometric function of either sine or cosine. lamba = A sine(a+bt) or lamba = A cosine(a+bt) where lamba = the y value of the wave A= magnitude of the wave a= phase angle b= frequency. the derivative of sine is cosine and the derivative of cosine is -sine so the derivative of a sine wave function would be y'=Ab cosine(a+bt) """"""""""""""""""" cosine wave function would be y' =-Ab sine(a+bt)

Related Questions

What is normalising a wave function?

A wave function is normalized by determining normalization constants such that both the value and first derivatives of each segment of the wave function match at their intersections. If instead you meant renormalization, that is a different problem having to do with elimination of infinities in certain wave functions.


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How will you calculate potential if the wave function is given?

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