University Physics with Modern Physics (14th Edition)

Published by Pearson
ISBN 10: 0321973615
ISBN 13: 978-0-32197-361-0

Chapter 40 - Quantum Mechanics I: Wave Functions - Problems - Discussion Questions - Page 1353: Q40.8

Answer

The probability distribution function would be uniform. Yes.

Work Step by Step

A classical particle would have an equal probability of being found anywhere within the box, because it would move at constant speed and bounce elastically off the 2 walls. The probability distribution function would be constant inside the box. As the particle energy rises, and n increases, the wavefunctions have more sine waves, and more and more peaks. See figure 40.12a. The probability distribution function will indeed approach a uniform value as n approaches infinity. See figure 40.12b. The integral between any two points within the box will only depend upon the distance between them, not on their location.
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