Spherical polar coordinates are used in the solution of the hydrogen atom Schröd

Question

Spherical polar coordinates are used in the solution of the hydrogen atom Schrödinger equation because the Laplacian operator has its simplest form in spherical polar coordinates. cartesian coordinates would give particle-in-a-box wavefunctions. the SchrAodinger equation is then separable into 3 ordinary diffential equations. otherwise the atomic orbitals would violate the Pauli exclusion principle. Schrödinger first used this coordinate system; any other coordinate system would be equally convenient

Explanation / Answer

The Schrödinger equation for the hydrogen atom involves Coulomb potential –ke2/r. Since this is a central potential (it has spherical symmetry) the equation can be separated in different independent equations when it is expressed in spherical coordinates. .

SO ans C is correct

Related Questions

Navigate

• Browse (All)
• Browse S
• Subjects

---