Heisenberg's matrix mechanics.

  • Context: Graduate 
  • Thread starter Thread starter BlackBaron
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Matrix Mechanics
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

Heisenberg's matrix mechanics can be utilized to predict the energy levels of the Hydrogen atom through the application of the Lenz vector. The discussion highlights the conservation of angular momentum in central potentials and the relationship between the Lenz vector and angular momentum operators. The commutation relations involving the Lenz vector and angular momentum lead to the derivation of energy eigenvalues, forming the basis of the SO(4) algebra. The original Heisenberg-Born-Jordan paper is sought for further reference.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Heisenberg's matrix mechanics
  • Familiarity with the Lenz vector and its properties
  • Knowledge of angular momentum in quantum mechanics
  • Basic grasp of commutation relations in operator algebra
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of energy levels using the Lenz vector in quantum mechanics
  • Research the Heisenberg-Born-Jordan original paper for foundational insights
  • Explore the implications of SO(4) algebra in quantum mechanics
  • Learn about perturbations in classical mechanics due to general relativity
USEFUL FOR

Physicists, quantum mechanics students, and researchers interested in advanced quantum mechanics and the mathematical foundations of energy level predictions in atomic systems.

BlackBaron
Messages
30
Reaction score
0
How do you use Heisenberg's matrix mechanics to predict the energy levels of the Hydrogen atom?
Can anyone give me a reference (preferably something in the web) on that?

Is Heisenberg-Born-Jordan original paper available in the web? (preferably translated to english, spanish or italian).

Thanks in advance.
 
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org
The energy level of the hydrogen atom are used by using the lentz vector.
When you look at the kepler problem, since the potential (1/r) is a central potential, angular momentum is conserved. However, if you look at the classical solution of the bound states, the trajectory consists in an ellipse. The axis of this ellipse is conserved (corrections due to general relativity, for example, give a perturbation that make a precession of the ellipse). It is found that the Lenz vector is a conserved quantity. The Lentz vector is given by \vec{A} = {\vec{r}\times\vec{J}\over 2} + {\vec{r}\over r}
(This is the vector for m = 1 and coupling constant = 1).

It is easily shown (not complicated but long calculation) that the commutation relations of the lenz vector with angular momentum are those of a vector operator (i.e. [J_i,A_j] = \epsilon_{ijk}A_k, and the relation of the components of the Lenz vector are:
[A_i,A_j] = 2i\epsilon_{ijk}J_kH where H is the Hamiltonian. Since we are trying to find the states that are eigenstates of the Hamiltonian, we can replace in the comm. rel. the Hamiltonian by its eigenvalues. So that for each energy level, the comm. rel. between the angular momentum and the Lentz vector are closed and they form the generators of the so(4) algebra. One of the casimirs of the representations is identically 0, from the other you can find the values of the energy.

If you want, I can further develope the algebra for the eigenvalues of the energy.

Hope I helped.
 
Last edited:
Yep, you helped a lot.
I'll start working on it to see if what you tell me is enough.
If need anymore help, I'll let you know.

Thanks a lot
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 230 ·
8
Replies
230
Views
20K
  • · Replies 36 ·
2
Replies
36
Views
8K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
6K
  • · Replies 33 ·
2
Replies
33
Views
4K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 31 ·
2
Replies
31
Views
5K
  • · Replies 43 ·
2
Replies
43
Views
9K