Question

In the Schrodinger’s wave equation $$\psi$$ represents:
A.Orbit
B.Wave function
C.Wave
D.Radial probability

Answer 1

Hint: Schrodinger wave equation is basically a mathematical expression which describes the energy and position of the electron in space and time, taking into account the matter wave nature of the electron inside an atom. As it is a wave equation, we can say that there must be a wave function to represent that.

Complete step-by-step answer:
Erwin Schrödinger developed the Schrodinger equation and was even awarded the Nobel Prize in 1933. Schrodinger wave equation describes the behaviour of a particle in a field of force or we can say the change of a physical quantity over time. It is based on three considerations i.e., Classical plane wave equation, Broglie’s Hypothesis of matter-wave and Conservation of Energy.
Schrodinger wave equation gives us a detailed account of the form of the wave functions or probability waves which control the motion of smaller particles. It also describes the way these waves are influenced by external factors by making use of the energy conservation concept that gives details about the behaviour of an electron attached to the nucleus.
Besides, by calculating the Schrödinger equation we obtain wave function psi and its square which helps us determine the quantum numbers along with the orientations and the shape of orbitals where electrons are found in a molecule or an atom.
Wave function is used to represent matter waves. Matter waves are very small particles in motion having a dual nature of particle and wave. Any variable property that creates the matter waves is a wave function of the matter-wave. We denote it by a symbol $$\psi$$ .
We can now discuss it in detail. Psi stands for the wave function of the system describing the state of the system. If psi is a solution of the time-independent Schrodinger equation, it depicts the state of a system with a specific energy. But in case of an atom, it is a function of the coordinates of the electrons that make up the atom and the modulus of psi tells us the probability density of finding the electrons at specified locations.
Hence, the correct option is (B).

Note: Bohr concept was not able to explain the presence of multiple orbitals and the fine spectrum arising out of them. It’s applicable only to the one-electron system. But Schrodinger wave function has multiple unique solutions that represent characteristic radius, energy, amplitude and probability density of an electron. It could also explain the presence of multiple orbitals and the fine spectrum arising out of all atoms.