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I presume what you are asking is "Why does the psi function have no physical significance while psi squared does?"
The reason is simple but somewhat frustrating -- in our Universe, it just does! There's no reason WHY a Universe could exist where the psi function is, itself, something we can measure over time. Just like a Universe COULD exist where gravitational attraction depends on inverse cube of the distance between two masses. But, in our Universe, the usefulness of the psi function is in its square.
If all we know is psi itself, there's no way for us to measure anything -- even over time -- that would depend solely on psi. But we CAN measure things that, over time, depend out of the square of psi. And the experimental results are clear: the square of psi DOES predict something, psi itself does not.
Whether we like it or not, that's how our Universe operates.
A few centuries ago, all we humans knew was that planets moved around our Sun in eliptical orbits. We could not explain WHY that was the case, we just knew the mathematics matched the experimental evidence. Eventually we (actually, Isaac newton almost entirely by himself) developed a theory of gravity that allowed us to derive eliptical orbits. Perhaps scientists of the future will be able to develop a theory from which the psi function can be derived. We can only hope.
What else can I help you with?
Why time isn't an operator in quantum mechanics?
Associated with each measurable parameter in a physical system is a quantum mechanical operator. Now although not explicitly a time operator the Hamiltonian operator generates the time evolution of the wavefunction in the form H*(Psi)=i*hbar(d/dt)*(Psi), where Psi is a function of both space and time. Also I don't believe that in the formulation of quantum mechanics (QM) time appears as a parameter, not as a dynamical variable. Also, if time were an operator what would be the eigenvalues and eigenvectors of such an operator? Note:A dynamical time operator has been proposed in relativistic quantum mechanics. A paper I found on the topic is; Zhi-Yong Wang and Cai-Dong Xiong , "Relativistic free-motion time-of-arrival", J. Phys. A: Math. Theor. 40 1987 - 1905(2007)
Why do you take modulus of wave function?
Taking the modulus of the wave function allows us to obtain the probability density of finding a particle at a particular position in quantum mechanics. This is because the square of the modulus of the wave function gives us the probability of finding the particle in a given volume element.
Physical significance of green function in quantum mechanics?
There are two parts to this. First is, "What is the physical significance of a wave function?" Secondly, "Why do we normalize it?"To address the first:In the Wave Formulation of quantum mechanics the wave function describes the state of a system by way of probabilities. Within a wave function all 'knowable' (observable) information is contained, (e.g. position (x), momentum (p), energy (E), ...). Connected to each observable there is a corresponding operator [for momentum: p=-i(hbar)(d/dx)]. When the operator operates onto the wave function it extracts the desired information from it. This information is called the eigenvalue of the observable... This can get lengthy so I'll just leave it there. For more information I suggest reading David Griffith's "Introduction to Quantum Mechanics". A math knowledge of Calculus II should suffice.To address the second:Normalization is simply a tool such that since the probability of finding a particle in the range of +/- (infinity) is 100% then by normalizing the wave function we get rid of the terms that muddy up the answer the probability.An un-normalized wave function is perfectly fine. It has only been adopted by convention to normalize a wave function.ex. un-normalized wave function (psi is defined as my wave function)- The integral from minus infinity to positive infinity of |psi|^2 dx = 2piex. normalized wavefunction- The integral from minus infinity to positive infinity of |psi|^2 dx = 1
Why normalization in quantum mechanics?
Take a wavefunction; call it psi.Take another wavefunction; call it psi two.These wavefunctions mus clearly both satisfy some sort of wave equation (say the Schrodinger Wave Equation 1926).It turns out (if you do some maths) that if you addthese wavefunctions, psi+psiTwo is also a solution of the wave equation.HOWEVER: SINCE THE SQUARE OF THE WAVE EQUATION IS THE PROBABILITY, THE TOTAL PROBABLILITY OF FINDING THIS PARTICLE ANYWHERE IN THE UNIVERSE IS NOW 1+1 = 2!!!!! How can the probability be two? It clearly can't. And so the new wave function has to be halved (normalisation) to give: 1/2 (psi+psiTwo) which satisfies this condition that the total probablility of finding the particle must be equal to one.This condition is called the "Normalisation Condition" and is written mathematically thus:Integral( psi^2 ) d(x^3) = 1.
Why do you normalise a wave function of a particle?
There are two parts to this. First is, "What is the physical significance of a wave function?" Secondly, "Why do we normalize it?"To address the first:In the Wave Formulation of quantum mechanics the wave function describes the state of a system by way of probabilities. Within a wave function all 'knowable' (observable) information is contained, (e.g. position (x), momentum (p), energy (E), ...). Connected to each observable there is a corresponding operator [for momentum: p=-i(hbar)(d/dx)]. When the operator operates onto the wave function it extracts the desired information from it. This information is called the eigenvalue of the observable... This can get lengthy so I'll just leave it there. For more information I suggest reading David Griffith's "Introduction to Quantum Mechanics". A math knowledge of Calculus II should suffice.To address the second:Normalization is simply a tool such that since the probability of finding a particle in the range of +/- (infinity) is 100% then by normalizing the wave function we get rid of the terms that muddy up the answer the probability.An un-normalized wave function is perfectly fine. It has only been adopted by convention to normalize a wave function.ex. un-normalized wave function (psi is defined as my wave function)- The integral from minus infinity to positive infinity of |psi|^2 dx = 2piex. normalized wavefunction- The integral from minus infinity to positive infinity of |psi|^2 dx = 1
What is the significance of the psi star function in quantum mechanics?
The psi star function in quantum mechanics is significant because it represents the complex conjugate of the wave function, allowing us to calculate probabilities and observables in quantum systems. It helps us understand the behavior of particles at the quantum level and is essential for making predictions in quantum mechanics.
What is the significance of the psi symbol in physics and how is it used in quantum mechanics?
The psi symbol in physics represents the wave function, which describes the behavior of particles in quantum mechanics. It is used to calculate the probability of finding a particle in a certain state or position. The wave function is a fundamental concept in quantum mechanics, providing insight into the behavior of particles at the smallest scales.
What is the significance of the term "psi star psi" in quantum mechanics and how does it relate to the measurement of observable quantities in a quantum system?
In quantum mechanics, the term "psi star psi" represents the probability density of finding a particle in a particular state. It is calculated by taking the complex conjugate of the wave function (psi) and multiplying it by the original wave function. This quantity is used to determine the likelihood of measuring a specific observable quantity, such as position or momentum, in a quantum system. The square of "psi star psi" gives the probability of finding the particle in a certain state when a measurement is made.
What is the significance of psi weight in the field of quantum physics?
In quantum physics, psi weight is significant because it represents the probability amplitude of a quantum system being in a particular state. This helps in understanding the behavior of particles at the quantum level and predicting their outcomes in experiments.
What is the meaning of psi in physics?
In physics, psi (Ψ) is typically used to represent the wave function in quantum mechanics. The wave function describes the behavior and properties of particles at the quantum level, such as the probability of finding a particle in a certain position or state.
Why time isn't an operator in quantum mechanics?
Associated with each measurable parameter in a physical system is a quantum mechanical operator. Now although not explicitly a time operator the Hamiltonian operator generates the time evolution of the wavefunction in the form H*(Psi)=i*hbar(d/dt)*(Psi), where Psi is a function of both space and time. Also I don't believe that in the formulation of quantum mechanics (QM) time appears as a parameter, not as a dynamical variable. Also, if time were an operator what would be the eigenvalues and eigenvectors of such an operator? Note:A dynamical time operator has been proposed in relativistic quantum mechanics. A paper I found on the topic is; Zhi-Yong Wang and Cai-Dong Xiong , "Relativistic free-motion time-of-arrival", J. Phys. A: Math. Theor. 40 1987 - 1905(2007)
Write three dimensional Schrodinger wave equation for an electron. what is the physical significance of its wave funtion2?
The Wave function (psi) is just used as an identifier that the particle exhibits wave nature. Actually the square of the wave fn (psi2 ) - the probability amplitude- is the real significant parameter. The probability amplitude gives the maximum probability of observing the particle in a given region in space.
Derive time dependent schrodinger wave equation?
The time-dependent Schrödinger wave equation is derived from the principles of quantum mechanics, starting with the postulate that a quantum state can be represented by a wave function (\psi(x,t)). By applying the principle of superposition and the de Broglie hypothesis, which relates wave properties to particles, we introduce the Hamiltonian operator ( \hat{H} ) that describes the total energy of the system. The equation is formulated as ( i\hbar \frac{\partial \psi(x,t)}{\partial t} = \hat{H} \psi(x,t) ), where ( \hbar ) is the reduced Planck's constant. This fundamental equation describes how quantum states evolve over time in a given potential.
What is the significance of psi in the field of parapsychology?
In the field of parapsychology, psi refers to psychic abilities such as telepathy, clairvoyance, and psychokinesis. The significance of psi lies in its potential to provide evidence for the existence of paranormal phenomena beyond what can be explained by current scientific understanding. Researchers study psi to explore the possibility of human consciousness and abilities that go beyond conventional explanations.
Why do you take modulus of wave function?
Taking the modulus of the wave function allows us to obtain the probability density of finding a particle at a particular position in quantum mechanics. This is because the square of the modulus of the wave function gives us the probability of finding the particle in a given volume element.
Show that the rotational wave function is the eigenfunction of the total energy operator of a schrodinger equation determine the energy eigenvalue?
In quantum mechanics, the rotational wave function for a rigid rotor is given by ( \psi(\theta) = e^{im\theta} ), where ( m ) is the magnetic quantum number. The total energy operator, for a rigid rotor, is expressed as ( \hat{H} = -\frac{\hbar^2}{2I} \frac{d^2}{d\theta^2} ), where ( I ) is the moment of inertia. Applying the energy operator to the wave function yields ( \hat{H} \psi(\theta) = \frac{\hbar^2 m^2}{2I} \psi(\theta) ), demonstrating that ( \psi(\theta) ) is indeed an eigenfunction of the total energy operator with energy eigenvalue ( E_m = \frac{\hbar^2 m^2}{2I} ).
Physical significance of green function in quantum mechanics?
There are two parts to this. First is, "What is the physical significance of a wave function?" Secondly, "Why do we normalize it?"To address the first:In the Wave Formulation of quantum mechanics the wave function describes the state of a system by way of probabilities. Within a wave function all 'knowable' (observable) information is contained, (e.g. position (x), momentum (p), energy (E), ...). Connected to each observable there is a corresponding operator [for momentum: p=-i(hbar)(d/dx)]. When the operator operates onto the wave function it extracts the desired information from it. This information is called the eigenvalue of the observable... This can get lengthy so I'll just leave it there. For more information I suggest reading David Griffith's "Introduction to Quantum Mechanics". A math knowledge of Calculus II should suffice.To address the second:Normalization is simply a tool such that since the probability of finding a particle in the range of +/- (infinity) is 100% then by normalizing the wave function we get rid of the terms that muddy up the answer the probability.An un-normalized wave function is perfectly fine. It has only been adopted by convention to normalize a wave function.ex. un-normalized wave function (psi is defined as my wave function)- The integral from minus infinity to positive infinity of |psi|^2 dx = 2piex. normalized wavefunction- The integral from minus infinity to positive infinity of |psi|^2 dx = 1
