Talk:The particle in a box

Thanks! A nice, detailed article.

Maybe we should mention that we are using the time-independent Schr&ouml;dinger equation here, which is different from the one on Schrodinger wave equation. Or maybe that page should be changed.

Also, is it a coincidence that all &psi;n are real-valued functions? Shouldn't complex numbers show up? --AxelBoldt

Thanks for the compliment on the article. I just added a statement that we are using the time-independent Schro&ouml;dinger equation. I think it would be useful to add this equation to the Schrodinger wave equation page and explain when its use is appropriate (probably a task for someone more knowledgeable on this subject than myself).

As for the absense of complex numbers, my understanding is that complex numbers, indicate the "phase" of the system and arise in the time-dependent equation. Since the particle in a box is a time-independent problem and corresponds to a standing wave there is no time-dependent portion and hence no complex component to the solution. If anyone more knowledgeable than myself on this subject can confirm or deny this explanation, I would greatly appreciate it.--Matt Stoker