Computational Modeling and Visualization of Quantum Wavefunctions in The Particle-in-a-Box and Hydrogen Atom
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.35895/rf.v6i2.84Keywords:
Quantum, Physics, computational, Quantum Mechanics, Computational Physics, Hidrogen AtomAbstract
This study models and visualizes quantum wavefunctions in two fundamental systems-namely the one-dimensional particle-in-a-box and the hydrogen atom-using a computational Python-based approach. The Schrödinger equation is solved analytically to obtain the wavefunctions and probability distributions, which are subsequently visualized in both two and three dimensions. For the particle-in-a-box system, the results demonstrate clear energy quantization, increasing numbers of nodes, and waveform evolution that aligns with theoretical predictions. In the hydrogen atom system, the modeling incorporates the radial and angular components of the wavefunction, producing realistic orbital representations such as 1s, 2p, 3p, and 3d according to the chosen quantum numbers n, l, and m. The resulting visualizations clearly illustrate the relationship between quantum numbers, nodal structure, and electron probability distributions. Overall, the study shows that computational modeling effectively bridges mathematical solutions and physical interpretation, providing a powerful tool for enhancing conceptual understanding in quantum mechanics education.
References
Al-Masaeed, M. G., Rabei, E. M., & Al-Jamel, A. (2024). Analytical Solution of Conformable Schrödinger Wave Equation with Coulomb Potential. Progress in Fractional Differentiation and Applications, 10(1), 137–153. https://doi.org/10.18576/pfda/100113.
Azizi, M. (2021). Atomic orbital search: A novel metaheuristic algorithm. Applied Mathematical Modelling, 93, 657–683. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apm.2020.12.021
Dalal, M. 2018. A Textbook of Physical Chemistry volume 1. Haryana: Dalal Institute.
Galler, A., Canfield, J., & Freericks, J. K. (2021). Schrödinger’s original quantum-mechanical solution for hydrogen. European Journal of Physics, 42(3). https://doi.org/10.1088/1361-6404/abb9ff
Griffiths, D. J. (1994). Introduction to quantum mechanics. Upper Saddle River: Prentice hall.
Griffiths, D. J., & Schroeter, D. F. (2018). Introduction to Quantum Mechanics. In Introduction to Quantum Mechanics. Cambridge University Press. https://doi.org/10.1017/9781316995433.
House , J. E. (2017). Fundamentals Of Quantum Mechanics Third Edition. London: Academic Press.
Ling, S. J., Sanny, J., & Moebs, W. (2021). University Physics Volume 3. Texas: Openstax.
Sathongpaen, P., Jindanate, S., & Amthong, A. (2024). Revisiting the Two-Dimensional Hydrogen Atom: Azimuthal Wavefunctions for Illustrating s, p, d, and f Orbitals. Symmetry, 16(9). https://doi.org/10.3390/sym16091163
Singh, N. B. (2024). Quantum Formula Handboook: Essential Equation Made Simple.
Supriadi, B., Nuraini, L., Maulani, A. S. R., Damayanti, D. D., Sugihartin, A. F., & Baihaqi, M. I. (2020). Complete solutions of particle in three dimensional box with variations in main quantum number. Journal of Physics: Conference Series, 1538(1). https://doi.org/10.1088/1742-6596/1538/1/012038.
Zettili, Nouredine. (2009). Quantum mechanics : concepts and applications. Wiley.

