Schrödinger equation
nounUK /ˈʃrɜːdɪŋə ɪˈkweɪʒən/
US /ˈʃroʊdɪŋər ɪˈkweɪʒən/
A math rule that tells how tiny things like electrons move and change over time.
The Schrödinger equation helps scientists predict where an electron might be found.
OTHER MEANINGS
2. A fundamental equation in quantum mechanics describing how the wave function of a system evolves.
Solving the Schrödinger equation for hydrogen gives its energy levels.
3. The time-independent version used to find allowed energy states of a system.
The time-independent Schrödinger equation yields the stationary states of a particle in a box.
4. A key mathematical tool introduced by Erwin Schrödinger in 1925.
Schrödinger's equation became central to modern quantum theory.