Past exam of the mathematics course of the University of Cambridge 2021 ib Paper 4 4C Solution Created 2026-09-24 Updated 2026-10-14
The one-dimensional Time-dependent Schrödinger equation for a wavefunction in a real potential isMultiplying this equation by , multiplying its complex conjugate by , and subtracting gives the probability continuity equationIf and its first derivative decay sufficiently rapidly as , then the probability current vanishes at both ends. Integrating the continuity equation and using the fundamental theorem of calculus yieldsThis conservation of quantum probability is required by the Born rule: once a normalizable wavefunction has total probability one, its time evolution must preserve that normalization.
For the stated Gaussian wave packet, put . Sinceits squared modulus isThe Gaussian integral then giveswhich is independent of time, as required.
Past exam of the physics course of the year 1 of the natural sciences course of the University of Cambridge 2022 Section B 9 a Solution Created 2026-10-18 Updated 2026-10-20
The time-independent Schrödinger equation is the energy eigenvalue equation for a particle of mass . The Hamiltonian operator is the sum of the kinetic operator and the prescribed potential energy . Here is the reduced Planck constant. A corresponding stationary state is . The Born rule identifies as probability density for a state with wavefunction normalization ; integrating it over an interval gives a position probability. A plane wave scattering state is not a normalizable wavefunction on the whole line, but its probability currents give the reflection and transmission fractions of an incident wave packet.
There is a notation discrepancy in the sources: the original PDF prints an unbarred in the kinetic term, whereas the local TeX uses . The standard physical equation uses the reduced Planck constant , where is the Planck constant; that convention is used below. Reading the printed literally as the Planck constant would scale all lengths in this model by relative to the standard answers, but would leave the amplitude ratios unchanged.
For , both sides allow oscillatory wavefunctions. A classical particle always crosses the potential step and slows because its kinetic energy falls from to . In quantum mechanics there is generally both reflection and transmission even though the particle is above the step. Define the positive wavenumbersWith no wave incident from the right, writeA finite potential step with constant mass makes both the wavefunction and its first derivative continuous. The two boundary conditions at areSolving gives the reflected and transmitted wavefunctionsFor the specified electron energies, , so the relative probability amplitudes areThe transmitted probability amplitude exceeding one is compatible with conservation of quantum probability, since the outgoing speed is smaller. In fact the probability current givesThese are the quantum reflection probability and transmission probability, which must be distinguished from the requested relative amplitudes.
In the position representation the Time-dependent Schrödinger equation isFor a normalized state define probability density and probability current byMultiplying the equation by and its complex conjugate by , then subtracting, cancels the real potential. The resulting identity isThus . Integrating over an interval gives : probability changes only through flux across the endpoints. This is local conservation of quantum probability.
Continuity with the zero exterior imposes zero endpoint values on the infinite square well. Solving the stationary equation with these boundary conditions giveswith zero extension outside. The integral of is , which fixes the normalization. The initial coefficients are and , whose squared moduli sum to one. Each energy component acquires its stationary phase:At the midpoint, , , , . HenceTaking its imaginary part proves