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Quantum Physics For Dummies, Revised Edition
book

Quantum Physics For Dummies, Revised Edition

by Steve Holzner
January 2013
Beginner to intermediate content levelBeginner to intermediate
336 pages
5h 35m
English
For Dummies
Content preview from Quantum Physics For Dummies, Revised Edition

Chapter 7

Rectangular Coordinates: Solving Problems in Three Dimensions

In This Chapter

arrow Exploring the Schrödinger equation in the x, y, and z dimensions

arrow Working with free particles in 3D

arrow Getting into rectangular potentials

arrow Seeing harmonic oscillators in 3D space

One-dimensional problems are all very well and good, but the real world has three dimensions. This chapter is all about leaving one-dimensional potentials behind and starting to take a look at spinless quantum mechanical particles in three dimensions.

Here, you work with three dimensions in rectangular coordinates, starting with a look at the Schrödinger equation in glorious, real-life 3D. You then delve into free particles, box potentials, and harmonic oscillators. Note: By the way, the next chapter uses spherical coordinates because some problems are better in one system than the other. Problems with spherical symmetry are best handled in spherical coordinates, for example.

The Schrödinger Equation: Now in 3D!

In one dimension, the time-dependent Schrödinger equation (of the type in Chapters 3 and 4 that let you find the ...

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Quantum Physics For Dummies, Revised Edition

Quantum Physics For Dummies, Revised Edition

Steven Holzner

Publisher Resources

ISBN: 9781118460863Purchase book