Re: [Phys-L] electron location & wave function

["John Clement" <clement@hal-pc.org>]

I don't think this question has been answered.  Of course the wave function
transitions to a new wave function, but the details of "how" this happens is
probably not answerable in standard QM.  But it might be answerable in
Bohmian mechanics, but that is not the standard QM.  The electron does not
disappear, but merely its state changes within a very short time determined
by the uncertainty principle.

This is really a classical question rather than a QM question.  There are
situations where a system such as the nucleus transitions through a variety
of states, but the in between is not really defined.  In the case of
electron transitions in an atom only two states are presumably involved.

John M. Clement
Houston, TX


> Hi.
> I am somewhat comfortable with electrons being described by a 
> wave equation.  It has been too long since my coursework 
> involving wave equation items.  When an atom is excited and 
> the electron transitions to different levels, does the wave 
> function adjust, allowing the electron to exist in spots 
> inbetween what was alowable prior to the excitation, or does 
> the electron disappear / reappear?  I thought the energy 
> added would adjust the wave function while the electron 
> transitions energy levels.  Others have told me the electron 
> just zaps to the other level.  However I don't know this well 
> enough to figure out what I am making up and what they are 
> making up.  
> Thanks for your help.
> Paul.
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