Does the Schrodinger equation account for the characteristic smell of a soap?

In summary, according to quantum mechanics, there are multiple possibilities for an event to occur. This can be seen with the example of a soap on a table, which only exists when it is observed or when the wavefunction is "actualized". However, this raises the question of whether the characteristic smell of the soap also makes it exist. The Schrodinger equation, which is the solution of the wavefunction, contains information about all observable properties of the system. When making a measurement, only one observable is obtained and the others remain undetermined. This is due to the non-commutative nature of certain operators in QM. Thus, the relationship between the position and smell operators would determine the outcome of a measurement in this scenario.
  • #1
Stranger
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according to quantum mechanics there are many possiblities for a anything to happen...for example if there is a soap on the table..it exists only when we see it...only when we 'actualize' the wave-function...but what about the characteristic smell of the soap doesn't that make it exist? Does the schrodinger equation incorporate this??
 
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  • #2
Stranger said:
according to quantum mechanics there are many possiblities for a anything to happen...for example if there is a soap on the table..it exists only when we see it...only when we 'actualize' the wave-function...but what about the characteristic smell of the soap doesn't that make it exist? Does the schrodinger equation incorporate this??

You need to be aware that in QM, when you make A measurement, you are obtaining a particular PROPERTY of the system. The wavefunction, which is the solution of the Schrodinger equation, contains the information of ALL the observable properties of the system. When you observe the soap, you are making a measurement of it's POSITION. This is just ONE possible properties that is contained in the wavefuction.

Now, what happen to the other properties or observables AFTER you make such measurement. This is where you really have to study and understand QM to appreciate what it is trying to convey. An observable is represented by what is known as an operator in QM. But what is interesting here is that various different operators have this property where they need not commute with each other. Let me explain...

Commutation relations in algebra says that AB is the same as BA. If A and B do not commute, it means that AB-BA is not zero. Then the ORDER that you multiply these two things matter!

In QM, if two operators commute (i.e. AB-BA=0), then if you make a measurement of the property of A, you automatically know the property of B (if the system is non-degenerate). However, if two operatores do not commute, then if you measure the observable represented by A, then the values of B are still indetermined. One has not "collapsed" (I hate that word) all the superposition of the various values of B by measuring the property A.

So, if you can figure out how the "Smell" operator relate to the position operator of the soap, then I can tell you what you will get as far as QM is concerned.

Zz.
 
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  • #3


No, the Schrodinger equation does not directly account for the characteristic smell of a soap. The Schrodinger equation is a mathematical equation that describes the behavior of quantum particles, such as electrons, in a system. It does not consider factors such as smell, which are a result of the interactions between the particles and their environment.

However, the Schrodinger equation does play a role in understanding the underlying quantum mechanics of how molecules, such as those found in soap, interact and produce certain scents. The equation helps to predict the behavior and properties of these molecules, which can then be used to explain the characteristic smell of a soap.

In short, while the Schrodinger equation does not directly incorporate the characteristic smell of a soap, it does play a role in understanding the underlying quantum mechanics that contribute to the scent.
 

1. What is the Schrodinger wave equation?

The Schrodinger wave equation is a fundamental equation in quantum mechanics that describes the behavior of a quantum mechanical system over time. It was developed by Austrian physicist Erwin Schrodinger in 1926.

2. What does the Schrodinger wave equation represent?

The Schrodinger wave equation represents the wave function of a quantum system, which contains all the information about the system's physical state. It describes the probability of finding a particle at a certain position and time.

3. How is the Schrodinger wave equation used in quantum mechanics?

The Schrodinger wave equation is used to calculate the evolution of a quantum system over time. It is used to determine the wave function of a system and to make predictions about the behavior of quantum particles.

4. What is the significance of the Schrodinger wave equation?

The Schrodinger wave equation is a cornerstone of quantum mechanics, as it provides a mathematical framework for understanding the behavior of particles at the microscopic scale. It has allowed for the development of many important theories and applications in physics, chemistry, and other fields.

5. Are there any limitations to the Schrodinger wave equation?

While the Schrodinger wave equation is a powerful tool for understanding quantum systems, it has its limitations. It does not take into account relativistic effects and does not apply to systems with more than one particle. Additionally, the wave function it describes can only be interpreted as a probability, not an actual physical measurement.

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