To apply the steps for creating wave functions we must first establish
a potential energy for the electron. That is: we need to create
a model for the atom. We start by noting that the attraction between
electrons and the nuclei of atoms is electrical. The potential
energy graph for an electron experiencing a one-dimensional electrical
force is shown in Figure 1a. This graph looks relatively simple
and could be the basis for a model of the atom. However, because
the energy is constantly changing, we would have trouble applying
the steps to wave functions. The graph in Figure 1b "squares
off" some of the changes. It could be used, but the version
in Figure 1c is even simpler and serves our purposes well. We
will use it for our potential energy of an electron in an atom.
