Solution to 1992 Problem 29


The potential is finite everywhere, so the wavefunction and its derivative must both be continuous everywhere. Also, the wavefunction must be normalizable, so it must go to 0 as x goes to positive and negative infinity. Also, because we are told that the wavefunction represents a bound state, the total energy must be less than the value of the potential outside of the well, which is 0. This implies that that wavefunction is a decaying exponential outside of the well. The only option that satisfies all of these requirements is (B), therefore this is the correct answer.


return to the 1992 problem list

return to homepage


Please send questions or comments to X@gmail.com where X = physgre.