How Do You Expand a Hydrogen Atom State in an Orthonormal Basis?

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on expanding the state of a hydrogen atom in an orthonormal basis using the normalized eigenfunctions {Φnlm}. The initial state is given by ψ(𝑟,𝑡>0)=A/4πR₁₀(r)+cos(α)/4π((z-√2x)/r)R₂₁(r). The required expansion results in Aφ₁₀₀(𝑟)+cos(α)/√3[φ₂₁₀(𝑟)+φ₂₁₁(𝑟)-φ₂₁,-₁(𝑟)]. The discussion emphasizes the necessity of understanding linear combinations of orthonormal basis states and determining coefficients for accurate expansion.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of quantum mechanics principles, specifically hydrogen atom states.
  • Familiarity with spherical harmonics and their role in quantum mechanics.
  • Knowledge of linear algebra, particularly linear combinations and orthonormal bases.
  • Experience with mathematical functions such as Rnl(r) and Yl^m(θ,φ).
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the properties of spherical harmonics and their applications in quantum mechanics.
  • Learn about the normalization of eigenfunctions in quantum systems.
  • Explore techniques for calculating coefficients in linear combinations of orthonormal states.
  • Investigate the mathematical derivation of hydrogen atom wave functions and their significance.
USEFUL FOR

Students and professionals in quantum mechanics, physicists working with atomic structures, and anyone interested in the mathematical foundations of quantum states.

carlosbgois
Messages
66
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


[/B]
Consider a hydrogen atom which, in t = 0, is in the state given by

\psi(\mathbf{r},t>0)=\frac{A}{4\pi}R_{10}(r)+\frac{cos\alpha}{4\pi}\left(\frac{z-\sqrt{2}x}{r}\right)R_{21}(r)

Expand ψ in terms of the nlm} basis of normalized eigenfunctions

\phi_{nlm}(\mathbf{r})=R_{nl}(r)Y_l^m(\theta,\phi)

Homework Equations



The result should be

A\phi_{100}(\mathbf{r})+\frac{cos\alpha}{\sqrt{3}}[\phi_{210}(\mathbf{r})+\phi_{211}(\mathbf{r})-\phi_{21,-1}(\mathbf{r})]

The Attempt at a Solution



Apart from having the supposed solution, I have no idea where to start.
Any help is appreciated.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
You are required to show any of your initial effort before others can help you.
 
Do you understand the general principle of writing a state as a linear combination of orthonormal basis states? And how, in general, to determine the coefficients?
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 0 ·
Replies
0
Views
2K
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
4K
  • · Replies 21 ·
Replies
21
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
1K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K
Replies
6
Views
4K