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| Symbolic Math Approach To Solve Particle-in-the-Box and H-Atom Problems© |
Todd M. Hamilton
Department of Chemistry
Georgetown College
Georgetown, KY 40324
United States
mail to: Todd_Hamilton@georgetowncollege.edu
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| Abstract |
The Schrödinger equation can be solved exactly for the hydrogen atom. After practicing with the particle-in-a-box problem, students solve the H atom symbolically using the derivatives feature in MathCad. The result is an expression for the energy levels of the hydrogen atom. Students will also prove that the radial part of the wavefunction is normalized and explore the concept of an orbital. This exercise is intended for junior-level students who have been introduced to quantum mechanics, particularly the particle-in-a-box. Students should also have some experience with derivatives and integrals in Mathcad.
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| Commentary |
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Keywords |
| Audiences: |
Upper-Division Undergraduate |
| Pedagogies: |
Computer-Based Learning |
| Domains: |
Physical Chemistry |
| Topics: |
Mathematics / Symbolic Mathematics, Quantum Chemistry |
| Elements: |
Hydrogen |
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Documents |
| File Name | Description | Software Type | Software Version |
H_AtomInstructor.mcd  |
Mathcad Computational Document, Instructor Version. |
Mathcad |
12 |
| H_AtomStudent.pdf |
Read-Only Document, Student Version. |
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| H_AtomInstructor.pdf |
Read-Only Document, Instructor Version. |
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| H_AtomStudent.mcd |
Mathcad Computational Document, Student Version. |
Mathcad |
12 |
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| JCE Subscribers only: name and password or institutional IP number access required. |
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| Citations |
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Comments to: Todd_Hamilton@georgetowncollege.edu
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©Copyright 2006 Journal of Chemical Education
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