The discussion centers on the behavior of an electron's wave function in relation to potential energy changes as it transitions between shells and subshells within an atom. It is established that the Schrödinger equation traditionally accounts for electrons in an external potential, which remains constant regardless of the electron's position. The concept of self-potential or self-energy, which would account for changes in potential as an electron moves, is not addressed in standard quantum mechanics frameworks.
PREREQUISITESStudents and professionals in physics, particularly those focusing on quantum mechanics, atomic theory, and theoretical chemistry.