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Why are Superposition states not solution of TISE?

Physics Asked on March 12, 2021

Form a textbook i am learning for its says:

All valid wave functions (energy eigenfunction with definite energy and superposition states with simultaneously multiple energies) for a given quantum system satisfy the Time dependent Schrodinger equation.

However only the spatial parts $u(x)$ of energy eigenfunction [definite energy states with energy $E$ in $T(t)$] solve the Time-independent Schrodinger equitation. Superposition states are not solution of TISE

Can anyone explain why this is case and show me way to prove this mathematically (if possible)?

One Answer

The TISE is a generic eigenvalue problem: begin{equation} hat{H}psi = E psi end{equation} where $hat{H}$ is the Hamiltonian and $E$ is the eigenvalue corresponding to the eigenstate $psi$.
Now take $psi_1, psi_2$ to be 2 eigenstates with eigenvalues $E_1, E_2$, look at the superposition $psi_1 + psi_2 = Phi$: begin{align} hat{H}(psi_1 + psi_2) &= E_1 psi_1 + E_2psi_2 Rightarrow hat{H} Phi &= E_1 psi_1 + E_2 psi_2 neq E_Phi Phi end{align} Clearly $Phi$ is not an eigenstate of $hat{H}$ unless $E_1 = E_2$.

Answered by JulianDeV on March 12, 2021

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