Time Independent Schrodinger Equation

In summary, the conversation discusses verifying whether a plane wave is a solution to the time independent Schrodinger equation for a free particle in one dimension and the possibility of normalizing it. The suggestion is to look up the equation and plug in the solution, which shows that it works. However, it is noted that the solution is infinite in space and cannot be normalized to unity when integrated over all space.
  • #1
mrojc
12
0

Homework Statement

Verify that a plane wave ψ(x) = Ae-ikx is a solution to the time independent Schrodinger equation for a free particle in one dimension. Can it be normalised? Why?[/B]

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution


My lecturer's notes are all over the place, which is frustrating. The only notes that I seem to have on this question, I cannot understand because they're scattered. If anyone has a link to a proof, or notes on it, I would be so grateful.
 
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  • #2
Just look up the equation, and plug in that solution, and show it works. Then notice that the solution is infinite in space, with constant magnitude (it is a complex number of magnitude |A|2 but a phase that varies in space and time), so it cannot be normalized to unity when integrated over all space.
 

Related to Time Independent Schrodinger Equation

What is the Time Independent Schrodinger Equation?

The Time Independent Schrodinger Equation is a mathematical equation that describes how the quantum state of a physical system changes over time. It is a fundamental equation in quantum mechanics and is used to calculate the probability of finding a particle in a certain state at a given point in space.

What does the Time Independent Schrodinger Equation tell us?

The Time Independent Schrodinger Equation provides us with information about the energy levels and wave functions of a quantum system. It allows us to predict the behavior of a system without considering the effects of time.

What are the key components of the Time Independent Schrodinger Equation?

The key components of the Time Independent Schrodinger Equation are the Hamiltonian operator, which represents the total energy of the system, and the wave function, which describes the quantum state of the system.

How is the Time Independent Schrodinger Equation different from the Time Dependent Schrodinger Equation?

The Time Independent Schrodinger Equation does not take into account the effects of time, while the Time Dependent Schrodinger Equation does. The Time Independent Schrodinger Equation is used to find stationary states of a system, while the Time Dependent Schrodinger Equation is used to study how the system evolves over time.

What are the applications of the Time Independent Schrodinger Equation?

The Time Independent Schrodinger Equation has many applications in physics, chemistry, and engineering. It is used to study the behavior of atoms, molecules, and other quantum systems. It is also used in the development of new technologies, such as quantum computers and quantum cryptography.

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