Hydrogen Atom orbital and quantum number

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on the relationship between quantum numbers and the energy levels of hydrogen atom orbitals, exploring how concepts from one-dimensional quantum mechanics, such as the particle in a box, can be extended to the three-dimensional case of the hydrogen atom. Participants also inquire about the applicability of the Hamiltonian operator in this context.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions how the energies of hydrogen atom orbitals depend on quantum numbers, particularly in relation to extending one-dimensional concepts to three dimensions.
  • Another participant confirms that Schrödinger's equation applies to the hydrogen atom, noting that the wave function is a function of three variables (x, y, z) and suggesting the use of polar coordinates for simplification.
  • A different participant compares the hydrogen atom to the particle in a box, indicating that the hydrogen atom involves a potential well rather than a box, and suggests studying the 3D quantum harmonic oscillator as a related concept.
  • One participant expresses gratitude and indicates an intention to explore both the 3D Schrödinger equation and the harmonic oscillator further.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not appear to reach a consensus on the specifics of how one-dimensional models apply to the hydrogen atom, and multiple perspectives on the relationship between these concepts are presented.

Contextual Notes

There are assumptions regarding the applicability of one-dimensional quantum mechanics to three dimensions that remain unexamined, and the discussion does not resolve the complexities involved in transitioning between these models.

terp.asessed
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I am wondering and have been thinking, exactly how does the energies of hydrogen atom orbital depend on quantum numbers? I am just curious because all of what I have learned/read discusses only one-dimensional situaiton, like a particle in a box, and I want to know how it can be applied to the 3D case of hydrogen atom...is it simply application of x and y and z boxes? I am also curious if Hamiltonian operator is applicable to Hydrogen atom too?
 
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Yes, Schrödinger's equation ##H\Psi=E\Psi## still applies in this case, where H is the Hamiltonian. ##\Psi## isn't just a function of ##x## though; in the three-dimensional case it's a function of x, y, and z (although in the electron orbital case it's easier to use polar coordinates, and that's what everyone uses for this problem).

Google for "hydrogen atom Schrödinger equation" and you'll find the solution for the hydrogen atom, orbitals and all.
 
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The hydrogen atom obeys the same principles as the particle in a box, but there is a potential well instead of a box.
It might behoove you to study the case of the 3D quantum harmonic oscillator, which is intermediate in progress between the particle in a box and the hydrogen atom. It's almost the same as the hydrogen atom, but can be done in rectangular coordinates as well as polar coordinates.
 
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Thank you very much! I will check out both 3D Schrödinger Eq. and harmonic oscillation.
 

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