The deduction of Schrodinger equation, I'm stuck

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the derivation of the Schrödinger equation, specifically the transformation of expressions involving the Laplacian operator and constants related to quantum mechanics. Participants are exploring the mathematical steps required to transition from one form of the equation to another, including the use of Planck's constant and its relation to the Schrödinger equation.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant presents an expression involving the Laplacian and asks how it transforms into a different form of the Schrödinger equation, indicating confusion about the mathematical steps involved.
  • Another participant suggests that providing a reference for the original expression might clarify whether it is correct, and encourages the use of LaTeX for better readability.
  • A later post references the Helmholtz equation as a starting point for deriving the time-independent Schrödinger equation and expresses confusion about the transformation process.
  • One participant suggests that the confusion may stem from a trivial misunderstanding, though does not specify what that misunderstanding might be.
  • Eventually, a participant claims to have resolved their confusion after a night’s sleep, explaining that they realized how to substitute and simplify the expressions correctly.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

There is no clear consensus on the correctness of the initial expressions presented, as some participants question their validity. However, one participant claims to have resolved their confusion regarding the transformation process.

Contextual Notes

Participants express uncertainty about the correctness of the initial equations and the steps involved in their transformation. The discussion includes references to specific mathematical constants and their relationships, but does not resolve the validity of the initial expressions.

Joao
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Hi everyone! Please, I'm trying to understand the Schrödinger equation, and I've understood it this far, which which is a miracle, hehehe:
(Laplacian)(psi) plus ((2phi)/h)^2.2m (E-V)(psi)

I know that hbar = h/(2phi)

But how that turns into

(Laplacian)(psi)+2m/(hbar)^2.(E-V)(psi)

My math isn't good enough... =( can someone please point me how it happened? =)

Thanks a lot!
 
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Or, in other words, how this:
∇^2Ψ+{[2π/h]^2}.2m(E-V)ψ

Assuming

ħ=h/2π

Becomes

∇^2ψ+{2m/ħ^2}(E-V)Ψ

Sorry for the bad English! =)

Thanks!
 
Joao said:
I'm trying to understand the Schrödinger equation

It might help if you would give a reference for where you are getting this from. I'm not sure what you are writing down is a correct expression for the Schrödinger Equation.

Also, please use the PF LaTeX feature, it makes your equations much easier to read. See here for help:

https://www.physicsforums.com/help/latexhelp/
 
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PeterDonis said:
It might help if you would give a reference for where you are getting this from. I'm not sure what you are writing down is a correct expression for the Schrödinger Equation.

Also, please use the PF LaTeX feature, it makes your equations much easier to read. See here for help:

https://www.physicsforums.com/help/latexhelp/

Thanks a lot! Sorry for the ugly equations!

I'm based on this YouTube video:



So, I'm starting with the Helmholtz equation:

$$∇^2Ψ+(\frac {2π} {υ})^2Ψ$$

And my goal is to the time independent Schrödinger equation

## - \frac {ħ^2} {2m} ∇^2 Ψ +VΨ = EΨ ##

Miraculously, I 've kind of understood until here:

##∇^2 + (\frac {2π} {h})^2 . 2m (E-V)Ψ ##

And I know that

## ħ= \frac {h} {2π} ##

But I don't understand how that turned into this:

## ∇^2Ψ + \frac {2m} {ħ^2} (E-V)Ψ ##

Please... Can someone please tell me what happened? I don't understand it... =(

Thanks and sorry again for my confusion on the first and second posts!
 
You must be missing something very very trivial, so trivial that it is very difficult to say what it is.
 
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Thanks everyone! I just woke and now I understood!

## ħ = \frac {h} {2π} ##
That is the same as h = ħ2π

Just substitute h for ħ2π in the first equation, cancel 2π, ^2 and multiply the 1 with 2m...

Sorry to bother. Thanks all, funny how a night of sleep changes one's perspective.
 
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