- #1
alchemistoff
- 8
- 0
Homework Statement
Problem 9. Evaluate the matrix elements [tex]\langle n + \nu|x^2|n\rangle[/tex] and [tex]\langle n + \nu|p^2|n\rangle[/tex] in
the harmonic oscillator basis, for [tex] \nu = 1, 2, 3, 4[/tex] :
1. Using the closure property and the matrix elements.
2. Applying the operators [tex] x^22[/tex] and [tex] p^2[/tex] , expressed in terms of the [tex] a+, a[/tex] on the eigenstates.
3. Find the ratio [tex] \langle n + \nu|K|n\rangle/\langle n + \nu|V|n\rangle[/tex] [tex] (\nu = 0, \pm2)[/tex] between the kinetic
and the potential energy matrix elements. Justify the differences in sign
on quantum mechanical grounds.
Homework Equations
[tex]H=\frac{p^2}{2m}+\frac{m\omega ^2}{2}x^2[/tex]
The Attempt at a Solution
[tex] \frac{\langle n|K|n \rangle}{\langle n|V|n \rangle}=-\frac{\langle n\pm 2|K|n \rangle}{\langle n\pm 2|V|n \rangle}=1[/tex]
...but I cannot justify the difference in sign on quantum mechanical grounds!