Schrodinger Equation in Spherical co-ordinates. Constants.

In summary, normalising the S.E. in spherical coordinates involves splitting it into 3 integrals for r, theta, and phi, and finding constants for each. The normalised PSI can then be written as a product of these constants in the solution, with the overall constant chosen to ensure the wave function is normalised in the Hilbert-space norm. The specific example given is the n=2, l=1, m=0 hydrogen wavefunction.
  • #1
rwooduk
762
59
When normalising the S.E. in spherical coordinates you split it up into 3 integrals, with respect to r, theta and phi.

My question is, once you have found the constants for each, when writing out the normalised PSI do you simply place them as a product in the solution?

i..e PSI (r,theta,phi) = ABC r exp (-r/2a) cos (theta)

where ABC are the normalised constants from each part?

Thanks again for any help!
 
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  • #3
vanhees71 said:
That's correct, because you just choose the overall constant such that the wave function is normalized in the sense of the Hilbert-space norm. What you have written down is the [itex]n=2[/itex], [itex]l=1[/itex], [itex]m=0[/itex] hydrogen wavefunction,

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hydro...chr.C3.B6dinger_equation:_Overview_of_results

Excellent. Thank you!
 

Related to Schrodinger Equation in Spherical co-ordinates. Constants.

1. What is the Schrodinger Equation in Spherical Co-ordinates?

The Schrodinger Equation in Spherical Co-ordinates is a mathematical equation that describes the behavior of quantum particles in three-dimensional space. It takes into account both the particle's position and momentum, and is used to predict the probability of finding the particle in a particular location.

2. How is the Schrodinger Equation derived in Spherical Co-ordinates?

The Schrodinger Equation in Spherical Co-ordinates is derived by applying the principles of quantum mechanics to the classical wave equation. This involves converting the equation from Cartesian coordinates to spherical coordinates, and incorporating the effects of quantum mechanics, such as wave-particle duality and uncertainty.

3. What are the constants in the Schrodinger Equation in Spherical Co-ordinates?

The constants in the Schrodinger Equation in Spherical Co-ordinates include Planck's constant (h), the reduced Planck's constant (ħ), the mass of the particle (m), the potential energy (V), and the Laplace operator (∇^2). These constants are used to describe the behavior of quantum particles in three-dimensional space.

4. How does the Schrodinger Equation in Spherical Co-ordinates differ from the Cartesian form?

The Schrodinger Equation in Spherical Co-ordinates differs from the Cartesian form in that it takes into account the spherical symmetry of the system. This means that it is better suited for describing particles in a spherically symmetric potential, such as an electron in an atom, as it simplifies the equation and makes it easier to solve.

5. What are the applications of the Schrodinger Equation in Spherical Co-ordinates?

The Schrodinger Equation in Spherical Co-ordinates has many applications in quantum mechanics, particularly in the study of atoms and molecules. It is used to calculate the energy levels and wave functions of particles in these systems, providing a fundamental understanding of their behavior and properties. It also has applications in fields such as materials science, chemistry, and quantum computing.

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