Wave functions and magnetic fields

[nuby]

Can anyone explain why these two field patterns are so similar?

The (3,2,1) hydrogen wave function, and this pattern generated from a magnet on a CRT. (attached to post)

 

[ZapperZ]

They are nowhere similar. Did you check the mathematics? Besides the fact that they look different to me, there is a PHASE information in the hydrogen wavefunction that isn't shown in the intensity plot! That's what the "+" and "-" are for!

Besides, even if they "look" similar, what's the whole point in all of this? There's no room for "coincidence"?

Zz.

 

[nuby]

Besides, even if they "look" similar, what's the whole point in all of this? There's no room for "coincidence"?

Zz.

I don't know, that's why I was asking you.. Why do they look similar?

 

[ZapperZ]

I don't know, that's why I was asking you.. Why do they look similar?

They don't look similar. You ignored completely the first part of my response. I'm done!

Zz.

 

[nuby]

sorry.

They are nowhere similar.

I think they are very similar, visually.. But I'm also wondering if the 'field patterns' are also similar at a fundamental level.

Did you check the mathematics?

Not yet. I'm not sure where to start.

Besides the fact that they look different to me, there is a PHASE information in the hydrogen wavefunction that isn't shown in the intensity plot! That's what the "+" and "-" are for!

I was hoping someone could explain the visual similarities (which you don't see) in layman's terms.

 

[nuby]

Any more thoughts on this? I know I'm not the only one who can see visual similarities between the above images.

 

[nuby]

Would the field patterns on the CRT change if the magnet was cooled to absolute zero, or heated?