The Schrödinger equation is the main equation of quantum mechanics. It describes how the wavefunction (the mathematical function that tells us the probabilities of where a particle might be and how it behaves) changes with time.
In simple words:
- Just like Newton’s laws tell us how objects move in classical physics,
- The Schrödinger equation tells us how particles like electrons and atoms move and evolve in quantum physics.
There are two main forms:
- Time-dependent Schrödinger equation – shows how a system changes over time.
- Time-independent Schrödinger equation – used for systems that don’t change with time, often to find allowed energy levels.
Why it’s important:
- It lets us predict the behavior of particles at the atomic and subatomic level.
- It explains atomic structure, chemical bonding, semiconductors, lasers, superconductors, and much more.
- Without it, we couldn’t understand or design modern technologies like transistors, computers, or MRI machines.
In short: The Schrödinger equation is the foundation of quantum mechanics, just like Newton’s laws are the foundation of classical mechanics.