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Quanrum NOTES - Edited

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9 views2 pages

Quanrum NOTES - Edited

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zaeemxshah
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Schrödinger Equation

The Schrödinger Equation is a fundamental equation in quantum mechanics, describing how the
quantum state of a physical system evolves over time. It plays a similar role in quantum
mechanics as Newton's laws do in classical mechanics.

1. Types of Schrödinger Equations

(a) Time-Dependent Schrödinger Equation (TDSE)

This version describes how the wavefunction evolves with time.

iℏ∂∂tΨ(r,t)=H^Ψ(r,t)i\hbar \frac{\partial}{\partial t} \Psi(\mathbf{r}, t) = \hat{H} \Psi(\


mathbf{r}, t)iℏ∂t∂Ψ(r,t)=H^Ψ(r,t)

 Ψ(r,t)\Psi(\mathbf{r}, t)Ψ(r,t): Wavefunction, which contains all the information about


the system.
 iii: Imaginary unit (i=−1i = \sqrt{-1}i=−1).
 ℏ\hbarℏ: Reduced Planck constant (ℏ=h2π\hbar = \frac{h}{2\pi}ℏ=2πh).
 H^\hat{H}H^: Hamiltonian operator, representing the total energy of the system.
 r\mathbf{r}r: Position vector.

(b) Time-Independent Schrödinger Equation (TISE)

This is used when the potential energy does not vary with time (e.g., stationary systems).

H^Ψ(r)=EΨ(r)\hat{H} \Psi(\mathbf{r}) = E \Psi(\mathbf{r})H^Ψ(r)=EΨ(r)

 EEE: Energy eigenvalue of the system.


 The TISE is often derived from TDSE for systems in a steady-state.

1. Components of the Hamiltonian

The Hamiltonian operator (H^\hat{H}H^) typically includes:

 Kinetic Energy (T^\hat{T}T^):


 T^=−ℏ22m∇2\hat{T} = -\frac{\hbar^2}{2m} \nabla^2T^=−2mℏ2∇2
 where ∇2\nabla^2∇2 is the Laplacian operator, and mmm is the particle mass.
 Potential Energy (V^\hat{V}V^):A function of position, V(r)V(\mathbf{r})V(r).

Thus:

1. H^=T^+V^\hat{H} = \hat{T} + \hat{V}H^=T^+V^Interpretation of the Wavefunction


(Ψ\PsiΨ)

 Ψ(r,t)\Psi(\mathbf{r}, t)Ψ(r,t): Represents the quantum state of a particle.


 ∣Ψ(r,t)∣2|\Psi(\mathbf{r}, t)|^2∣Ψ(r,t)∣2: Probability density function, giving the likelihood
of finding a particle at position r\mathbf{r}r at time ttt.
 Ψ\PsiΨ must be normalized:∫∣Ψ(r,t)∣2 d3r=1\int |\Psi(\mathbf{r}, t)|^2 \, d^3r =
1∫∣Ψ(r,t)∣2d3r=1

1. Applications

 Particle in a Box: Solving TISE for a particle confined in a potential well.


 Harmonic Oscillator: Models vibrations of atoms in molecules.
 Hydrogen Atom: Solving for the electron wavefunctions and energy levels of the atom.
 Quantum Tunneling: Explains how particles penetrate potential barriers.

1. Key Properties

 Linearity: The Schrödinger equation is linear, so superpositions of solutions are also


solutions.
 Deterministic Evolution: Given an initial wavefunction, its future evolution is fully
determined by the Schrödinger equation.

1. Example: Free Particle

For a free particle (V=0V = 0V=0):

H^=−ℏ22m∇2\hat{H} = -\frac{\hbar^2}{2m} \nabla^2H^=−2mℏ2∇2

The solution is a plane wave:

Ψ(r,t)=Aei(k⋅r−ωt)\Psi(\mathbf{r}, t) = A e^{i(\mathbf{k} \cdot \mathbf{r} - \omega


t)}Ψ(r,t)=Aei(k⋅r−ωt)

 k\mathbf{k}k: Wave vector related to momentum (p=ℏk\mathbf{p} = \hbar \


mathbf{k}p=ℏk).
 ω\omegaω: Angular frequency.

Summary

The Schrödinger Equation bridges classical and quantum physics, providing the mathematical
foundation for understanding phenomena at the atomic and subatomic levels.

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