Expectatoon value particle in superposition of momentum states

In summary, the conversation discusses the relationship between the expectation value and measurement outcomes of an observable of a particle, specifically the kinetic energy operator E=p^/2m, when the particle is in a superposition of two momentum eigenstates. The solution involves taking the superposition of the eigenstates, putting it into an integral, and simplifying to find the expectation value. The conversation also mentions that the expectation value should be something like A^2hbar^2k_1^2/2m + B^2hbar^2k_2^2/2m.
  • #1
Fixxxer125
41
0

Homework Statement



Demonstrate the relation between the expectation value and the measurement outcomes of an observable of a particle by conisdering as an observable the kinetic energy operator
E=p^/2m when the particle is in a superposition of 2 momentum eigenstates

Homework Equations



<O> = Int (from -inf -> inf) [(Psi*)O(Psi)] dx


The Attempt at a Solution



I am taking the superposition of 2 momentum eigenstates as

Psi= square root (1/L) [ A*exp(ikx)exp(-iEt/Hbar) +B*exp(ikx)exp(-iEt/Hbar) ]

And then putting this into the integral

<O> = Int (from 0->L) [(Psi*)(-hbar/2m*d2/dx2(Psi)] dx

However I end up with a very long equation for the expectation value whereas I thought the expectation value would be something along the lines of
A2hbar2k12/2m + B2hbar2k22/2m as this looks like an eigenvalue
 
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  • #2
I'd take out the [itex]\sqrt{1/L}[/itex] since there's no reason to consider any sort of box here (and besides you can absorb it into the [itex]A[/itex] and [itex]B[/itex] terms). Get rid of the time-dependent bit (since you're going to ignore it anyway - you're integrating over [itex]x[/itex]) and make sure you label your two [itex]k[/itex]s differently, like you have in your final suggestion: [itex]k_1[/itex] and [itex]k_2[/itex]. And then the approach you're using should work! You seem to have some idea what you expect to find, which is good - if you can't get there post where you get up to.
 

1. What is an expectation value particle in superposition of momentum states?

An expectation value particle in superposition of momentum states refers to a quantum mechanical system in which a particle exists in multiple momentum states simultaneously. This is known as superposition, and the expectation value is the average value of the particle's momentum when measured.

2. How is the expectation value calculated for a particle in superposition of momentum states?

The expectation value is calculated by taking the square of each momentum state's amplitude and multiplying it by the corresponding momentum value. These values are then summed together to give the final expectation value.

3. Can the expectation value particle in superposition of momentum states be measured?

No, the expectation value cannot be directly measured as it represents the average value of the particle's momentum and not a specific measurement. However, it can be calculated and used to make predictions about the behavior of the particle.

4. How does the uncertainty principle relate to the expectation value particle in superposition of momentum states?

The uncertainty principle states that it is impossible to know both the exact position and momentum of a particle simultaneously. This applies to the expectation value particle in superposition of momentum states as the superposition of momentum states means that the particle's exact momentum cannot be determined.

5. What is the significance of the expectation value particle in superposition of momentum states in quantum mechanics?

The expectation value particle in superposition of momentum states is significant in quantum mechanics as it allows for the prediction of a particle's behavior in a system. It also demonstrates the concept of superposition and the limitations of measurement in quantum systems.

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