The “accidental” degeneracy of the hydrogen atom is no accident

2015 ◽  
Vol 93 (3) ◽  
pp. 312-317
Author(s):  
P.C. Deshmukh ◽  
Aarthi Ganesan ◽  
N. Shanthi ◽  
Blake Jones ◽  
James Nicholson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quantum Mechanics ◽  
Energy Spectrum ◽  
Hydrogen Atom ◽  
Schrödinger Equation ◽  
Atomic Physics ◽  
Schrodinger Equation ◽  
Spin States ◽  
Interesting Aspect ◽  
Accidental Degeneracy ◽  
Pedagogical Analysis

The Schrödinger equation does not account for the 2n2degeneracy of the hydrogen atom, which it dismisses as an “accidental” degeneracy. The factor of “2” in the 2n2degeneracy is well-accounted-for in the relativistic formulation by the two spin states of the electron. The n2degeneracy is nevertheless not quite an “accident”; it is due to the SO(4), rather than SO(3), symmetry of the hydrogen atom. This result is well known, but is inadequately commented upon in most courses in quantum mechanics and atomic physics, leaving the student wondering about the origins of the n2degeneracy of the hydrogen atom. A pedagogical analysis of this interesting aspect, which highlights the fundamental principles of quantum mechanics, is presented in this article. While doing so, not only is the n2degeneracy of the hydrogen atom explained, but its energy spectrum and eigenfunctions are obtained without even using the Schrödinger equation, employing only the fundamental principles of quantum mechanics rather than the Schrödinger equation.

scholarly journals Bound states of the D-dimensional Schrödinger equation for the generalized Woods–Saxon potential

2019 ◽  
Vol 34 (14) ◽  
pp. 1950107 ◽  
Author(s):  
V. H. Badalov ◽  
B. Baris ◽  
K. Uzun
Keyword(s):  
Quantum Mechanics ◽  
Energy Spectrum ◽  
Schrödinger Equation ◽  
Schrodinger Equation ◽  
Wave Functions ◽  
Basis Set ◽  
Saxon Potential ◽  
Radial Wave ◽  
Energy Eigenvalues ◽  
Approximate Analytical Solutions

The formal framework for quantum mechanics is an infinite number of dimensional space. Hereby, in any analytical calculation of the quantum system, the energy eigenvalues and corresponding wave functions can be represented easily in a finite-dimensional basis set. In this work, the approximate analytical solutions of the hyper-radial Schrödinger equation are obtained for the generalized Wood–Saxon potential by implementing the Pekeris approximation to surmount the centrifugal term. The energy eigenvalues and corresponding hyper-radial wave functions are derived for any angular momentum case by means of state-of-the-art Nikiforov–Uvarov and supersymmetric quantum mechanics methods. Hence, the same expressions are obtained for the energy eigenvalues, and the expression of hyper-radial wave functions transforming each other is shown owing to these methods. Furthermore, a finite number energy spectrum depending on the depths of the potential well [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text], the radial [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] orbital quantum numbers and parameters [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] are also identified in detail. Next, the bound state energies and corresponding normalized hyper-radial wave functions for the neutron system of the [Formula: see text]Fe nucleus are calculated in [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] as well as the energy spectrum expressions of other higher dimensions are revealed by using the energy spectrum of [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text].

Accidental Degeneracy of the Hydrogen Atom and its Non-accidental Solution in Parabolic Coordinates

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
P.C. Deshmukh ◽  
Aarthi Ganesan ◽  
Sourav Banerjee ◽  
Ankur Mandal
Keyword(s):  
Quantum Mechanics ◽  
Hydrogen Atom ◽  
Schrödinger Equation ◽  
Schrodinger Equation ◽  
Quantum Physics ◽  
Separation Of Variables ◽  
Classical Mechanics ◽  
Dynamical Symmetry ◽  
Coordinate Systems ◽  
Casimir Operators

The degeneracy associated with dynamical symmetry of a potential can be identified in quantum mechanics, by solving the Schrödinger equation analytically, using the method of separation of variables in at least two different coordinate systems, and in classical mechanics by solving the Hamilton-Jacobi equation. In the present pedagogical article, the notion of separability and superintegrability of a potential, with profound implications is discussed. In an earlier tutorial paper, we had addressed the n<sup>2</sup>-fold degeneracy of the hydrogen atom using the Casimir operators corresponding to the SO(4) symmetry of the 1/r potential. The present paper is a sequel to it, in which we solve the Schrödinger equation for the hydrogen atom using separation of variables in the parabolic coordinate systems. In doing so, we take the opportunity to revisit some excellent classical works on symmetry and degeneracy in classical and quantum physics, if only to draw attention to these insightful studies which unfortunately miss even a mention in most undergraduate and even graduate level courses in quantum mechanics and atomic physics.

Solusi Persamaan Schrödinger Berbasis Panjang Minimal untuk Potensial Coulomb Termodifikasi

2018 ◽  
Vol 2 (2) ◽  
pp. 43-47
Author(s):  
A. Suparmi, C. Cari, Ina Nurhidayati
Keyword(s):  
Wave Function ◽  
Quantum Mechanics ◽  
Schrödinger Equation ◽  
Coulomb Potential ◽  
Schrodinger Equation ◽  
Minimal Length ◽  
Energy Spectra ◽  
Atomic Particle ◽  
Approximate Analytical Solutions ◽  
Radial Schrödinger Equation

Abstrak – Persamaan Schrödinger adalah salah satu topik penelitian yang yang paling sering diteliti dalam mekanika kuantum. Pada jurnal ini persamaan Schrödinger berbasis panjang minimal diaplikasikan untuk potensial Coulomb Termodifikasi. Fungsi gelombang dan spektrum energi yang dihasilkan menunjukkan kharakteristik atau tingkah laku dari partikel sub atom. Dengan menggunakan metode pendekatan hipergeometri, diperoleh solusi analitis untuk bagian radial persamaan Schrödinger berbasis panjang minimal diaplikasikan untuk potensial Coulomb Termodifikasi. Hasil yang diperoleh menunjukkan terjadi peningkatan energi yang sebanding dengan meningkatnya parameter panjang minimal dan parameter potensial Coulomb Termodifikasi. Kata kunci: persamaan Schrödinger, panjang minimal, fungsi gelombang, energi, potensial Coulomb Termodifikasi Abstract – The Schrödinger equation is the most popular topic research at quantum mechanics. The  Schrödinger equation based on the concept of minimal length formalism has been obtained for modified Coulomb potential. The wave function and energy spectra were used to describe the characteristic of sub-atomic particle. By using hypergeometry method, we obtained the approximate analytical solutions of the radial Schrödinger equation based on the concept of minimal length formalism for the modified Coulomb potential. The wave function and energy spectra was solved. The result showed that the value of energy increased by the increasing both of minimal length parameter and the potential parameter. Key words: Schrödinger equation, minimal length formalism (MLF), wave function, energy spectra, Modified Coulomb potential

A Student's Guide to the Schrödinger Equation

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniel A. Fleisch
Keyword(s):  
Quantum Mechanics ◽  
Schrödinger Equation ◽  
Schrodinger Equation ◽  
Wave Functions ◽  
Plain Language ◽  
Science And Engineering ◽  
Popular Approach ◽  
Matlab Code ◽  
Mathematical Techniques

Quantum mechanics is a hugely important topic in science and engineering, but many students struggle to understand the abstract mathematical techniques used to solve the Schrödinger equation and to analyze the resulting wave functions. Retaining the popular approach used in Fleisch's other Student's Guides, this friendly resource uses plain language to provide detailed explanations of the fundamental concepts and mathematical techniques underlying the Schrödinger equation in quantum mechanics. It addresses in a clear and intuitive way the problems students find most troublesome. Each chapter includes several homework problems with fully worked solutions. A companion website hosts additional resources, including a helpful glossary, Matlab code for creating key simulations, revision quizzes and a series of videos in which the author explains the most important concepts from each section of the book.

scholarly journals Generation of Time-Independent and Time-Dependent Harmonic Oscillator-Like Potentials Using Supersymmetric Quantum Mechanics

2018 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 47-55
Author(s):  
Timothy Brian Huber
Keyword(s):  
Quantum Mechanics ◽  
Schrödinger Equation ◽  
Harmonic Oscillator ◽  
Mechanical System ◽  
Schrodinger Equation ◽  
Supersymmetric Quantum Mechanics ◽  
Time Dependent ◽  
Quantum Mechanical ◽  
Quantum Mechanical System ◽  
Intertwining Operator

The harmonic oscillator is a quantum mechanical system that represents one of the most basic potentials. In order to understand the behavior of a particle within this system, the time-independent Schrödinger equation was solved; in other words, its eigenfunctions and eigenvalues were found. The first goal of this study was to construct a family of single parameter potentials and corresponding eigenfunctions with a spectrum similar to that of the harmonic oscillator. This task was achieved by means of supersymmetric quantum mechanics, which utilizes an intertwining operator that relates a known Hamiltonian with another whose potential is to be built. Secondly, a generalization of the technique was used to work with the time-dependent Schrödinger equation to construct new potentials and corresponding solutions.

Bound state solution of the Schrodinger equation for the Woods–Saxon potential plus coulomb interaction by Nikiforov–Uvarov and supersymmetric quantum mechanics methods

2021 ◽  
pp. 2150023
Author(s):  
Enayatolah Yazdankish
Keyword(s):  
Quantum Mechanics ◽  
Schrödinger Equation ◽  
Coulomb Interaction ◽  
Schrodinger Equation ◽  
Energy Eigenvalue ◽  
Bound State ◽  
Repulsive Interaction ◽  
Saxon Potential ◽  
Special Cases ◽  
Supersymmetry Quantum Mechanics

The generalized Woods–Saxon potential plus repulsive Coulomb interaction is considered in this work. The supersymmetry quantum mechanics method is used to get the energy spectrum of Schrodinger equation and also the Nikiforov–Uvarov approach is employed to solve analytically the Schrodinger equation in the framework of quantum mechanics. The potentials with centrifugal term include both exponential and radial terms, hence, the Pekeris approximation is considered to approximate the radial terms. By using the step-by-step Nikiforov–Uvarov method, the energy eigenvalue and wave function are obtained analytically. After that, the spectrum of energy is obtained by the supersymmetry quantum mechanics method. The energy eigenvalues obtained from each method are the same. Then in special cases, the results are compared with former result and a full agreement is observed. In the [Formula: see text]-state, the standard Woods–Saxon potential has no bound state, but with Coulomb repulsive interaction, it may have bound state for zero angular momentum.

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