Schrodinger equation in three dimensions. Atom with one electron.

In summary, when solving the Schrodinger equation for an atom with one electron in spherical coordinates, the solution for the wave function is given by $$\Psi = \Theta(\theta)\phi(\varphi)R(r)$$ where $$\phi = e^{im\rho}$$ is chosen as the particular solution. This is because the other options, such as $$e^{-im\rho}$$ and $$sin(m\rho)$$, do not satisfy the necessary conditions for an eigenfunction of the azimuthal angular momentum operator. Therefore, these options are not considered and the chosen solution is sufficient.
  • #1
LCSphysicist
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Schrodinger equation in spherical coordinates.
When solving the Schrodinger equation by separation of variables to atom with one electron and in the spherical coordinates, we get $$\Psi = \Theta(\theta)\phi(\varphi)R(r)$$
Specifically, $$\phi = e^{im\rho }$$
The question is, why we adopt this particular solution, in general, we have this options too:
$$\phi = e^{-im\rho } ; sin(m\rho) ; cos(m\rho)$$
I am trying to see what is the problem with the other.
All are univoc, continuous... (actually, we can make it be continuous is better to say!)
Actually, i would say this:
$$cos(m\rho)$$ changes nothing, but is boring deal with.
$$e^{-im\rho }$$ is like to measure the angle clockwise, unnecessary.
$$sin(m\rho)$$ ... nothing too?
 
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  • #2
Actually, i think i get it already. The particular adopted already contain the other when we use the module on m... Just ignore this topic
 
  • #3
##cos(m \rho)## isn't an eigenfunction of the azimuthal angular momentum operator.
 
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FAQ: Schrodinger equation in three dimensions. Atom with one electron.

1. What is the Schrodinger equation in three dimensions?

The Schrodinger equation in three dimensions is a mathematical equation that describes the behavior of a quantum system, such as an atom with one electron. It takes into account the position, momentum, and energy of the system and can be used to calculate the probability of finding the electron in a particular location.

2. How is the Schrodinger equation derived?

The Schrodinger equation was derived by Erwin Schrodinger in 1926 using the principles of quantum mechanics. He combined the classical wave equation with the concept of quantization, which states that energy can only exist in discrete levels. This resulted in a new equation that could describe the behavior of particles at the atomic level.

3. What is the significance of the Schrodinger equation in understanding atoms with one electron?

The Schrodinger equation is essential in understanding the behavior of atoms with one electron because it allows us to accurately predict the electron's position and energy levels. This is crucial in fields such as chemistry and materials science, where the properties of atoms and molecules are of great importance.

4. Can the Schrodinger equation be solved analytically?

In most cases, the Schrodinger equation cannot be solved analytically, meaning there is no exact mathematical solution. Instead, scientists use numerical methods to approximate the solution and obtain useful information about the system. However, there are some simple systems, such as the hydrogen atom, for which an analytical solution can be found.

5. How does the Schrodinger equation in three dimensions differ from the one-dimensional version?

The Schrodinger equation in three dimensions takes into account the position of the electron in three-dimensional space, while the one-dimensional version only considers its position along a single axis. This allows for a more accurate description of the electron's behavior in more complex systems, such as atoms with multiple electrons or molecules.

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