What is the meaning of current in QM?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the interpretation of electric current in quantum mechanics (QM), particularly in the context of electron behavior in conductors under a direct current (DC) bias. Participants explore the implications of the time-independent Schrödinger equation on the transmission of electrons and the nature of charge carriers in solid-state physics.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions how electrons can be said to transmit from one point to another when their wave function is time-independent and indicates a constant probability distribution across space.
  • Another participant acknowledges the complexity of charge carrying in conductors, citing phenomena like the Hall effect as evidence of non-classical behavior of electrons.
  • There is a suggestion to assume an ideal scenario where the Schrödinger equation can be solved, prompting further exploration of the implications for electron behavior in a conductor.
  • A later reply discusses the expectation value of position for a charged particle in a parallel-plate capacitor under a DC bias, suggesting that it could move towards one plate over time.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the interpretation of electron behavior in quantum mechanics, particularly regarding the implications of the time-independent Schrödinger equation. The discussion remains unresolved with multiple competing perspectives on the nature of current and electron transmission.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include assumptions about ideal conditions for solving the Schrödinger equation and the dependence on specific definitions of current and charge carriers in quantum mechanics.

hokhani
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Consider a piece of conductor which is under a DC bias. Solving time-independent Schrödinger equation we have electron wave function which is time-independent and shows special probability for being in each position of the system. How can one say about transmission of electron from one point to another while the electron is always in all the space with the constant (time-independent) probability.
 
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hokhani said:
Consider a piece of conductor which is under a DC bias. Solving time-independent Schrödinger equation

You can solve the Schroedinger equation for electrons in a wire?

Charge carrying in conductors is a difficult issue in solid state physics leading to all sorts of weird things such as the absence of electrons behaving like a particle itself - and it just not theory either - see the Hall effect:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hall_effect

Thanks
Bill
 
Last edited:
bhobba said:
You can solve the Schrödinger equation for electrons in a wire?
let's assume that we have an ideal situation in which the Schrödinger equation is solvable.
 
hokhani said:
let's assume that we have an ideal situation in which the Schrödinger equation is solvable.

That's an ideal charged particle hanging out between the two plates of a parallel-plate capacitor. You've got your DC bias, you have your particle free to move, you expect to find solutions in which the expectation value of position over time moves towards one plate or the other over time.
 

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