Finding the probability of 1s electron within a cubical volume

In summary, to calculate the probability of finding an 1s electron within a 1 picometer cubic region located 50pm from the nucleus, one can use the expression for the probability of an 1s electron within a spherical volume and approximate it by choosing a sphere of the same volume. Another method is to consider the size of the cube and the approximate constancy of the wavefunction throughout the cube, and then find the probability density at 50pm multiplied by the volume of the cube.
  • #1
Muthumanimaran
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2

Homework Statement


How to calculate the probability of finding an 1s electron within 1 picometer cubic region located 50pm from the nucleus.

Homework Equations


The probability of an 1s electron within a spherical volume of radius 'a' from nucleus can be find using the expression
$$\int_{0}^{a}\int_{0}^{\pi}\int_{0}^{2\pi}|\psi(r,,\theta,\phi)|^2r^2 dr \sin(\theta) d\theta d\phi$$
but how to find probability within a cubic region?

The Attempt at a Solution


I thought I could transform ${(r,\theta,\phi)}$ into (x,y,z) coordinates and integrate the above integral within proper limits, but the integral will become messy! and also I don't know whether it is the proper way of doing this problem, all I am asking is give me a hint how to do this problem?
 
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  • #2
You could approximate it by choosing a sphere of the same volume.
 
  • #3
Considering the size of the cube, will the value of the wavefunction be approximately constant throughout the cube?
 
  • #4
TSny said:
Considering the size of the cube, will the value of the wavefunction be approximately constant throughout the cube?
Yes the value of wavefunction will be approximately constant throughout the cube.
 
  • #5
Muthumanimaran said:
Yes the value of wavefunction will be approximately constant throughout the cube.
so it is enough to find the probability density at 50pm times the volume of cube right?
 
  • #6
Muthumanimaran said:
Yes the value of wavefunction will be approximately constant throughout the cube.
Yes

Muthumanimaran said:
so it is enough to find the probability density at 50pm times the volume of cube right?
Yes
 
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Related to Finding the probability of 1s electron within a cubical volume

1. What is the concept of finding the probability of 1s electron within a cubical volume?

The probability of 1s electron within a cubical volume refers to the likelihood of finding an electron in the 1s orbital within a specific three-dimensional space.

2. How is the probability of 1s electron within a cubical volume calculated?

The probability of 1s electron within a cubical volume is calculated using the wave function of the electron and the volume of the cube. This can be done through mathematical equations and numerical calculations.

3. What factors affect the probability of 1s electron within a cubical volume?

The probability of 1s electron within a cubical volume can be affected by the size of the cube, the distance from the nucleus, and the energy level of the electron.

4. Why is it important to find the probability of 1s electron within a cubical volume?

Understanding the probability of 1s electron within a cubical volume is important in determining the electron density and distribution within an atom. This has implications in various fields such as chemistry, physics, and material sciences.

5. Can the probability of 1s electron within a cubical volume be greater than 1?

No, the probability of 1s electron within a cubical volume cannot be greater than 1 as it represents the likelihood of finding an electron in a specific space. A probability greater than 1 would mean a certainty, which is not possible in quantum mechanics.

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