Momentum Real Space - Possible Values & Probabilities

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In summary, the problem involves determining the possible values and probabilities of momentum for a system with a wavefunction given at t=0. The solution involves using Fourier transformations between momentum and real spaces, as well as calculating probability amplitudes in momentum space. The form of the expressions can provide information about the range and special values of momentum.
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Sasuke
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Homework Statement


Suppose at t = 0, a system is in a state given by the wavefunction,
[tex]\Psi[/tex](x,0)=1/[tex]\sqrt{a}[/tex] for |x|<a/2
and [tex]\Psi[/tex](x,0)=0 otherwise
If, at the same instant, the momentum of the particle is measured, what are the
possible values that can be found and with what probability?

Homework Equations


Fourier transformations b/w momentum and real spaces
[tex]\Psi[/tex](x,0)=[tex]\int[/tex]A(k)eikxdk
A(k)=[tex]\frac{1}{2\Pi}[/tex][tex]\int[/tex][tex]\Psi[/tex](x,0)e-ikxdx

The Attempt at a Solution


I have little idea of how to solve this problem. I know that the wave packet is a superposition of waves but i have no idea how to get momentum values. Here is my pathetic fail attempt:
[tex]\Delta[/tex]x[tex]\Delta[/tex]p>h/4[tex]\Pi[/tex]
but [tex]\Delta[/tex]x<a/4
=> [tex]\Delta[/tex]p>h/(4[tex]\Pi[/tex][tex]\Delta[/tex]a)
I know its seriously wrong.
 
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  • #2
The A(k) can be viewed as probability amplitudes in momentum space. That is A*(k)A(k) is the probability for a value k. So calculate these things and when you do ask yourself what the form of the expressions can tell you about the range k can have (and what happens at special values of k).
 

Related to Momentum Real Space - Possible Values & Probabilities

1. What is momentum real space?

Momentum real space is a concept used in quantum mechanics to describe the distribution of momentum values of a particle in physical space. It is a mathematical representation of the possible momentum values a particle can have at a specific location in space.

2. What are the possible values of momentum in real space?

The possible values of momentum in real space are continuous and can range from negative infinity to positive infinity. However, the probability of a particle having a very high or very low momentum value is extremely low.

3. How are the probabilities of momentum values determined in real space?

The probabilities of momentum values in real space are determined using the wave function, which describes the probability of finding a particle at a specific location with a certain momentum value. The squared magnitude of the wave function gives the probability density of finding a particle with a particular momentum value at a given location.

4. Can a particle have multiple momentum values in real space?

According to the principle of uncertainty in quantum mechanics, a particle cannot have a definite momentum value in real space. Instead, the particle's momentum is described by a probability distribution, meaning it can have multiple possible momentum values with different probabilities.

5. How does momentum real space relate to the Heisenberg uncertainty principle?

The Heisenberg uncertainty principle states that it is impossible to know both the exact position and momentum of a particle simultaneously. In momentum real space, this principle is represented by the fact that a particle's momentum is described by a probability distribution rather than a definite value, and the more we know about its position, the less we know about its momentum and vice versa.

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