Linear superposition of solutions is a solution of TDSE

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the linear superposition of solutions to the Time-Dependent Schrödinger Equation (TDSE). It establishes that any linear combination of normalized, orthogonal solutions, such as \(\Psi_1\) and \(\Psi_2\), results in another normalized solution, \(\Phi\). The participants emphasize that while \(\Phi\) is a valid solution, it does not represent an eigenfunction if the constituent functions correspond to different energy levels. The key equation discussed is \(\widehat{H}\Phi = ih\frac{\delta}{\delta t}\Phi\).

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  • Knowledge of normalization in quantum mechanics
  • Basic proficiency in mathematical manipulation of complex functions
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  • Explore normalization techniques for wavefunctions in quantum systems
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Homework Statement



Consider two normalised, orthogonal solutions of the TDSE

(Note all my h's here are meant to be h-bar, I'm not sure how to get a bar through them).

[itex]\Psi_1 = \psi_1 (x) e^{-E_1 it/h}[/itex]

[itex]\Psi_2 = \psi_2 (x) e^{-E_2 it/h}[/itex]

Consider the wavefunction

[itex]\Phi = \sqrt{\frac{1}{3}}\Psi_1 + \sqrt{\frac{2}{3}}\Psi_2[/itex]

Which is also a normalised solution to the TDSE. Any linear superposition of solutions to the TDSE is also a solution.

Homework Equations



The TDSE is;

[itex]\widehat{H}\Phi = ih\frac{\delta}{\delta t}\Phi[/itex]

The Attempt at a Solution



This isn't a question, I've just gone to pursue the statement that the linear superposition is also a solution. I can't see to show it though.

Using [itex]\Phi = \sqrt{\frac{1}{3}}\Psi_1 + \sqrt{\frac{2}{3}}\Psi_2[/itex]

[itex]\widehat{H}\Phi = ih\frac{\delta}{\delta t}\Phi = \sqrt{\frac{1}{3}}E_1\psi_1 (x) e^{-E_1 it/h} + \sqrt{\frac{2}{3}}E_2\psi_2 (x) e^{-E_2 it/h}[/itex]

Which I cannot manage to get into the form

[itex](\sqrt{\frac{1}{3}}E_1 + \sqrt{\frac{2}{3}}E_2)\Phi[/itex]

Which is the form is should be in if it was a solution surely?
 
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Any linear combination of two solutions is also a solution of the TDSE. But the linear combination of two eigenfunctions is not an eigenfunction if functions belonging to different energies are involved.

Show that Φ is a solution by substituting into the TDSE.

Show that it is normalized.

ehild
 

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