Analytic Solutions to Schroedinger Equation

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the solvability of the Schrödinger equation for various potential energy functions. It is established that while exact solutions exist for specific cases such as the infinite well, harmonic oscillator, and hydrogenic atoms, the broader question of whether certain potential functions are inherently unsolvable remains open. Participants emphasize that for the radial Schrödinger equation, any potential V(r) can be represented using specially defined functions or orthogonal polynomials, suggesting that the challenge lies more in the discovery of appropriate mathematical representations rather than an absolute impossibility of solutions.

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  • Knowledge of orthogonal polynomials and their mathematical properties.
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Physicists, mathematicians, and students of quantum mechanics interested in the theoretical aspects of the Schrödinger equation and its applications to various potential energy scenarios.

YAHA
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Everyone knows that the above equation cannot be solved for anything, with the exception of some simple cases(infinite well, harmonic oscillator, hydrogenic atoms, etc).

Now, my question is whether we know that it is impossible to solve such differential equation for other potential energy functions or is it simply that we haven't discovered a way of solving it? In other words, is there some proof of the impossiblity of finding solutions for certain functions?
 
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Soluble in terms of what? For the radial Schrödinger equation, for example, for any V(r), one can always define a new custom-made special function and/or a set of orthogonal polynomials in terms of which the solution can be exactly represented.
 

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