Quantum Wave in a Box vs Periodic
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
Quantum Wave in a Box
This app numerically solves the one-dimensional Schrödinger equation for non-relativistic particles in user-defined potential fields. It provides energy levels, wave-functions, and animations of wave-packet evolution. Ideal for physics students and educators to visualize quantum mechanics concepts.
- Schrödinger equation solver (1D)
- User-defined potential V(x)
- Hamiltonian matrix diagonalization
- Wave-packet evolution animation
- Energy levels and wave-functions visualization
- RPN expression input for V(x)
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Schrödinger equation solver 1D. User defined potential V(x). Diagonalization of hamiltonian matrix. Animation showing evolution in time of a gaussian wave-packet. In Quantum Mechanics the one-dimensional Schrödinger equation is a fundamental academic though exciting subject of study for both students and teachers of Physics. A solution of this differential equation represents the motion of a non-relativistic particle in a potential energy field V(x). But very few solutions can be derived with a paper and pencil. Have you ever dreamed of an App which would solve this equation (numerically) for each input of V(x) ? Give you readily energy levels and wave-functions and let you see as an animation how evolves in time a gaussian wave-packet in this particular interaction field ? Quantum Wave in a Box does it ! For a large range of values of the quantum system parameters. Actually the originally continuous x-spatial differential problem is discretized over a finite interval (the Box) while time remains a continuous variable. The time-independent Schrödinger equation H ψ(x) = E ψ(x), represented by a set of linear equations, is solved by using quick diagonalization routines. The solution ψ(x,t) of the time-dependent Schrödinger equation is then computed as ψ(x,t) = exp(-iHt) ψ₀(x) where ψ₀(x) is a gaussian wave-packet at initial time t = 0. You enter V(x) as RPN expression, set values of parameters and will get a solution in many cases within seconds ! - Atomic units used throughout (mass of electron = 1) - Quantum system defined by mass, interval [a, b] representing the Box and (real) potential energy V(x). - Spatially continuous problem discretized over [a, b] and time-independent Schrödinger equation represented by a system of N+1 linear equations using a 3, 5 or 7 point stencil; N being the number of x-steps. Maximum value of N depends on device’s RAM: up to 4000 when computing eigenvalues and eigenvectors, up to 8000 when computing eigenvalues only. - Diagonalization of hamiltonian matrix H gives eigenvalues and eigenfunctions. When computing eigenvalues only, lowest energy levels of bound states (if any) with up to 10-digit precision. - Listing of energy levels and visualisation of eigenwave-functions. - Animation shows gaussian wave-packet ψ(x,t) evolving with real-time evaluation of average velocity, kinetic energy and total energy. - Toggle between clockwise and counter-clockwise evolution of ψ(x,t). - Watch Real ψ, Imag ψ or probability density |ψ|². - Change initial gaussian parameters of the wave-packet (position, group velocity, standard deviation), enter any time value, then tap refresh button to observe changes in curves without new diagonalization. This is particularly useful to get a (usually more precise) solution for any time value t when animation is slower in cases of N being large. - Watch both solution ψ(x,t) and free wave-packet curves evolve together in time and separate when entering non-zero potential energy region. - Zoom in and out any part of the curves and watch how ψ(x,t) evolve locally.
Periodic
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The PeriodicTableElements is an elegant app that is interactive and fun. Easy to use, easy to understand, simple and effective. It shows the periodic table of elements in variety of ways 1) Classic grid with name that is color coded. You can configure it to look however you like. 2) Visually appealing electron distribution. 3) Visually appealing Lewis dot structure. 4) List that can be sorted based on different element properties like group, period, category etc. These awesome periodic tables can be shared by simple double click anywhere on the table. It is possible to copy the periodic table diagrams as high quality SVG xml. Drag your finger on the periodic table canvas to update elements automatically or tap on an element to see more details. Tap on an element and all the rest of the related elements are highlighted. Details of a selected element is shown in a beautifully drawn animated element. Tap on the animated element and you will see more details that can also be shared. Tapping on the list element will navigate you to a page that shows details of the element. It automatically saves your hard work locally on your device so you can come back and pick up from where you left off as your great effort will not be lost. This is a perfect app if you are a student learning chemistry. This is an app for all student groups. From high school to college to university students. Be creative. Enjoy the app!
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is ads: Quantum Wave in a Box at none against Periodic's shown. Quantum Wave in a Box also leads on iOS requirement (11.0 vs 15.1). Periodic's advantage is update cadence (every 5 weeks vs every 37 months). On price, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.
Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS
Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.
Quantum Wave in a Box ships an update every 37 months, Periodic every 5 weeks. The most recent releases landed on June 1, 2026 and May 16, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | Quantum Wave in a Box | Periodic |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 3.3 (4 ratings) — better | — |
| Positive reviews | 0.0% of reviews | — |
| Number of ratings | 4 — better | — |
| Update frequency | Every 37 months | Every 5 weeks — better |
| Ads | No — better | Yes |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Monetization | Free | — |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Requires iOS | 11.0 — better | 15.1 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 12 MB | 35 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Michel Ramillon | Om Prakash Chapagain |
In-app purchases
Quantum Wave in a Box
No in-app purchases
Periodic
No in-app purchases
Questions
Is Quantum Wave in a Box free?
Is Periodic free?
Do Quantum Wave in a Box or Periodic have ads?
Which is updated more often, Quantum Wave in a Box or Periodic?
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