CHEM 14A Chapter Notes - Chapter 1C: Max Born, Wave Function, Density
25 Oct 2020
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He replaced the precise trajectory of a particle by a wavefunction . It is a mathematical function with values that vary with position. Suggested how the wavefunction should be interpreted physically. Born interpretation of the wavefuntion: the probability of finding the particle in a region is proportional to the value of ^2 in that region. The probability that the particle will be found in a small region divided by the volume of the region. The mass of a region divided by the volume of the region. Wherever this is large, the particle has a high probability density. Wherever it is small, the particle has only a low probability density. Probability: unitless and lies between and 1. Probability density: has the dimension of 1/volume. To go from probability density to probability, multiply it by the volume of the region of interest. Node of the function: a location where passes through zero (not just reaching zero)
