Why is it important that a basis set for a wavefunction be complete and orthogon

ID: 2967264 • 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 the smallest set, which completely describes every possible wavefunction for the system

b) A complete, orthogonal basis set ensures that the total probability density of the wavefunction is equal to 1

c) A complete, orthogonal basis set ensures that the computed eigenvalues are not complex numbers.

d) A complete, orthogonal basis set is used to guarantee that the wavefunction is not a function of complex numbers

Points will be awarded with correct answer and explanation

A complete, orthogonal basis set is the smallest set, which completely describes every possible wavefunction for the system

ANSWER: (a)

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