fr en es pt
Astronomy
 
Contact the author rss astronoo
 
 


Updated November 11, 2024

The Schrödinger Equation: A Key to Quantum Mechanics

Schrödinger Equation

Image description: The Schrödinger Equation allows us to understand the probabilistic behavior of subatomic particles and to calculate the possible states of a quantum system.

The Schrödinger Equation

The Schrödinger Equation, formulated in 1925 by the Austrian physicist Erwin Schrödinger (1887-1961), is a fundamental pillar of quantum mechanics. It provides a mathematical representation of the temporal evolution of quantum systems, linking the wave function to the system's energy. Unlike the laws of classical mechanics, which describe deterministic trajectories, the Schrödinger Equation allows us to understand the probabilistic behavior of subatomic particles.

Form and Significance of the Equation

The Schrödinger Equation is generally written in two forms: the time-dependent form and the time-independent form. In the general time-dependent form, the first term describes how the particle's wave function varies in space, related to its kinetic energy. The second term describes how the environment or external forces influence the particle. The Schrödinger Equation relates these two terms to determine the particle's total energy.

$$i\hbar \frac{\partial}{\partial t} \Psi(\mathbf{r}, t) = \hat{H} \Psi(\mathbf{r}, t)$$

The wave function, $\Psi(\mathbf{r}, t)$, contains all the information about the quantum system, and its square gives the probability density of the particle's presence at a given position. Therefore, the equation establishes a relationship between energy, the particle's state, and its probability of location in space-time.

Physical Interpretation

The probabilistic interpretation of quantum mechanics, introduced by Max Born (1882-1970), is based on the idea that the wave function $\Psi$ does not give a precise position of a particle, but a probability of its presence in a given volume. Thus, the Schrödinger Equation allows us to calculate the possible states of a quantum system, as well as the probabilities of its different configurations.

Simplified Comparison with a Classical Object

If we take the analogy of a ball thrown into the air:

The Schrödinger Equation does the same thing, but for a quantum particle with wave-like properties.

N.B.: The Schrödinger Equation, which describes the evolution of a quantum system, is itself a reflection of the system's symmetries. The invariance of this equation with respect to certain transformations (such as translations or rotations) is directly related to conservation laws according to Noether's theorem, where each continuous symmetry of a physical action corresponds to a conservation law (energy, charge, or momentum).

Applications and Consequences

The Schrödinger Equation is fundamental for understanding quantum phenomena such as the quantization of energy levels, stationary states, and wave-particle duality. It has led to major advances in fields such as quantum chemistry, solid-state physics, and particle physics. It is used to model atomic, molecular, and even some macroscopic systems subject to quantum interactions.

Conclusion

The Schrödinger Equation marks a break with the classical view of the world, where objects follow well-defined trajectories. In the framework of quantum mechanics, it introduces a new understanding of reality, where particles no longer exist as distinct objects, but as probabilities of being in a given location. This revolutionary vision has not only reshaped our understanding of the infinitely small, but it has also paved the way for cutting-edge technologies, such as transistors and semiconductors, lasers, electron and tunneling microscopy, materials science, medical imaging, quantum computers, quantum sensors, etc.

Why is there a limit to cold, but not to heat? Why is there a limit to cold, but not to heat?
Galileo's Law of Falling Bodies Galileo's Law of Falling Bodies
The Ideal Gas Law The Ideal Gas Law
Schrödinger Equation and Atomic Structure Schrödinger Equation and Atomic Structure
Noether's Theorem Noether's Theorem: conservation of energy follows from symmetries
Relationship between gravitational mass and inertial mass and the equivalence principle Relationship between gravitational mass and inertial mass and the equivalence principle
The Third Essential Equation in Physics The Third Essential Equation in Physics
The Second Essential Equation in Physics The Second Essential Equation in Physics
The first essential equation in physics The first essential equation in physics
The electromagnetic force or Lorentz force The electromagnetic force or Lorentz force
The solar energy received depends on the angle of incidence The solar energy received depends on the angle of incidence
Why is marble colder than wood? Why is marble colder than wood?
Why does a photon, which has no mass, have energy?
Why does a photon, which has no mass, have energy?
Bayes Formula and Artificial Intelligence
Bayes Formula and Artificial Intelligence
The seven fundamental constants of physics
The seven fundamental constants of physics
What temperature does it feel like in interstellar space?
What temperature does it feel like in interstellar space?
Black body radiation curves
Black body radiation curves: Planck's law
The equivalence principle
The equivalence principle, gravitational effects are indistinguishable from acceleration
Redshift calculation (z)
Redshift calculation (z)
E=mc2: The four fundamental concepts of the universe revisited
E=mc2: The four fundamental concepts of the universe revisited
How to weigh the sun?
How to weigh the sun?
Equation of the free fall of bodies (1604)
Equation of the free fall of bodies (1604)
Coulomb's equation (1785)
Coulomb's equation (1785)
Boltzmann's equationon entropy (1877)
Boltzmann's equationon entropy (1877)
Special relativity equations (1905)
Special relativity equations (1905)
The equation of general relativity (1915)
The equation of general relativity (1915)
Equation of the speed of rotation of a planet
Equation of the speed of rotation of a planet...
Equation of the orbital velocity of a planet
Equation of the orbital velocity of a planet...
Planck's equation
Planck's equation...
Schrödinger's equation
Schrödinger's equation...
Equation of Newton's Three Laws
Equation of Newton's Three Laws...
Maxwell's equations
Maxwell's equations...
Paul Dirac's equation
Paul Dirac's equation...
Conservation of energy
Conservation of energy...
Equation of electromagnetic induction
Equation of electromagnetic induction...
Why do elementary particles have no mass?
Why do elementary particles have no mass?
Difference between heat and temperature
Difference between heat and temperature
Planck's wall theory Planck's wall theory

1997 © Astronoo.com − Astronomy, Astrophysics, Evolution and Ecology.
"The data available on this site may be used provided that the source is duly acknowledged."
Contact −  Legal mentions −  English Sitemap −  Full Sitemap −  How Google uses data