An electron and a proton are distinguishable particles and are described by different wavefunctions. That said, there is also a wavefunction for the overall system of the two particles. I.e. a wavefunction for the hydrogen atom, which will be a two-particle wavefunction.Stevexyz said:TL;DR Summary: Do the proton and electron share the same wavefunction in describing the hydrogen atom?
The proton and electron are described by separate wavefunctions.
When they come together in the hydrogen atom are they quantum entangled and have a joint wavefunction.
Quantum entanglement is a phenomenon in quantum mechanics where two or more particles become connected in such a way that the state of one particle is dependent on the state of the other, regardless of the distance between them.
In the hydrogen atom, the proton and electron are entangled because they are bound together by the electromagnetic force. The electron orbits the proton in a specific energy state, and this state is affected by the position and momentum of the proton.
The entanglement between the proton and electron in a hydrogen atom can be broken if an external force, such as a collision with another particle, disrupts the delicate balance of forces holding them together. However, in most cases, the entanglement remains intact.
The entanglement between the proton and electron in the hydrogen atom is significant because it allows for the stability of the atom. Without this entanglement, the electron would not be able to orbit the proton and the atom would not exist in its current form.
The entanglement between the proton and electron in a hydrogen atom is not permanent. It can be disrupted by external forces or by changing the conditions of the atom, such as changing its temperature or pressure. However, in most cases, the entanglement remains intact and is a fundamental aspect of the hydrogen atom's existence.