Skip to main content
Schrodinger wave equation

Schrodinger wave equation

9.9
An equation that shows how tiny particles behave over time
  • noun
  • /ˈʃroʊdɪŋər weɪv ɪˈkweɪʒən/
  • Specialized
translation icon : ecuación de onda de Schrödinger
  • The Schrodinger wave equation describes how the quantum state of a system evolves over time.

Examples

  • Using the Schrodinger wave equation, physicists can predict the behavior of particles at the atomic scale.

  • The solutions to the Schrodinger wave equation are essential for understanding chemical bonding.

  • The Schrodinger wave equation is a cornerstone of modern quantum mechanics.

  • The Schrodinger wave equation is central to quantum mechanics.

  • Have you studied the Schrodinger wave equation yet?

  • Physicists use the Schrodinger wave equation to analyze the behavior of particles in quantum mechanics.

  • Understanding the Schrodinger wave equation is essential for anyone studying quantum physics.

Synonyms

Schrodinger equation
vsSchrodinger wave equation
  • Specialized
9.5

A basic rule in quantum physics that shows how tiny particles like electrons change over time

is the same scientifically but uses a longer, more technical name

Surface Forms

Morphology

Schrodinger + wave + equation

The components 'wave' + 'equation' transparently indicate an equation about waves, so a learner who knows those words can infer a general meaning (an equation describing wave behaviour). However, the proper name 'Schrodinger' denotes a specific scientist and the full technical sense (a fundamental quantum‑mechanical equation about the quantum state) is specialized and not predictable from the parts alone. Because part of the meaning is inferable but the precise, domain‑specific sense is not, this is best classified as semi-transparent.

Etymology

The Schrodinger wave equation comes from a picture the scientist Erwin Schrödinger made: he imagined tiny particles as soft waves, like ripples in a pond, and wrote an equation to show how those ripples move. So today it is the basic rule scientists use to predict 'how the quantum state of a physical system changes over time', meaning where tiny particles may be and how they move.