Re-arranging the Schrodinger equation

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the rearrangement of the Schrödinger equation, a fundamental equation in quantum mechanics. Participants are exploring the mathematical manipulation of complex numbers within this context.

Discussion Character

  • Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to understand how to rearrange the Schrödinger equation, specifically questioning the movement of complex numbers in the equation. Some participants provide insights into properties of imaginary numbers, while others seek clarification on manipulating these numbers.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively engaging with the mathematical aspects of the problem, with some providing corrections and alternative approaches. There is a mix of interpretations regarding the rearrangement, and while some guidance has been offered, a clear consensus has not been reached.

Contextual Notes

Some participants express uncertainty about their mathematical skills and the need for further study, indicating a possible lack of confidence in manipulating complex numbers and equations.

vorcil
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I just have a small question,

In my book it says that the Schrödinger equation,

[tex] i\hbar\frac{\partial\Psi}{\partial t} = \frac{\hbar^2}{2m}\frac{\partial^2\Psi}{\partial x^2} + V\Psi[/tex]

rearranged is,

[tex] \frac{\partial\Psi}{\partial t} = \frac{i\hbar}{2m}\frac{\partial\Psi ^2 psi}{\partial x^2} - \frac{i}{\hbar}V\Psi[/tex]

how does the complex number, move over, and in the numerator? instead of the denominatior?

I can see how [tex]A\hbar = B\hbar ^2 becomes A = B \hbar[/tex]

but I don't understand how

[tex]A i = B + V\Psi becomes A = iB - i V\hbar[/tex]

could someone please explain to me the mathematical rules behind rearranging complex numbers in equations,

or give me some links that explain it, (in simple terms) please :P
 
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[tex]\frac{1}{i}=-i[/tex]

This is one of the properties of imaginary numbers. I don't exactly recall a proof for this...hopefully someone else can answer your question in more detail.
 
Do you know what I would search for If i wanted to understand how to manipulate i?

I tried the wikipedia log of complex numbers, but it is jungle of crap that is too hard to understand
tl;dr
 
Matterwave said:
[tex]\frac{1}{i}=-i[/tex]

This is one of the properties of imaginary numbers. I don't exactly recall a proof for this...hopefully someone else can answer your question in more detail.
Like this?
[tex]\frac{1}{i} = \frac{1}{i}\frac{i}{i} = \frac{i}{i^2} = \frac{i}{-1} = -i[/tex]
 
JaWiB said:
Like this?
[tex]\frac{1}{i} = \frac{1}{i}\frac{i}{i} = \frac{i}{i^2} = \frac{i}{-1} = -i[/tex]

JaWiB

how do i do this

[tex] A i = B + V\Psi to A = iB - i V\Psi[/tex]
 
I don't think what you have is correct.
[tex] i\hbar\frac{\partial\Psi}{\partial t} = \frac{\hbar^2}{2m}\frac{\partial^2\Psi}{\partial x^2} + V\Psi[/tex]
If you multiply both sides by [tex]i/\hbar[/tex], you get
[tex] -\frac{\partial\Psi}{\partial t} = i\frac{\hbar}{2m}\frac{\partial^2\Psi}{\partial x^2} + \frac{i}{\hbar}V\Psi[/tex]
or
[tex] \frac{\partial\Psi}{\partial t} = -i\frac{\hbar}{2m}\frac{\partial^2\Psi}{\partial x^2} - \frac{i}{\hbar}V\Psi[/tex]
 
mmmm well that's closer then to what I had,

thank you i'll ask my tutors tomorrow
 
You have the Schrödinger equation wrong. It should be:

[tex] i\hbar\frac{\partial\Psi}{\partial t} =- \frac{\hbar^2}{2m}\frac{\partial^2\Psi}{\partial x^2} + V\Psi[/tex]
 
Cyosis said:
You have the Schrödinger equation wrong. It should be:

[tex] i\hbar\frac{\partial\Psi}{\partial t} =- \frac{\hbar^2}{2m}\frac{\partial^2\Psi}{\partial x^2} + V\Psi[/tex]

so Jawib's way does work!??
 
  • #10
I need to take some math papers...
I'm not as good as the rest of the physics majors at mathematics,

I've only done 1 math paper and 5 physics ones

I didn't even think to multiply both sides by i/h, like Jawib said :(

study study study
 
  • #11
vorcil said:
I need to take some math papers...
I'm not as good as the rest of the physics majors at mathematics,

I've only done 1 math paper and 5 physics ones

I didn't even think to multiply both sides by i/h, like Jawib said :(

study study study

If you had kept at it, you would have got it eventually. You gave up. If you give up a lot that is a problem. Half-hearted studying won't get you anywhere.
 

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