Q311QQ
Q311QQ
( r , , ) = R(r ) Y( , )
i. Define each of R and Y. What are the quantum numbers for each of them?
ii. What are the relations between these quantum numbers?
iii. Write the Hamiltonian operator for the H-atom.
1-Why does the method of separation of variables work better for problems
like the hydrogen atom when done in spherical coordinates (r,θ,φ) than it
does when you work in Cartesian coordinate (x,y,z)?
A) Because Schrodinger’s equation treats the three directions (x,y,z) completely
differently, while it treats (r,θ,φ) all the same
B) Because the derivative terms in spherical coordinates are independent on each other
C) Because the energy term only gets simpler in spherical, not Cartesian coordinates
D) Because Schrodinger’s equation is naturally written in spherical coordinates
2-In class we divided up the hydrogen atom into a radial function R (r) and an
angular function Y (θ, φ). Under what circumstances can we reuse these
functions Y (θ, φ) on another problem?
A) They can be used on any problem in 3D, and they are always exactly the same
B) They can be used on any problem in 3D, though their functional form will change
C) They can be used on any spherically symmetric problem, and they are always
exactly the same
D) They are worked out and can only be used for hydrogen-like atoms
3- Which of the following statements about the hydrogen atom ground state is
INCORRECT?
A) It is described by the quantum numbers n = 1, 𝓵 = 0, m = 0.
B) The electron’s angular momentum equals h/2π.
C) The wave function is spherically symmetrical.
D) The radial distribution function has its maximum at the Bohr radius a0.