Solve DE: m, h, E, Z, t, k, a (1-4)

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    Differential equation
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around solving a specific second-order differential equation related to physics, involving variables such as m, h, E, Z, t, k, and a. Participants explore potential methods for rewriting and solving the equation, as well as the types of solutions that may arise from it.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation, Mathematical reasoning, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant presents the differential equation and expresses uncertainty about its solvability.
  • Another participant reformulates the equation into a form resembling the Whittaker equation, suggesting a potential pathway for solution.
  • A third participant rewrites the equation in a standard form for second-order differential equations and introduces a function a(r) that could be useful for finding solutions.
  • A later reply mentions that the solutions are known as Coulomb wave functions and suggests that they can also be expressed in terms of confluent hypergeometric functions.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants present various reformulations and potential solution methods, but there is no consensus on a definitive approach or solution to the differential equation. The discussion remains exploratory with multiple perspectives on how to proceed.

Contextual Notes

The discussion includes various assumptions about the nature of the variables and the form of the solutions, but these assumptions are not universally agreed upon. The dependence on specific mathematical forms and functions is also noted without resolution.

OneByBane
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I am currently trying to solve this differential equation:

r2/F(r) d2F(r)/dr2 + 2mr2/h2(E + Zt2/kr) - a2 = 0

Wher m, h, E, Z, t and k are other variables and 'a' can have values 1, 2, 3, 4... (Whole numbers)

I have come across this while solving a problem in physics and have no clue if this even has a solution.
Any help will be appreciated greatly.
 
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If your equation is given by ( please please please learn to tex )
$$ \frac{r^2}{f(r)} \frac{d^2 f(r)}{dr^2} + \frac{2mr^2}{h^2}\left(E + \frac{zt^2}{kr}\right) -a^2 = 0 $$
Then you can rewrite to
$$ \left( \frac{d^2}{dr^2} + \frac{2mE}{h^2} + \frac{2mzt^2}{h^2 kr} - \frac{a^2}{r^2} \right) f(r) = 0 $$
Which is pretty close to the Whittaker equation ( https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Whittaker_function ).
 
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This is a second order differential equation, you can rewrite it as:

##\frac{d^2}{dr^2}F(r)+ \left[\frac{2m}{h^2}\left(E-\frac{h^2a^2}{2mr^2} + \frac{Zt^2}{kr}\right)\right]F(r) =0##

calling ##a(r)=\frac{2m}{h^2}\left(E-\frac{h^2a^2}{2mr^2} + \frac{Zt^2}{kr}\right)## we have that

##\frac{d^2}{dr^2}F(r)+ a(r)\cdot F(r) =0##

to solve this DE you must find a particular solution in order to find the general ...
 
The solutions to this equation are called Coulomb wave functions. You can also write the solution in terms of confluent hypergeometric functions.
 

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