Note: Since the postulate of the probability is defined through the use of a complex conjugate, Ψ, it is accepted that the wavefunction is a complexvalued entity. The Probability that a particle will be found at time t 0 in a spatial interval of width dx centered about x 0 is determined by the wavefunction as: P (x 0, t 0 ) dx = Ψ (x 0, t 0 )Ψ(x 0, t 0 )dx = Ψ(x 0, t 0 ) 2 dx Note: Unlike for a classical wave, with a well-defined amplitude (as discussed earlier), the Ψ(x, t) amplitude is not ascribed a meaning. the wavefunction is in the most general sense dependent on time and space: Ψ = Ψ(x, t) The state of a quantum mechanical system is completely specified by the wavefunction Ψ(x, t). Physical meaning of the Wavefunction Postulate 1: The wavefunction attempts to describe a quantum mechanical entity (photon, electron, x-ray, etc.) through its spatial location and time dependence, i.e. 1 Quantum Mechanics: Postulates 5th April 2010 I.
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