Quantum Wave Function: Dependency & Increment Mystery

In summary, the conversation discusses the dependence of the wave function Ψ on spherical coordinates and the significance of the wave function remaining unchanged when the coordinate Φ increases by 2pi. It is explained that this is due to the sinusoidal periodicity of the specific wave function and the idea that coordinate systems are functions that assign three numbers to each point in space.
  • #1
m-i-t-o
8
0
Hi everyone, Can anybody solve my simple problems of quantum:
Usually we say, that wave function Ψ is dependent on r,θ,Φ .But this is just a coordinate system,or more than that. Imagination to this is qite difficult.
Moreover somewhere in a book I have read that if Ψ = f(r,θ) exp(imΦ),then on increment of 2pi in Φ does not change wave function.? Why?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
m-i-t-o said:
Usually we say, that wave function Ψ is dependent on r,θ,Φ .But this is just a coordinate system,or more than that.

Did you mean to ask the question: "Is this just a coordinate system,or more than that?"
If so, then it looks like you are just presenting spherical coordinates. Instead of your axes defining three edges of a box (as in Cartesian coordinates), your three axes define a sphere.

Moreover somewhere in a book I have read that if Ψ = f(r,θ) exp(imΦ),then on increment of 2pi in Φ does not change wave function.? Why?

This just means that the specific wavefunction you have is sinusoidally periodic in Φ.
 
  • #3
You can think of points in space as something independent of coordinates, and coordinate systems as functions that assign three numbers to each point in space. If p is a point in space and f and g are coordinate systems, then

[tex]\psi(p)=(\psi\circ f^{-1})(f(p))=(\psi\circ g^{-1})(g(p))[/tex]

If f assigns the cartesian coordinates and g the spherical coordinates, then we can write [itex](\psi\circ f^{-1})(x,y,z)=(\psi\circ g^{-1})(r,\theta,\phi)[/itex].

So you can think of your wave function as the composition of a coordinate independent wave function and the inverse of a coordinate system.
 

What is a quantum wave function?

A quantum wave function is a mathematical description of the state of a quantum system. It contains all the information about the system's position, momentum, and other physical properties.

What is the dependency of a quantum wave function?

The dependency of a quantum wave function refers to the fact that the state of a quantum system is dependent on the observer. The act of observation can change the state of the system, making it difficult to predict with certainty.

What is the increment mystery of a quantum wave function?

The increment mystery of a quantum wave function refers to the uncertainty principle, which states that the more accurately we know the position of a particle, the less accurately we can know its momentum, and vice versa. This creates a fundamental limit to our ability to measure and predict the behavior of quantum systems.

How does the uncertainty principle relate to the dependency of a quantum wave function?

The uncertainty principle and the dependency of a quantum wave function are closely related as they both stem from the probabilistic nature of quantum mechanics. The act of observation, which is necessary to measure a quantum system, can alter its state and introduce uncertainty.

Why is understanding the quantum wave function important?

Understanding the quantum wave function is important because it is the foundation of quantum mechanics, which is the basis for many modern technologies, including computers, lasers, and MRI machines. It also allows us to better understand the behavior of matter and energy at the subatomic level, leading to new discoveries and advancements in science and technology.

Similar threads

Replies
1
Views
608
  • Quantum Physics
Replies
7
Views
1K
Replies
8
Views
1K
Replies
11
Views
1K
  • Quantum Physics
Replies
5
Views
1K
  • Advanced Physics Homework Help
Replies
2
Views
1K
  • Quantum Physics
2
Replies
41
Views
6K
Replies
8
Views
1K
  • Quantum Physics
Replies
13
Views
2K
  • Quantum Physics
Replies
15
Views
2K
Back
Top