# Schrödinger's Equation 100 Years Later

> Quantum physics breakthrough still shapes modern chemistry.
- Title: Schrödinger's Equation 100 Years Later · The Conversation
- Summary: Quantum physics breakthrough still shapes modern chemistry. Schrödinger's equation helps scientists predict chemical reactions by calculating particle…
- Keywords: schrödinger equation, quantum tunneling, chemical reactions, deuterium, hydrogen atom, quantum computing, molecules, science, ideas, Schrödinger's, Equation, 100
- Source: The Conversation — https://theconversation.com/100-years-ago-schrodingers-equation-shed-light-on-quantum-physics-scientists-use-it-today-to-fine-tune-chemical-reactions-284912
- Author: Sophya Garashchuk
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: schrödinger equation, quantum tunneling, chemical reactions, deuterium, hydrogen atom, quantum computing, molecules, science, ideas
## Quantum particles act like waves
At the quantum level, particles behave like waves rather than discrete points, making their position uncertain.
## Schrödinger developed wave equation
Austrian physicist Erwin Schrödinger created equations to calculate particle probabilities using wave functions in 1926.
## Quantum effects influence daily life
Quantum behavior affects plant color, computer technology, and material properties in everyday life.
## Schrödinger's equation for chemistry
Theoretical chemists use Schrödinger's equation to track atom rearrangements during chemical reactions.
## Wave functions are hard to compute
Schrödinger's equation can't be solved exactly for molecules larger than five or six atoms due to exponential complexity.
## Quantum tunneling changes reactions
Hydrogen atoms can tunnel through energy barriers, enabling reactions at low temperatures without sufficient energy.
## Deuterium stops quantum tunneling
Replacing hydrogen with deuterium increases energy barriers and prevents tunneling in reactions.
## 2022 study shows tunneling efficiency
In 2022, researchers found hydrogen tunneling increased reaction efficiency for converting biomass to liquid fuel.
## Quantum effects at absolute zero
Molecules can stretch and bend at absolute zero due to quantum behavior of their nuclei.
## Key takeaway

Schrödinger's equation helps scientists predict chemical reactions by calculating particle probabilities.