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Zaya Bell
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I just need to know. Why exactly what's the complex number i=√–1 put in the wave function for matter. Couldn't it have just been exp(kx–wt)?
Zaya Bell said:I just need to know. Why exactly what's the complex number i=√–1 put in the wave function for matter. Couldn't it have just been exp(kx–wt)?
Sure, you can have parts of the wavefunction look like exp(kx-wt), but not the whole thing. If you consider a WKB approximation for the time independent Schrodinger equation, you get solutions that look likeZaya Bell said:I just need to know. Why exactly what's the complex number i=√–1 put in the wave function for matter. Couldn't it have just been exp(kx–wt)?
Complex numbers in wave function are mathematical constructs used in quantum mechanics to describe the state of a system. They consist of a real part and an imaginary part, and are represented by the letter "i" which stands for the square root of -1.
Complex numbers are necessary in quantum mechanics because they allow us to describe the behavior of particles at the atomic and subatomic level. They help us understand the wave-like nature of particles and their probabilistic behavior, which cannot be accurately described using classical mechanics.
The wave function is a mathematical function that describes the state of a quantum mechanical system. It is represented by a complex-valued function, where the square of the absolute value of the function gives the probability of finding a particle in a specific state.
No, complex numbers cannot be visualized in the traditional sense. They do not have a physical representation but are used as mathematical tools to describe the behavior of particles at the quantum level. However, we can use visualizations such as graphs and diagrams to better understand the concepts related to complex numbers in wave function.
Yes, complex numbers are used in various areas of science, such as engineering, physics, and mathematics. They have applications in fields like signal processing, electromagnetism, fluid mechanics, and more. They are also used in computer science for coding and encryption.