Shrodinger's Waves, and Heisenberg's Matrices

  • Context: Graduate 
  • Thread starter Thread starter Leucippus
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Matrices Waves
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the relationship between Schrödinger's wave equation and Heisenberg's matrix mechanics, emphasizing the importance of choosing a basis set to express wave functions as vectors and operators as matrices. A recommended resource for understanding this equivalence is the quantum mechanics book by C. Cohen-Tannoudji, specifically chapter II of volume I. Participants express enthusiasm for exploring introductory problems that illustrate this correspondence, indicating a desire for accessible educational materials.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Schrödinger's wave equation
  • Familiarity with Heisenberg's matrix mechanics
  • Basic knowledge of linear algebra
  • Ability to interpret quantum mechanics concepts
NEXT STEPS
  • Read chapter II of "Quantum Mechanics" by C. Cohen-Tannoudji
  • Explore introductory problems in linear algebra related to quantum mechanics
  • Research the concept of basis sets in quantum mechanics
  • Study the mathematical representation of operators in matrix form
USEFUL FOR

Students of quantum mechanics, educators in physics, and anyone interested in the mathematical foundations of quantum theory.

Leucippus
Messages
39
Reaction score
1
It's my understanding that there is a direct correspondence between Schrödinger's wave equation and Heisenberg's matrix representations. I've always wanted to understand this equivalence but never really took the time to look into it.

I'm just now getting back into re-learning Matrix or Linear Algebra, and I would like to learn how this fits in with Schrödinger's wave equation. Are there any good resources that address this specific issue? Especially showing introductory level problems that make a good correspondence between Schrödinger's equation and Matrix Algebra as Heisenberg was using it?

Thanks.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Basically, it all boils down to chosing a basis set to express the wave functions, after which wave functions become vectors and operators matrices.

A good introduction can be found in the quantum mechanics book by C. Cohen-Tannoudji et al., chapter II.
 
Thanks DrClaude,

I'll see if I can find a copy of that book at my college library.

By the way that book is two volumes. Can you tell me whether that's chapter II of volume I or volume II? I might need to order it via inter-library loan. So I'd like to make sure I get the right book.

Thanks
 
It's in volume I.
 
That's encouraging since he's doing this right off the bat at the beginning of his book in chapter II. I think I'm going to like this guy's style.

So thank you very much for the reference. I truly appreciate it.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 30 ·
2
Replies
30
Views
3K
Replies
62
Views
6K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
4K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
2K
  • · Replies 27 ·
Replies
27
Views
3K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
370
  • · Replies 31 ·
2
Replies
31
Views
5K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K