Wavefunction and Nodes

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Kyle Sheu 1C
Posts: 87
Joined: Fri Jun 23, 2017 11:39 am

Wavefunction and Nodes

Postby Kyle Sheu 1C » Tue Jul 04, 2017 9:33 pm

Hi folks! Can anyone explain why the wavefunction must pass through zero and not simply approach zero in order for there to be a node?

With the Born interpretation of a wavefunction, my understanding is that there is a zero probability density whenever the wavefunction is at zero, regardless of whether the function touches zero or passes through zero, so I'm curious to know why the function must go through zero. Would it perhaps be that a sign change (positive to negative or vice versa) in the wavefunction model is a necessary characteristic of nodes?

Thank you!

Chem_Mod
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Re: Wavefunction and Nodes

Postby Chem_Mod » Wed Jul 05, 2017 10:33 am

Yes


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