A particle is confined to a one-dimensional trap by infinite potential energy walls.Of the following states, designed by the quantum number n, for which one is the probability density greatest near the center of the well?
A)n = 2
B)n = 3
C)n = 4
D)n = 5
E)n = 6

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The probability density of a particle in a one-dimensional trap is given by the wave function squared. For higher quantum numbers, the wave functions become more spread out and have more nodes, resulting in lower probability densities near the center of the well. Therefore, the wave function with n = 3 has the highest probability density near the center of the well.

A Particle Is Confined to a One-Dimensional Trap by Infinite