Schrödinger time evolution
A quantum wavefunction evolves according to its Hamiltonian.
Key knowledge
For one nonrelativistic particle of mass m in one spatial dimension with a scalar potential energy V(x,t), the wavefunction obeys iℏ ∂ψ/∂t = −(ℏ²/2m) ∂²ψ/∂x² + Vψ, where ℏ = h/(2π).
Values and equations
iℏ ∂ψ(x,t)/∂t = −(ℏ²/2m) ∂²ψ(x,t)/∂x² + V(x,t)ψ(x,t); ℏ = h/(2π)
- ψ
- One-dimensional position wavefunction m⁻¹ᐟ²
- i
- Imaginary unit, i² = −1
- ℏ
- Reduced Planck constant J s
- h
- Planck constant J s
- m
- Particle mass kg
- x
- Position coordinate m
- t
- Time s
- V
- Scalar potential energy J
Conditions and scope
- This form omits spin and magnetic vector potentials; relativistic particles and many-particle states need other formulations.
- Specify the initial state and boundary conditions, with the derivatives defined in the chosen domain.
- For probability-preserving closed-system evolution, use a real potential and appropriate boundary conditions; on the full line the source requires vanishing boundary probability flux.
Sources · 4
References
Sources retain their recorded scope. A source link alone does not establish verification of every statement.
- University Physics, volume 3: The Schrödinger EquationSamuel J. Ling, Jeff Sanny and William Moebs / OpenStax, Rice UniversityTextbook chapter
Massachusetts Institute of Technology2 sources
- Quantum Mechanics · wavefunctions and one-dimensional dynamicsDavid Tong · University of CambridgeCourse notes · PDF
Evidence and review
OpenStax 7.3, equation 7.23; Zwiebach Lecture 5 page 4, equation 2.3; Lecture 6 pages 1–6: normalization and boundary flux.
2026-10-10 · One-dimensional scalar-potential nonrelativistic equation and normalization conditions only; measurement-state update and general Hamiltonians are outside scope.
Foundational review
2026-10-10 · Fresh primary-source inspection of the complete compact record, including every statement, equation, quantity and material condition, followed by independent AI editorial review. This check does not certify all linked lessons or every passage of every cited publication.
Sources from other places
Scope or convention differs
The nonrelativistic scalar-potential Schrödinger equation and probability conservation agree for real, time-independent V and suitable boundaries.
ARK also permits a real time-dependent scalar potential; the chapter examples use V(x) and omit spin and magnetic vector potentials.
University of Cambridge · DAMTP
- Quantum Mechanics · wavefunctions and one-dimensional dynamics United KingdomEnglish
1.2–1.2.2, pp9–13; Chapter2 opening one-dimensional equation, p19
- Quantum Mechanics · wavefunctions and one-dimensional dynamics
Entry details
Permanent link to this entry ↗- Record identity
- physics-schrodinger-equation
- Revision
- core.1
- Structured reference record
- Essential core · first collection · University core expansion