- #1
RedCliff
- 10
- 0
Hello, all,
I have a question about the wave functions of H atom: for p orbital, wave functions from the Schrodinger equation are p+1, p0, and p-1. In chemistry, people use the linear combination of p+1 and p-1 to generate px and py orbitals. The question is: p+1 and p-1 orbitals are donut shaped and px and py are dumb bell shaped. However, the shape of the orbitals should be the physical characteristic and should not be related to the mathematical treatment. Some textbook explains as: the combination of the degenerated wave functions is also the eigen function of the Schrodinger equation. This raises another question: it seems like the Schrodinger equation only gives us the energy levels, but never gives us the actual wave functions if there is degeneracy there. That means, we never know the real wave function and therefore shape of the H atom, or the probability at certain point according to Born interpretation. Then how did Bohr and Heisenberg think the quantum theory is complete?
Does it mean wave functions from Schrodinger equation are not complete? Let's forget about spins at this moment.
Thanks in advance!
John
I have a question about the wave functions of H atom: for p orbital, wave functions from the Schrodinger equation are p+1, p0, and p-1. In chemistry, people use the linear combination of p+1 and p-1 to generate px and py orbitals. The question is: p+1 and p-1 orbitals are donut shaped and px and py are dumb bell shaped. However, the shape of the orbitals should be the physical characteristic and should not be related to the mathematical treatment. Some textbook explains as: the combination of the degenerated wave functions is also the eigen function of the Schrodinger equation. This raises another question: it seems like the Schrodinger equation only gives us the energy levels, but never gives us the actual wave functions if there is degeneracy there. That means, we never know the real wave function and therefore shape of the H atom, or the probability at certain point according to Born interpretation. Then how did Bohr and Heisenberg think the quantum theory is complete?
Does it mean wave functions from Schrodinger equation are not complete? Let's forget about spins at this moment.
Thanks in advance!
John