This applet plots the probability densities in the stationary states ynlm(x,y,z) of the hydrogen atom in nonrelativistic quantum mechanics. (n is the principal quantum number, l is related to the total angular momentum, and m is the z-component of the angular momentum in units of Planck's constant.) The applet shows the probability density |ynlm(x,0,z)|2 in a plane containing the z axis; the full spatial probability density may be visualized by (mentally) rotating this around the z axis.
Notes:
- In this applet, the horizontal plane contains the z axis and the probability density is represented by the height of the surface above this plane.
- In the demo version, n is restricted to n=1,2,3. In the full version, n=4,5,6 are also available.
Instructions for use
- Enter the desired quantum numbers using the popup menus provided.
- The grid may be changed using the popup menu.
- To change the angle of view, drag the plot area using the mouse (horizontally to vary the azimuthal angle and vertically to vary the polar angle.)
- If the angle of view changes too slowly, you should either use a coarser grid or check "hide surface while rotating".
- When "show progress" is checked, rendering progress is indicated by a clock. The finer the grid, the slower the rendering.
- To restore the applet to its original condition, click "reset".