Quantum Mechanics: Time Independent Schrodinger Wave Equation
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Abstract
In physics, especially quantum mechanics, the Schrödinger equation is an equation that describes how the quantum state of a physical system changes in time. It is as central to quantum mechanics as Newton's laws are to classical mechanics.
In the standard interpretation of quantum mechanics, the quantum state, also called a wavefunction or state vector, is the most complete description that can be given to a physical system. Solutions to Schrödinger's equation describe atomic and subatomic systems, electrons and atoms, but also macroscopic systems, possibly even the whole universe. The equation is named after Erwin Schrödinger who discovered it in 1926.
Schrödinger's equation can be mathematically transformed into the Heisenberg formalism, and into the Feynman path integral. The Schrödinger equation describes time in a way that is inconvenient for relativistic theories, a problem which is less severe in Heisenberg's formulation and completely absent in the path integral.
For stationary potential, the time-dependent Schrodinger equation reduces to the time-independent Schrodinger wave equation (TISWE). The TISWE can be solved for two types of problems: (1) open systems and (2) bound states. Reading material regarding the treatment of the open systems and the bound-state problem is provided in the link below. Also provided are links to the PCPBS Lab (piece-wise constant potential barrier system)and the BSP Lab (bound states problem). These two simulation labs, in addition to supplemental reading material, also contain homework exercises.
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