41.36: a) Since the given ψ (r ) is real, r 2 | ψ |2 = r 2ψ 2 .

The probability density will be

an extreme when
d 2 2  ψ  dψ 
(r ψ ) = 2  rψ 2 + r 2ψ  = 2rψ ψ + r  = 0.
dr  dr   dr 
This occurs at r = 0, a minimum, and when ψ = 0, also a minimum. A maximum must
correspond to ψ + r dψd r = 0. Within a multiplicative constant,
dψ 1
ψ ( r ) = ( 2 − r a )e −r 2a
, = − ( 2 − r 2a )e −r 2a
,
dr a
and the condition for a maximum is
( 2 − r a ) = ( r a ) ( 2 − r 2a ), or r 2 − 6ra + 4a 2 = 0.
The solutions to the quadratic are r =a (3 ± 5 ). The ratio of the probability densities at
these radii is 3.68, with the larger density at r = a(3 + 5 ). b) ψ = 0 at r = 2a. Parts (a)
and (b) are consistent with Fig.(41.4); note the two relative maxima, one on each side of
the minimum of zero at r = 2a.