{
  "id": 11195754,
  "title": "100 years ago, Schrödinger’s equation shed light on quantum physics – scientists use it today to fine-tune chemical reactions",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/01/100-years-ago-schrodingers-equation-shed-light-on-quantum-physics",
  "topic": "science",
  "section": "Science",
  "published": "2026-10-01T12:42:20.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Conversation",
    "slug": "the-conversation",
    "url": "https://theconversation.com/100-years-ago-schrodingers-equation-shed-light-on-quantum-physics-scientists-use-it-today-to-fine-tune-chemical-reactions-284912"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "In 1926, Austrian physicist Erwin Schrödinger presented a groundbreaking equation, now known as Schrödinger's equation, which revolutionized the understanding of quantum physics. This equation describes the behavior of particles at the quantum level, where they behave more like waves than discrete points. Today, this equation remains a fundamental tool for scientists across various fields.\n\nAs a theoretical chemist, I apply Schrödinger's equation to investigate how atoms rearrange during chemical reactions. Comprehending these reactions at the quantum scale is crucial for developing more efficient chemical processes, ranging from biofuel production to solar energy technology.\n\nHowever, solving Schrödinger's equation exactly is a challenging task, even for supercomputers. The difficulty increases exponentially as the molecule's size grows, with larger molecules requiring exponentially more computational resources. To overcome this limitation, researchers employ approximation methods to calculate approximate wave functions for larger molecules and materials.\n\nA key quantum phenomenon impacting chemical reactions is quantum tunneling. This effect allows particles to overcome energy barriers and react even when they lack sufficient energy to do so. Quantum tunneling plays a significant role when light atoms, such as hydrogen, are involved in a reaction. By replacing hydrogen atoms with heavier deuterium atoms, scientists can study the reaction's tunneling properties.\n\nIn a 2022 study, my colleagues and I examined a hydrogen atom transfer reaction part of a process converting sustainable biological resources into liquid fuels. We employed Schrödinger's equation and quantum tunneling principles to better understand the reaction's behavior and optimize the process.",
  "summary": "A 100-year-old equation helps scientists build solar cells, develop biofuels and even study quantum computers.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}