Separating Schrodinger's Equation

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on the mathematical demonstration of separating the Time Dependent Schrödinger Equation (TDSE) into the Time Independent Schrödinger Equation (TISE) and the time evolution equation. The user presents the TDSE in the form iħ ∂Ψ/∂t = -ħ²/2m ∂²Ψ/∂x² + VΨ and assumes energy conservation, leading to the separation of variables as Ψ(x,t) = u(x)T(t). This results in the equation iħ dT/dt = ET, where E is a constant, confirming the separation of the TDSE into two distinct equations.

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  • Understanding of quantum mechanics principles, specifically Schrödinger's Equation.
  • Familiarity with the concepts of time-dependent and time-independent equations.
  • Basic knowledge of partial differential equations and separation of variables technique.
  • Proficiency in mathematical notation and operations involving complex numbers.
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  • Study the derivation of the Time Independent Schrödinger Equation from the Time Dependent Schrödinger Equation.
  • Explore the implications of energy conservation in quantum systems.
  • Learn about boundary conditions and their role in solving the Schrödinger Equation.
  • Investigate applications of the Schrödinger Equation in quantum mechanics, such as particle in a box problems.
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Students of quantum mechanics, physicists, and mathematicians interested in the foundational aspects of quantum theory and the mathematical techniques used in solving the Schrödinger Equation.

MiCasilla
I'm looking for the mathematical demonstration that the Time Dependent Schrödinger Equation can be separated into time-independent Schrödinger equation and time evolution equation.

Does anybody know a link which such demonstration?
 
Last edited by a moderator:
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okay:


iħ ∂Ψ/∂t = - ħ2/2m ∂2Ψ/∂x2 + VΨ

Okay now assuming energy is conserved (i.e. a closed sytsem)and thus V is time-independent:

Ψ(x,t) = u(x)T(t)

subsituting that into the TDSE:

iħ 1/T dT/dt = - 1/u ħ2/2m d2u/dx2

The left hand side is noe independent of x and the right is now independent of t, yet this equation must hold true for all values of x and t therfore:

iħ dT/dt = ET

Where E is a constant, thus:

- ħ/2m d2u/dx2 + V(x)u = Eu
 
Thank you, very very much!
 

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