What is Wave Function?
In quantum physics, a wave function is a mathematical description of a quantum state of a particle as a function of momentum, time, position, and spin. The symbol used for a wave function is a Greek letter called psi, 𝚿.
By using a wave function, the probability of finding an electron within the matter-wave can be explained. This can be obtained by including an imaginary number that is squared to get a real number solution resulting in the position of an electron. The concept of wave function was introduced in the year 1925 with the help of the Schrodinger equation.
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What is Schrodinger Equation?
Schrodinger equation is defined as the linear partial differential equation describing the wave function, 𝚿. The equation is named after Erwin Schrodinger. Using the postulates of quantum mechanics, Schrodinger could work on the wave function.
Following is the equation of the Schrodinger equation:
- Time dependent Schrodinger equation: \(\begin{array}{l}ih\frac{\partial }{\partial t}\Psi (r,t)=[\frac{h^{2}}{2m}\bigtriangledown ^{2}+V(r,t)]\Psi (r,t)\end{array} \)
- Time independent Schrodinger equation: \(\begin{array}{l}[\frac{-h^{2}}{2m}\bigtriangledown ^{2}+V(r)]\Psi (r)=E\Psi (r)\end{array} \)
Where,
m: mass of the particle
⛛: laplacian
i: imaginary unit
h=h/2𝝿 : reduced Planck constant
E: constant equal to the energy level of the system
Properties of Wave Function
- All measurable information about the particle is available.
- 𝚿 should be continuous and single-valued.
- Using the Schrodinger equation, energy calculations becomes easy.
- Probability distribution in three dimensions is established using the wave function.
- The probability of finding a particle if it exists is 1.
Postulates of Quantum Mechanics
- With the help of the time-dependent Schrodinger equation, the time evolution of the wave function is given.
- For a particle in a conservative field of force system, using wave function, it becomes easy to understand the system.
- The linear set of independent functions is formed from the set of eigenfunctions of operator Q.
- Operator Q associated with a physically measurable property q is Hermitian.
- By performing the expectation value integral with respect to the wave function associated with the system, the expectation value of the property q can be determined.
- For every physical observable q, there is an operator Q operating on a wave function associated with a definite value of that observable such that it yields a wave function of that many times.
Related Physics Articles:
| Conservative Force |
| Conservative Force and Non-conservative Forces |
| Conservation Of Linear Momentum |
| Conservation Of Mechanical Energy |
Frequently Asked Questions – FAQs
What is the symbol used to represent a wave function?
What is wave function?
Schrodinger Equation is named after which physicist?
How is time-dependent Schrodinger equation represented?
How is time independent Schrodinger equation represented?
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