# Quantum Shenanigans (DD-338)

> The Schrödinger equation, published by Erwin Schrödinger in 1926, is a central equation of quantum mechanics. It describes how a system's wave function evolves over time; the square of the wave function's magnitude gives the probability of finding a particle in a given place. The footage shows animations of waves and particles.

- Department: Science
- First published: 2024-10-05
- Last updated: 2024-10-05
- Permalink: https://detailenjoyer.com/case/quantum-shenanigans/
- Author: Marcus Easterling (DetailEnjoyer), The Detail Department

## Quick facts

- **DD-338-F01**: It is central to quantum mechanics. _(Write-up · Exhibit A (Equation))_
- **DD-338-F02**: Schrödinger published it in 1926. _(Write-up · Exhibit B (1926))_

## Write-up

One equation tells how a quantum system changes over time. Its wave function gives probabilities, not certainties.

1. **Equation**: It is central to quantum mechanics.
2. **1926**: Schrödinger published it in 1926.
3. **Evolution**: It describes change over time.
4. **Wave function**: It governs the wave function.
5. **Probability**: The wave function gives probabilities.

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- [Entanglement (DD-080)](https://detailenjoyer.com/case/entanglement/): I linked more quantum physics
- [We Are Condensed Energy (DD-396)](https://detailenjoyer.com/case/we-are-condensed-energy/): I linked more physics

## Reel vs. record

- **Note**: None needed.

## Video: Quantum Shenanigans: One Equation Tells How a Quantum System Changes Over Time

- Duration: 16.2 s · Published: 2024-10-05
- File: https://detailenjoyer.com/assets/videos/DAv3udipEiT.mp4

### Transcript

Did you know, Schrodinger's equation is a fundamental equation in quantum mechanics that describes how the quantum state of a system evolves over time. It accounts for the probabilistic nature of particles at the quantum level, offering a wave function that defines the probability distribution of a particle's position and momentum. NOW YOU KNOW!

## Questions & answers

**Q: Who published the equation?**  
A: Austrian physicist. _(Source: Write-up · Exhibit A (Equation) · Wikipedia: Schrödinger equation)_

**Q: When?**  
A: Early quantum era. _(Source: Write-up · Exhibit B (1926) · Wikipedia: Schrödinger equation)_

**Q: What does it describe?**  
A: Over time. _(Source: Write-up · Exhibit C (Evolution) · Wikipedia: Schrödinger equation)_

**Q: What does the wave function give?**  
A: Squared magnitude. _(Source: Write-up · Exhibit D (Wave function) · Wikipedia: Schrödinger equation)_

**Q: Which field?**  
A: Physics. _(Source: Write-up · Exhibit E (Probability) · Wikipedia: Schrödinger equation)_

## Sources

- [Wikipedia: Schrödinger equation](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Schr%C3%B6dinger_equation)

## Cite this case file

Easterling, Marcus. "Quantum Shenanigans." The Detail Department (DetailEnjoyer), case file DD-338, last updated Oct 5, 2024. https://detailenjoyer.com/case/quantum-shenanigans/