Schrodinger equotion & quantum physics

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the Schrödinger equation and its implications in quantum physics, particularly focusing on one-dimensional potential traps, the formation of these traps, and the nature of uncertainty in quantum mechanics. Participants explore theoretical aspects, mathematical formulations, and conceptual clarifications related to quantum behavior.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses curiosity about the formation of one-dimensional potential traps and the reasoning behind the specific form of the Schrödinger equation.
  • Another participant discusses the Hamiltonian formulation and the role of the potential state in the evolution of the system, suggesting a complex relationship between the Hamiltonian and the potential.
  • A historical perspective is provided on Schrödinger's development of his equation, linking it to wave-particle duality and the acceptance of his work in the context of atomic theory.
  • Questions are raised about the nature of uncertainty in quantum mechanics, particularly regarding the simultaneous measurement of position and momentum, and the implications of non-commuting observables.
  • Some participants mention the Poisson bracket in classical mechanics and its relation to quantum mechanics, indicating a transition from classical to quantum descriptions.
  • There are requests for further resources and explanations regarding the Schrödinger equation and potential wells, highlighting a desire for foundational understanding.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants exhibit a mix of agreement and disagreement, particularly regarding the interpretation of quantum uncertainty and the mathematical formalism involved. Some express confusion about specific concepts, while others provide corrections or additional context, indicating that the discussion remains unresolved on several points.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations in the discussion, such as missing assumptions about the nature of potential traps and the mathematical steps involved in deriving certain equations. Additionally, the participants' varying levels of understanding of quantum mechanics contribute to the complexity of the conversation.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be useful for students and enthusiasts of quantum physics, particularly those interested in the foundational concepts of the Schrödinger equation, potential wells, and the principles of uncertainty in quantum mechanics.

dreamfly
Messages
15
Reaction score
0
i'm a green hand in this field,maybe the question i asked is droll,but i want to know some wonder thing about quantum physics.
i know that one dimensional potential trap can be reckoned from Schrödinger equotion, but what about the actually fact? How dose one dimensional potential trap form? & Why did Schrödinger bring the equotion forward in that form?

Thanks!
 
Physics news on Phys.org
dreamfly said:
i'm a green hand in this field,maybe the question i asked is droll,but i want to know some wonder thing about quantum physics.
i know that one dimensional potential trap can be reckoned from Schrödinger equotion, but what about the actually fact? How dose one dimensional potential trap form? & Why did Schrödinger bring the equotion forward in that form?
Thanks!

When you write the hamiltonian H= p^2/2m + V(x) for a particle:
H|psi>=ihhard/dt|psi>, where |psi> is the state of the particle, you should take into account the state of the system that creates the V(x) potential (hidden in the above simplified equation and not important for the results.

Let's call the state of the system potential |potential> and assume it is an eigen state of the free hamiltonian (Ho_potential) of the potential system so that the |potential> state remains through the unitary evolution.

We have the complete hamiltonian given by:

H=p^2/2m + |potential><potential|.V(x)+Ho_potential

Where the complete state is |psi(t)>|potential> for the particle and the potential system.

=> <potential|H|psi(t)>|potential>=
[p^2/2m + V(x)]|psi(t)>+<potential|Ho_potential|potential>|psi>= [p^2/2m+V(x)+cte]|psi>
= ihbar d/dt<potential|psi>|potential>= ihbar d/dt|psi>

=> we have recoverd the unitary evolution of the state |psi(t)> (H is defined up to a constant.


Seratend.
 
There's quite a long story on how Schrödinger coined his equation.He really believed in that optics analogy and describing the atom through waves similar to the ones proposed by Louis de Broglie in his PhD thesis in Nov.1924.

Bottom line,he found it and applied it to the H atom.Then it was unanimously accepted and incorporated by Dirac in his formalism.

Daniel.
 
Well,it's seems that we can detect many facts from equotions,so i preciate how marvellous the universe is.But why & how position and velocity become uncertain when objects become smaller and smaller?Is it decided by objects' time-space property?
 
dreamfly said:
Well,it's seems that we can detect many facts from equotions,so i preciate how marvellous the universe is.But why & how position and velocity become uncertain when objects become smaller and smaller?Is it decided by objects' time-space property?

It's due to the fact that the two observations, of position and of momentum, can't be done simultaneously, and that is because the order in which they are made makes a difference. The mathematical jargon for this is that they fail to commute. Commutation rules are required for quantization, so we can say that uncertainty comes deeply out of the quantum nature of the world.
 
Incidentally,at classical level,general coordinates & canonical momenta fail to (anti) commute in the (graded) Poisson brackett.

So assuming Dirac's quantization scheme

graded Poisson brackett goes to [tex]\frac{1}{i\hbar}[/tex] times graded Lie brackett,it all makes perfect sense.:approve:

Daniel.
 
selfAdjoint said:
and that is because the order in which they are made makes a difference. Commutation rules are required for quantization, so we can say that uncertainty comes deeply out of the quantum nature of the world.
dextercioby said:
Poisson brackett.
:rolleyes: But i still have some puzzles:what's"the order in which they are made"?and what's "Poisson brackett"?and does it mean that the quantum nature is a nature of the world?but how unimaginable it is!will the God dicing,really?
 
I'm sorry,but if you don't know about Poisson brackets,then u should you go back to school and learn...:wink:

And also ask them about "incompatible obserables" in QM.

Daniel.
 
dextercioby said:
I'm sorry,but if you don't know about Poisson brackets,then u should you go back to school and learn...:wink:

And also ask them about "incompatible obserables" in QM.

Daniel.
:smile: yes I'm in university now.but we haven't study it normally & deeply.i only know some basic knowledge about quantum physics,like uncertainty principle,Schrödinger equotion...according in being knowledge, i got some basic puzzles. and want to get the answers here.so i beg your instruction and thanks again for answering my droll questions!
 
  • #10
To save me attempting to explain, this page seems to give a good intro:

http://farside.ph.utexas.edu/teaching/qm/fundamental/node22.html

I haven't read it in detail, with the excuse being I finished my degree this morning...
 
Last edited by a moderator:
  • #11
please send me the Schrödinger time dependent wave equation and also diagrams describing potential well
 
  • #12
Wave equation is, as always, [itex]\hat H |\Psi\rangle = E|\Psi\rangle[/itex]. The Hamiltonian [itex]\hat H[/itex] expresses the time dependance, and is dependent on the system - you can't just give a generic time dependent Hamiltonian.

I suggest you start more simply before looking at time dependance...
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 39 ·
2
Replies
39
Views
5K
  • · Replies 25 ·
Replies
25
Views
7K
  • · Replies 143 ·
5
Replies
143
Views
13K
  • · Replies 36 ·
2
Replies
36
Views
6K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
3K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
1K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K