Why is it important that a basis set for a wavefunction be complete and orthogon
ID: 978388 • Letter: W
Question
Why is it important that a basis set for a wavefunction be complete and orthogonal?
a. A complete, orthogonal basis set is used to guarantee that the wavefunction is not a function of complex numbers.
b. A complete, orthogonal basis set is the smallest set, which completely describes every possible wavefunction for the system.
c. A complete, orthogonal basis set ensures that the computed eigenvalues are not complex numbers.
d. A complete, orthogonal basis set ensures that the total probability density of the wavefunction is equal to 1.
Explanation / Answer
b. A complete, orthogonal basis set is the smallest set, which completely describes every possible wavefunction for the system.