The physical meaning of Schrödinger's equation

In summary, the physical interpretation of the wave function is that it represents the probability of finding a particle at a certain location. The Schrödinger's equation itself can be seen as the quantistical equivalent of Newton's equation, where it describes the "future story" of a quantistical particle's wave function. However, unlike Newton's equation which describes the trajectory of a non-quantistical particle, the Schrödinger's equation describes the probabilistic behavior of a quantistical particle's wave function due to the Heisenberg uncertainty principle.
  • #1
kahoomann
58
1
OK, I understand the physical interpretation of wave function which is the solution of Schrödinger's equation. The interpretation of wave function is in term of probability.
What is physical meaning of Schrödinger's equation itself, in term of Newton's equation(F=ma)?
 
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  • #2
Check out this thread, in particular post #8.

Hey, you're the one who asked the question then. :confused:
 
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  • #3
You could perhaps see Schrodinger equation as the quantistical equivalent of Newton's law in the sense that while Newton's law tells you the "future story" of a non-quantistical particle (its trajectory due to forces), the Schrodinger equation tells you the same for a quantistical particle. The difference being that for a quantistical particle you cannot speak of a trajectory in the classical sense due to the Heisenberg uncertainty principle, but you can speak of a wave function (with a probabilistic meaning) and Schrodinger equation will tell you the "future story" of the wave function.
 

FAQ: The physical meaning of Schrödinger's equation

What is Schrödinger's equation?

Schrödinger's equation is a mathematical formula developed by Austrian physicist Erwin Schrödinger in 1926. It describes the behavior of quantum objects, such as atoms and subatomic particles, and is a fundamental part of quantum mechanics.

What is the physical meaning of Schrödinger's equation?

The physical meaning of Schrödinger's equation is that it describes the time evolution of a quantum system. It determines the probability of finding a particle in a particular location and state at any given time, based on its initial state and the forces acting upon it.

How does Schrödinger's equation relate to the wave-particle duality of quantum objects?

Schrödinger's equation is based on the concept of wave-particle duality, which states that quantum objects can exhibit both wave-like and particle-like behavior. The equation describes the wave-like behavior of quantum objects, allowing scientists to make predictions about their behavior.

What are the units of measurement for the terms in Schrödinger's equation?

The units of measurement for the terms in Schrödinger's equation depend on the specific system being described. In general, the units for position are meters, the units for momentum are kilograms times meters per second, and the units for energy are joules.

Can Schrödinger's equation accurately describe all quantum systems?

No, Schrödinger's equation is not applicable to all quantum systems. It is valid for non-relativistic systems, meaning those that are not moving at speeds close to the speed of light. In these cases, a more complex equation, such as the Dirac equation, is needed to accurately describe the behavior of quantum objects.

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