Ionizing solutions to the hydrogen atom

Click For Summary
Ionizing solutions for the hydrogen atom exist, allowing the electron to transition from a bound state to an unbound state when energy exceeds zero. This transition is similar to a particle in a finite-barrier box when energy is greater than the potential. The discussion emphasizes that there is no fundamental difference between transitions to unbound states and transitions between bound states. For those seeking detailed solutions, the book "Quantum Mechanics" by Landau and Lifshitz is recommended for its comprehensive treatment of continuum eigenstates in hydrogen. Understanding these concepts is crucial for exploring ionization processes in quantum mechanics.
mordechai9
Messages
204
Reaction score
0
Are there any ionizing solutions for the hydrogen atom problem, where the electron breaks away from the proton?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Of course. For E > 0 you have a continuum of unbound states. Same as for when E > V for a particle in a finite-barrier box.
 
I mean a solution where the electron transitions from being bound to breaking away... like in a collision.
 
And the answer is still "of course".

Why would a transition to an unbound state be fundamentally different than transitions between bound states? It isn't.
 
Could you help point me to one of these solutions then? I don't recall ever seeing the time-dependent Schrodinger equation solved for transitions or ionization and I'm not sure where to look...
 
The book by Landau and Lifshetz "Quantum Mechanics" has a fairly complete discussion of the continuum eigenstates of the hydrogen atom.
 

Thread 'One does not “prove” the basic principles of Quantum Mechanics'

I am slowly going through the book 'What Is a Quantum Field Theory?' by Michel Talagrand. I came across the following quote: One does not" prove” the basic principles of Quantum Mechanics. The ultimate test for a model is the agreement of its predictions with experiments. Although it may seem trite, it does fit in with my modelling view of QM. The more I think about it, the more I believe it could be saying something quite profound. For example, precisely what is the justification of...
View full post »

Similar threads

Undergrad Wavefunction of ionized hydrogen electron
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
2K
Undergrad Two hydrogen atoms and Pauli's exclusion principle
  • · Replies 17 ·
Replies
17
Views
3K
Undergrad Are the proton and electron quantum entangled in the hydrogen atom?
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
Undergrad Why is the SE better than the KG equation for a hydrogen atom?
  • · Replies 18 ·
Replies
18
Views
3K
Undergrad General solution of the hydrogen atom Schrödinger equation
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
3K
Undergrad Matrix element in problem with hydrogen atom
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Undergrad When does the separation of variables work
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K
Undergrad Is the magnetic moment of a hydrogen atom not equal to Bohr's magneton?
  • · Replies 22 ·
Replies
22
Views
2K
Undergrad Hydrogen atom: Energies and eigenstates
  • · Replies 17 ·
Replies
17
Views
2K
Undergrad Can Dynamical Systems Explain Electron Behavior in Hydrogen Atoms?
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
1K