What is Schrödinger: Definition and 611 Discussions

Erwin Rudolf Josef Alexander Schrödinger (UK: , US: ; German: [ˈɛɐ̯viːn ˈʃʁøːdɪŋɐ]; 12 August 1887 – 4 January 1961), sometimes written as Erwin Schrodinger or Erwin Schroedinger ("oe" is the proper transliteration of the German "ö"), was a Nobel Prize-winning Austrian-Irish physicist who developed a number of fundamental results in quantum theory: the Schrödinger equation provides a way to calculate the wave function of a system and how it changes dynamically in time.
In addition, he was the author of many works on various aspects of physics: statistical mechanics and thermodynamics, physics of dielectrics, colour theory, electrodynamics, general relativity, and cosmology, and he made several attempts to construct a unified field theory. In his book What Is Life? Schrödinger addressed the problems of genetics, looking at the phenomenon of life from the point of view of physics. He paid great attention to the philosophical aspects of science, ancient and oriental philosophical concepts, ethics, and religion. He also wrote on philosophy and theoretical biology. He is also known for his "Schrödinger's cat" thought experiment.

View More On Wikipedia.org
Recent contents Top users
  1. K

    Solving Potential V with Schrodinger Equation

    Assume the potential in question is V = \left\{ \begin{matrix} \infty, \qquad x<0 \\ -V_0, \qquad 0\leq x \leq a \\ 0, \qquad x>a \end{matrix} \right. where V_0 is positive. if we need to find the bound state, we consider the energy is less than the potential. But the...
  2. M

    Solving Schrödinger Equation: A, V(x), and a Hint

    Homework Statement Please see attached image . Homework Equations Schrödinger Equation The Attempt at a Solution For part a ) |\psi|^{2} = A For Part b) V(x) = 0 For Part c) Just need a hint
  3. M

    Solving the Schrödinger Equation

    Homework Statement Please see attached image . Homework Equations Schrödinger Equation The Attempt at a Solution For part a ) |\psi|^{2} = A For Part b) V(x) = 0 For Part c) Just need a hint
  4. S

    Solving the schrodinger equation

    Homework Statement i want to find a pure geometric interpretation of wave function in quantum mechanics Homework Equations i want to solve schrodinger's equation as a second order partial differential equation with a pure mathmatic way to find its geometric analogous The...
  5. K

    What is the General Solution for the Schrödinger Equation in a 2D or 3D Box?

    The solution of the one dimensional Schrödinger equation for a particle in a one dimensional box is Asin \frac{n \pi x}{a}. But how about if the box is 2D or 3D?
  6. G

    Understanding Energy Operator in Time-Dependent Schrodinger Equation

    Hi liboff proble 5.28 says time dependent schrodinger equation permits the identity such as E = i\hbar \frac{\partial}{\partial x} (E is operator) But i don't understand E( is operator in this problem) can be thought energy operator Is energy operator only H, Hamiltonian? If E is energy...
  7. M

    What Schrodinger Equation Describes

    Hello. I have a conceptual question about Schrodinger Equation. In the textbook, it says that "Schrodinger Equation contains all the dynamical information that can be known about the wave function", but what exactly is "all dynamical information about the wave function"? Thanks in advance.
  8. S

    Time-independent Schrödinger Equation

    Hi everyone, I have been studying Quantum mechanics course for one month and our subject for now is Time-independent Schrödinger Equation. What I couldn't figure out is whether \Psi(x,\,0) = \Psi(x), since \Psi(x,\,0) doesn't contain any time dependence and \Psi(x) as well. Can someone explain...
  9. X

    One atom v.s. atoms? (solved by schrodinger equation.)

    The intense laser-atom physics becomes hot today. There is a famous interesting phenomenon: High-order harmonic generation (HHG). Lots of works are on the single atom response in the strong field approximation. Some of them obtain the spectrum by solving the Schrödinger equation. Then they say...
  10. K

    Schrodinger Equation Preserves Normalization

    Homework Statement Show that the time dependent Schrodinger equation preserves the normalization of the wavefunction 2. The attempt at a solution I don't need help showing this, I'm just not too sure what the question is asking. Do I just show that if a normalized wave-function \psi is a...
  11. L

    Schrödinger equation where V = |x|

    Hi there! I'm looking for the solutions of the stationary Schrödinger equation for a potential of the type V = |x| I know that the Airy functions are the solutions to the SE where V \sim x but for the above mentioned potential ... I can't find it -- neither in books nor on the net. Do...
  12. soarce

    Bounded solutions of a system of copled liniar Schrodinger equations

    bounded solutions of a system of coupled liniar Schrodinger equations Hi. I study the following system of four coupled liniar Schrodinger equations: i\delta \left(\begin{array}{c}f&h&g&q \end{array}\right) = \left(\begin{array}{cccc} -L_p&-a_1&-a_2&-a_2\\ a_1&L_p&a_2&a_2\\...
  13. D

    Normalizing the Schrödinger Equation

    Hello all, How do you prove that, for the normalization of the Schrödinger equation, you can plug in the initial condition of psi(x,t-naught) that will satisfy normalization?
  14. Q

    Schrodinger Equation and Energy Quantization

    I'm a bit embarrased to ask this (thats why I'm asking here and not asking one of my professors), as a grad student in Physics I've had a good deal of quantum mechanics, but one thing I haven't fully understood yet is the mechanism in the Schrodinger Equation that forces eigenvalue quantization...
  15. A

    Numerical solution of Schrodinger equation

    Suppose for some specific problem (symmetric potential well) the Schroedinger equation is expected to give certain discrete bound states and corresponding eigenfunctions. Now I am trying to obtain the eigenfunctions by numerically solving the equation and plotting the solutions by randomly...
  16. A

    Relation between potential and bound states in Schrodinger equation.

    Suppose I have Schroedinger equation in the form: -u''(x)+V(x)u(x)=Eu(x) The potential is such that as |x| -> Infinity, V(x) reaches a constant positive value. In this case can we have bound state/plane wave solutions for u(x) with E > 0 ?
  17. B

    Harmonic Oscillator & Schrodinger

    I wish to graph a couple of the waveforms of a harmonic oscillator. I have consulted several resources and have found two that I like but the final equation differs even though they are both labeled normalized harmonic oscillator wavefunction. The first reference explains how the harmonic...
  18. D

    Solve Schrödinger Eq Problem: Normalizing Radial Wavefunction

    The problem is the picture below. The thing I don't understand, since I also have the solution, is the fact that the "radial wavefunction is normalized to 1". And all the constants before it aswell. Why can't I move out the constants in front of the integral, normalize it and then get a...
  19. Orion1

    Massless Schrödinger equation

    A massless particle situated in a 1D infinite square well with momentum only in the direction of quantum confinement (the x direction): E_t \psi (x) = \hbar \omega \psi (x) = i \hbar \frac{\partial}{\partial t} \psi (x) p(x) \psi(x) = \hbar k_x \psi (x) = -i \hbar \frac{\partial}{\partial x}...
  20. B

    Last step of a Schrodinger derivation

    I have looked at several derivations of the Schrodinger equation but the one I like the best is from Piravonu Mathews and K. Venkatesan in their book ‘A Textbook of Quantum Mechanics’. I follow their logic and algebra up until the last step were they arrive at the Schrodinger equation for one...
  21. K

    Why did Schrodinger call his equation eigenvalue problem?

    Why did Schrodinger call his equation eigenvalue problem? We can solve Schrodinger equation since it's just differential equation with complex number
  22. T

    About Schrodinger eq. and the potential step case with E = V0

    I have a simple question but can't find the answer: What happens in the Potential Step (the Schrodinger Equation aplication) case when E = V0 ? I only seem to find the cases when E>V0 or E<V0. Thanks in advance!
  23. redtree

    Probability amplitudes, de Broglie and Schrödinger

    What is the relationship between the "matter waves" described by de Broglie, the probability amplitude function and Schrödinger's wave equation? I've read the following: "The wavelengths postulated by de Broglie to be associated with the motions of particles are in reality the wavelengths...
  24. B

    What is the meaning of the lower case i in the Schrodinger equation?

    When examining the Schrodinger equation for a particle in a square well there is a lower case “i” that shows up in the equations that never gets defined. I have checked several sources and its usage is somewhat uniform and yet not defined. Can someone define the “i” ? One source I am...
  25. A

    Probability distribution of stationary Schrodinger equation

    Homework Statement Stationary Schrodinger equation for a particle moving in a potential well has two solutions psi1(x)=e^-ax^2 with energy E1 and psi2(x)xe^-ax^2 with energy E2 At t=o, the particle is in the state psi(x)=psi1(x)+psi2(x) Calculate the probability distribution as a...
  26. B

    Energy levels from the Schrodinger eqn

    Homework Statement I'm just wondering how you get the energy levels from the Schrodinger equation. I've got the equation in the form H(psi) = E(psi) with all the H expanded out, I just don't know how to calculate the energy levels from it. Its probably something I did once know how to do, but...
  27. R

    Solving the Schrodinger Equation for the Harmonic Oscillator in Momentum Space

    How can I write the Schrodinger equation for the harm. oscillator in momentum space and then solve it? Thank you, in advance:)
  28. C

    Solution for schrodinger equation

    In the potential well example we are considering the potential in the well to be zero and infinite outside the boundary, does this mean that the electron can move freely such that there is no opposition or restoring energy acting on it. And also the probability of finding the electron is...
  29. B

    Momentum operator in Schrodinger equation

    Why momentum is replaced by momentum operator in Schrodinger equation ?
  30. C

    Schrodinger equation graph help

    I hope I'm not offending anyone here by posting a request for some help here. We are in need of a knowledgeable physicist who can interpret an anomoly in a Schrodinger equation graph. This is for an online alternate reality game ("ARG") called Find the Lost Ring. The graph can be found here...
  31. Z

    1-d Time Independent Schrodinger Equation Problem

    Homework Statement A particle of mass m and energy E, where E >V1 >V2 travels to the right in a potential defined as V(x) = V1 for - b < x < 0 V(x) = 0 for 0 < x < a V(x) = V2 for a < x < b (a) Write down the time-independent Schrodinger eq. and its general solution...
  32. C

    Solving the Time-Independent Schrödinger Equation for a Step Potential

    Considering a step potential of V(x) = o when x<o and V(x) = Vo when x>o so step occurring at origin of x axis. Write down in words the strategy for solving it. Answer: Solve the time-independent schrodinger equation for V=o when x<o and find the solution for the free particle wave function...
  33. C

    Time-dependant Schrödinger Equation Help.

    I have a project to work on that's due by mid March. I would need to write a computer program, to show how a wave packet reflect off a barrier? How much of the wave reflects off a wall of finite height and thickness, and how much tunnels through? I remember doing something similar in my...
  34. R

    How to Solve the Dimensionless Schrodinger Equation for a Wave Function?

    Hi I am new to quantum physics and i have been asked to find the dimensionless schrodinger EQ for a wave function it says sub in t = (2/ohm)*tor and x = sqrt(h-bar/m*ohm)z now do i just put in these values and diffreinchiate threw ? or is it more complex ? thank you for your time Ross Taylor
  35. JasonGodbout

    Angular equation (schrodinger)

    [SOLVED] angular equation (schrodinger) Hi, I don't now how to pass from the form1 to Associated legendre fuction (form2) in the attache file .doc Someone can help me? Thanks :)
  36. N

    Calculate time evolution of Schrodinger wave equation

    [SOLVED] Calculate time evolution of Schrodinger wave equation Homework Statement At time t=0 particle is in state: \psi\left(x\right)=\sqrt{2}A\phi_{1}(x)+\frac{A}{\sqrt{2}}\phi_{2}(x)+A\phi_{3}(x) where \phi_{n}(x) are eigenfunctions of 1-D infinite potential well. a) Normalize...
  37. B

    What is the PDE for photons proposed by Bialynicki-Birula?

    Neither in Sam Treiman's http://books.google.de/books?id=e7fmufgvE-kC" I was able to find the Schrödinger equation for a photon, i.e. a particle without rest mass. The Schrödinger equation straight from Treiman's book (typos are mine, if any) -\frac{\hbar^2}{2m}\Delta\Psi + V\Psi =...
  38. T

    Schrödinger equation: eigen value or differential equation

    I have a problem on the basis of quantum mechanics and it's so simple that I'm almost too afraid to ask. Anyway: 1.) Schrödingers differential equation is used for time indepent and time depent problems. The solution is a wave function or the linear combination of the resulting wave...
  39. C

    Schrodinger Equation help

    Homework Statement The wave function of a particle satisfies the time-independent schrodinger equation. If the potential is symmetric and has the form V(x) = \inf |x|>1.0 V(x) = \frac{\hbar^2V_0}{2m} |x|<0.2 V(x) = 0 Elsewhere Using the shooting method, I need to find the...
  40. E

    Schrodinger equation and second derivatives

    Homework Statement Is this logic correct: begin logic; 1) The Schrodinger equation must hold for all x: 2) The Schrodinger equation contains a second derivative 3) A derivative is only defined on a continuous function. 1, 2, and 3 imply that the first derivative of any...
  41. D

    Physical Chemistry, P.W.Atkins, the Schrödinger equation

    Homework Statement Im doing an A-level project on the Schrödinger equation and am unsure on the mathematics used to obtain the following results: The Schrödinger for a particle in no potential field (=0) has the solution: psi(x)=e^ikx. i is defined below, I haven't really a clue as to...
  42. P

    Time-Dependent Schrodinger Equation

    Homework Statement Show that \Psi(x,t) = Ae^{i(kx-\omega t)} is a solution to the time-dependent Schrodinger equation for a free particle [ U(x) = U_0 = constant ] but that \Psi(x,t) = Acos(kx-\omega t) and \Psi(x,t) = Asin(kx-\omega t) are not. Homework Equations - \frac{h^2}{4\pi...
  43. A

    Schrödinger equation: macro level

    Is it possible, in theory, to describe a macroscopic object with the Schrödinger equation (its location for example)?
  44. R

    Another question on Schrodinger Equation

    I have read the following claim (where is not important): ...the Schrodinger equation provides no rational basis for the phenomenon of spin, the Pauli Exclusion Principle, or Hund's Rule... Is such a claim true ? If so, what does it matter ?
  45. D

    Solving 1D Schrodinger Eq. for Energies < V0

    For the well shown below (Attachment or Link belew) solve the time independent one dimensional Schrodinger equation for energies less than V0. You may (and should) leave your answer in terms of a single transcendental equation for the allowed wave numbers. \frac{-\hbar^2}{2m} ...
  46. Pythagorean

    Time-Dependent Schrodinger Eq: Integrating Time?

    My own question, carried to a new thread as not to derail another:
  47. P

    Schrodinger equation with Electric/Magnetic Potential

    Homework Statement Consider a particle of charge e and mass m in crossed E and B fields, given by E = (0,0, E), B = (0,B, 0), r = (x, y, z). Write the Schrodinger equation. Homework Equations Schrodinger's equation: \left[ -\frac{\hbar^{2}}{2m} \nabla^{2} + V(r,t) \right] \Psi(r,t)...
  48. H

    Slow variables in Nonlinear Schrodinger Equation

    Hi all. What do it mean by "slow variables" in NLS? I am reading a derivation of the NLS in the context of hydrodynamics, by R.S.John in his book "A modern introduction to the Mathematical Theory of Water Waves". In the book, slow variables are zeta = epsilon * (x-ct) and T = epsilon * t...
  49. E

    Dimensionless form of the time-independent Schrodinger equation

    For a free particle, show that the time-independent Schrodinger equation can be written in dimensionless form as d^2\psi(z)/dz^2 = -\psi(z) . I do not see how you would get rid of the m (with units mass) in front of the del in the SE (or the other constants for that matter)...
  50. E

    Solution to the Schrodinger Equation

    I am somewhat confused about how general the solution \psi_E(x) = Aexp(ikx)+Bexp(-ikx) is? Can someone complete one or both of these sentences: \psi_E(x) = Aexp(ikx)+Bexp(-ikx) is the solution to all equations of the form ... or \psi_E(x) = Aexp(ikx)+Bexp(-ikx) is a...
Back
Top