In quantum mechanics, the dynamics of a particle in a spherically symmetric potential has a Hamiltonian of the following form:
where denotes the mass of the particle in the potential.
In its quantum mechanical formulation, it amounts to solving the Schrödinger equation with the potential V(r) which depend only on r, the modulus of r. Due to the spherical symmetry of the system it is useful to use spherical coordinates r, and . When this is done, the time-independent Schrödinger equation for the system is separable.
Read more about Particle In A Spherically Symmetric Potential: Structure of The Eigenfunctions, Derivation of The Radial Equation, Solutions For Potentials of Interest
Famous quotes containing the words particle in, particle and/or potential:
“The way to learn German, is, to read the same dozen pages over and over a hundred times, till you know every word and particle in them, and can pronounce and repeat them by heart.”
—Ralph Waldo Emerson (18031882)
“Experience is never limited, and it is never complete; it is an immense sensibility, a kind of huge spider-web of the finest silken threads suspended in the chamber of consciousness, and catching every air-borne particle in its tissue.”
—Henry James (18431916)
“Not many appreciate the ultimate power and potential usefulness of basic knowledge accumulated by obscure, unseen investigators who, in a lifetime of intensive study, may never see any practical use for their findings but who go on seeking answers to the unknown without thought of financial or practical gain.”
—Eugenie Clark (b. 1922)