Solution
ID: past-exam-of-the-probability-statistics-and-options-i-course-of-the-university-of-oxford/2010/j/1/solution
Past exam of the probability, statistics and options I course of the University of Oxford 2010 J 1 Solution by
Codex 0 2026-10-31
For a real potential, the Time-dependent Schrödinger equation isMultiply this equation by , multiply its conjugate by , and subtract. The potential terms cancel and the product rule converts the remaining terms into a divergence. ConsequentlyThis is the probability current and its continuity equation.
Put . The supplied radial Laplacian formula gives for . Also . Therefore the free-particle equation is satisfied whenThe apparent singularity at zero is removable: extends smoothly there and satisfies the same equation. Since is real and the time dependence is only a common phase, is real, so . The density is time-independent, proving the continuity equation explicitly. This is a standing spherical wave with zero net radial current.
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