A simple algebraic method, which is as easy to use as the angular momentum algebra, is demonstrated as a pedagogical way to solve certain central force problems exactly. Solutions for the hydrogen atom and the three-dimensional isotropic harmonic oscillator are presented together with a discussion of the limits of the method.

Topics
Central-force, Harmonic oscillator, Algebraic methods, Chemical elements
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© 2002 American Association of Physics Teachers.
2002
American Association of Physics Teachers
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