Shrodinger's Waves, and Heisenberg's Matrices

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the relationship between Schrödinger's wave equation and Heisenberg's matrix representations in quantum mechanics. Participants explore the correspondence between these two frameworks, particularly in the context of learning and applying matrix or linear algebra to understand quantum mechanics better.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses a desire to understand the equivalence between Schrödinger's wave equation and Heisenberg's matrix representations, indicating a need for resources that illustrate this connection.
  • Another participant suggests that the correspondence relies on choosing a basis set, which allows wave functions to be represented as vectors and operators as matrices.
  • A specific resource is recommended: the quantum mechanics book by C. Cohen-Tannoudji, particularly chapter II, which is noted to provide a good introduction to the topic.
  • There is a clarification regarding the specific volume of the recommended book, confirming that chapter II is in volume I.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the importance of understanding the correspondence between the two representations and the utility of the recommended resource. However, the discussion does not delve into any competing views or unresolved issues regarding the equivalence itself.

Contextual Notes

The discussion does not address specific assumptions or limitations regarding the mathematical framework or the depth of understanding required for the correspondence between the two approaches.

Who May Find This Useful

Students or individuals interested in quantum mechanics, particularly those looking to understand the mathematical foundations of Schrödinger's and Heisenberg's formulations.

Leucippus
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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.
 
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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.
 

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