Wave Function
In quantum physics, a wave function is a mathematical description of a quantum state of a particle as a function of momentum, time, position, and spin. The symbol used for a wave function is a Greek letter called psi, 𝚿.
By using a wave function, the probability of finding an electron within the matter-wave can be explained. This can be obtained by including an imaginary number that is squared to get a real number solution resulting in the position of an electron. The concept of wave function was introduced in the year 1925 with the help of the Schrodinger equation.
Properties of Wave Function
- All measurable information about the particle is available.
- 𝚿 should be continuous and single-valued.
- Using the Schrodinger equation, energy calculations becomes easy.
- Probability distribution in three dimensions is established using the wave function.
- The probability of finding a particle if it exists is 1.
Postulates of Quantum Mechanics
- With the help of the time-dependent Schrodinger equation, the time evolution of the wave function is given.
- For a particle in a conservative field of force system, using wave function, it becomes easy to understand the system.
- The linear set of independent functions is formed from the set of eigenfunctions of operator Q.
- Operator Q associated with a physically measurable property q is Hermitian.
- By performing the expectation value integral with respect to the wave function associated with the system, the expectation value of the property q can be determined.
- For every physical observable q, there is an operator Q operating on a wave function associated with a definite value of that observable such that it yields a wave function of that many times.
PRESENTED BY:-Keshab Bardhan(lect. in physics)
