Wave function description and Schrödinger's equation

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SUMMARY

The wave function in quantum mechanics is represented as ψ = Asin(kx) + Bcos(kx), where A and B are constants, and k is defined as k = √(2mE/ħ²). The wave function provides the probability density of a particle's presence at various points, calculated as ψ*ψ, which equals ψ² when ψ is real. The discussion emphasizes that the wave function is zero outside a confined region and encourages users to research the solution of the Schrödinger equation for a free particle for further understanding.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of wave functions in quantum mechanics
  • Familiarity with the Schrödinger equation
  • Basic knowledge of probability density concepts
  • Ability to perform mathematical manipulations involving trigonometric functions
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of the Schrödinger equation for free particles
  • Explore the concept of probability density in quantum mechanics
  • Learn about the implications of wave function normalization
  • Investigate the role of boundary conditions in wave functions
USEFUL FOR

Students of physics, particularly those studying quantum mechanics, as well as educators and anyone interested in the mathematical foundations of wave functions and the Schrödinger equation.

AleksanderPhy
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Hello I am not professional at physics and new on this forum so don't be angry when I make mistakes
So my question is about wave function so is it right that ψ=Asin(kx)+Bcos(kx) where A and B are constants, k is a some constant k=√2mE/ħ^2 and x is cordinate so when we give A and B value and do little bit math work then we got number. My question is can we describe wave function on some single point ? And can you guys give my steps for solving that beadiful equation on free particle.
 
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AleksanderPhy said:
My question is can we describe wave function on some single point ?
Wave function at each point gives the probability of presence there and wave function has value at all points. If the particle is confined within a limited region the wave function is zero out of that region.
 
Thank you very much
 
hokhani said:
Wave function at each point gives the probability of presence

Actually, it is ##\psi^*\psi## (that is, ##\psi^*## (the complex conjugate of ##\psi##) times ##\psi##) that gives the probability density. In this case, ##\psi## is real, not complex, so ##\psi^*\psi = \psi^2##.

AleksanderPhy said:
And can you guys give my steps for solving that beadiful equation on free particle.

A Google search for "solution of Schrödinger equation for free particle" finds many web pages which give the derivation. Choose one and study it. If you don't understand some of the steps, tell us which ones and someone will probably help you. :biggrin:
 
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Thank you two Your tips helped me a loot
 
Time reversal invariant Hamiltonians must satisfy ##[H,\Theta]=0## where ##\Theta## is time reversal operator. However, in some texts (for example see Many-body Quantum Theory in Condensed Matter Physics an introduction, HENRIK BRUUS and KARSTEN FLENSBERG, Corrected version: 14 January 2016, section 7.1.4) the time reversal invariant condition is introduced as ##H=H^*##. How these two conditions are identical?

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