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Woopy
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Would these be used in a lower division physics course, or is it reserved only for upper division?
Matterwave said:There is only 1 Schrodinger equation that I know of, why the plural? I think lower div courses do use it since it is pretty essential to Quantum mechanics.
Schrodinger's equation is a mathematical equation that describes the behavior of quantum particles, such as electrons, in a given system. It is a cornerstone of quantum mechanics and provides a way to calculate the probability of finding a particle in a certain state.
The equation was created by Austrian physicist Erwin Schrodinger in 1926. He developed it as an alternative to the existing equations that described quantum behavior, such as the Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle.
Schrodinger's equation revolutionized the field of quantum mechanics by providing a more elegant and comprehensive way to understand and calculate the behavior of quantum particles. It has been used to make predictions and explain a wide range of physical phenomena at the atomic and subatomic level.
Schrodinger's equation does not directly relate to the "cat in a box" thought experiment. However, the concept of superposition, which is described by the equation, is often used to explain the paradox of the thought experiment. In this experiment, a cat is placed in a sealed box with a device that has a 50% chance of killing the cat. According to quantum mechanics, the cat would exist in a superposition of both alive and dead states until the box is opened and observed.
Schrodinger's equation is used extensively in various fields, including chemistry, materials science, and engineering. It is used to calculate the energy levels of atoms and molecules, determine the properties of materials, and design electronic devices. It is also crucial in the development of technologies such as transistors, lasers, and computer memory.