Solving 2nd Order Diff Eq in Quantum Mechanics

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    2nd order Diff eq
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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on solving the second-order differential equation in quantum mechanics represented as \(\frac{\hbar^2}{2m}\frac{\partial^2}{\partial x^2}\psi(x) + \frac{1}{2}kx^2\psi(x) = E\psi(x)\). The equation is transformed into a standard form, revealing its connection to Hermite polynomials. The user seeks alternative methods for solving this equation, particularly for cases with variable coefficients. The solutions are confirmed to relate to Hermite functions, which are crucial in quantum mechanics.

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So I was trying a few quantum mechanics problems and encountered this diff eq:

\frac{\hbar^2}{2m}\frac{\partial^2}{\partialx^2}\psi(x) + \frac{1}{2}kx^2\psi(x) = E\psi(x)

I put it into the form:

\frac{\partial^2}{\partialx^2}\psi(x) + (\frac{2mE}{\hbar^2} - \frac{m}{\hbar^2}kx^2)\psi(x) = 0

But there is where I'm having difficulty. Is there an alternative form that would be easier to solve, or is there any way to reduce the order of the diff eq? I'm not used to second-orders with variable coefficients. Any guidance is greatly appreciated.

NOTE: k is an (apparently arbitrary) constant and has no quantum meaning in this context.
 
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