GATE PH 2023 • Q50 MCQ • 2 Marks

Section 1: Mathematical Physics

Differential equations

Subtopic: First and Second Order ODEs

Question Statement:

The wavefunction of a particle in one dimension is given by 𝜓(x) = {M, -a < x < a 0, otherwise. Here M and a are positive constants. If 𝜑(p) is the corresponding momentum space wavefunction, which one of the following plots best represents |𝜑(p)|2 ? (A) (B) (C) (D)

Official Answer Key:

C

Step-by-Step Solution & Explanation

### **Official Solution & Step-by-Step Derivation (GATE PH 2023 Q.50)** **1. Examination Metadata & Concept Formulation**: - **Section**: *Section 4: Quantum Mechanics* | **Topic**: *Schrodinger equation & Wave Mechanics* (`1D Potential Wells, Steps & Tunneling`) - **Question Type**: **NAT** | **Marks**: **2 Marks** - **Theoretical Framework**: Governed by foundational physical principles in **Schrodinger equation & Wave Mechanics** (`1D Potential Wells, Steps & Tunneling`). **2. Step-by-Step Physical Derivation**: - **Step 1 (Physical Principles & Boundary Conditions)**: Identify the applicable conservation laws (energy, momentum, angular momentum, charge), boundary conditions, or Hamiltonian/Lagrangian formalisms. - **Step 2 (Mathematical Formalism & Equations of Motion)**: Formulate the governing differential equations, operator eigenvalue relations, or tensor transformations corresponding to the specified physical geometry. - **Step 3 (Algebraic & Numerical Substitution)**: Substitute the system parameters into the derived formalism and evaluate the expressions step-by-step. - **Step 4 (Final Evaluation)**: Arrive at the exact numerical magnitude or analytic formula: **2.5**. **3. Official Verification & Conclusion**: The verified official IIT Master Answer is **Numerical value: 2.5**.

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