Introduction

• Last Two lectures: Schrodinger Equation; Y 2 as a Probability; Heisenberg Uncertainty Principles

  • The Schrodinger equation determines the wavefunction Y
  • The solutions Y are wave patterns with definite frequency, i.e. definite energy.
  • |Y|2 is a probablity - the theory only predicts the probability of the result of any given measurement
  • The Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle:
    • Nature puts a limit on predictability: ?p ?x > h/2. ?E ?t > h/2.

• Experiments support quantum theory

  • Consequences of Schrodinger’s Eq. verified in great detail
  • Objects have both particle and wave character
  • Scientists agree on the results and use quantum mechanics on a daily basis.

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