Hamiltonian

[Alex Denman 2G]

Hi there! Can someone explain what a Hamiltonian means, and what we need to know about it? So far my understanding is just that it is a double derivative, and part of the equation H(psi)=E(psi). What is it a double derivative of? Why is it equal to the energy of an electron? Thank you!

[Lucia_Cisneros_ 3A]

Hello!

The Hamiltonian is the double-derivative of the wave function (psi). It is simpler to think of the wave function as sine or cosine function, the double derivative of these functions would just be the function but with a different sign. Schrodinger's equation is a differential equation which just helps us calculate the wave function and relation to energy.

Hope this helped a little with at least some of your questions.

[Alex Denman 2G]

Girl u ate with this answer tysm!