TOJC...Quantum Mechanics for Ahna and Casey
rossjm@PLU.edu
Thu, 12 Sep 1996 20:23:22 -0800 (PST)
For Ahna and Casey:
I hope I can clarify a few things about quantum mechanics for you.
Quantum mechanics is a theory which is based on the idea that electrons
have wave properties. Schrodinger developed an equation using this
notion of wave properties to describe the behavior of electrons.
Solutions to Schrodinger's equation are functions which are
represented by psi. So psi is the symbol for a wave function.
These solutions give us information including among other things, the
probability of finding electrons in a particular place.
The nodes of the wave are merely wherever the wave function
equals zero. The phase signs, however, I am less clear on.
Jessica Ross
(rossjm@plu.edu)