Simple quantum mechanics question

You can use the expression for the momentum eigenstates in terms of the position eigenstates to simplify the integral.
  • #1
stunner5000pt
1,461
2

Homework Statement


A particle of mass m is in the ground state of the infinite square well [itex] x \in [0,a] [/itex]
a) Find the corresponding eigenfunction of the Hamiltonian in the momentum representation.
b) Find the expectation value of the kinetic energy

Homework Equations


For the ground state of the infinite square well
[tex] \psi(x) = \sqrt{\frac{2}{a}}} \sin \frac{\pi x}{a} [/tex]

The Attempt at a Solution


TO find the corresponding eigenfunction of the Hamiltonian in the momentum representation do i simply have to use this: ?

[tex] \Psi(p,t) = \frac{1}{2\pi\hbar} \int_{0}^{a} \Psi(x,t) \exp\left(\frac{-ipx}{\hbar}\right) dx [/tex]

so find the eignefunction in momentum representation??

For part b, the expectation value of the kinetic energy
The kinetic energy is given by
[tex] \hat{T} = \frac{\hat{p}^2}{2m}[/tex]
so to find the expectation value of the kinetic energy do i have to just do this

[tex] <\hat{T}> = \int_{0}^{a} \Psi(x,t)^* \frac{\hat{p}^2}{2m} \Psi(x,t) dx [/tex]

to get the expectation value of the kinetic energy?

Thanks for your help, it is greatly appreciated!
 
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  • #2
stunner5000pt said:

Homework Statement


A particle of mass m is in the ground state of the infinite square well [itex] x \in [0,a] [/itex]
a) Find the corresponding eigenfunction of the Hamiltonian in the momentum representation.
b) Find the expectation value of the kinetic energy

Homework Equations


For the ground state of the infinite square well
[tex] \psi(x) = \sqrt{\frac{2}{a}}} \sin \frac{\pi x}{a} [/tex]

The Attempt at a Solution


TO find the corresponding eigenfunction of the Hamiltonian in the momentum representation do i simply have to use this: ?

[tex] \Psi(p,t) = \frac{1}{2\pi\hbar} \int_{0}^{a} \Psi(x,t) \exp\left(\frac{-ipx}{\hbar}\right) dx [/tex]

so find the eignefunction in momentum representation??
Yes (I did not check the normalization constant but that's the correct approach). However, in this simplest case you can get the answer quickly by simply writing the sin as a sum of imaginary exponentials, which gives you directly the wavefunction as a sum of two momentum eigenstates)

For part b, the expectation value of the kinetic energy
The kinetic energy is given by
[tex] \hat{T} = \frac{\hat{p}^2}{2m}[/tex]
so to find the expectation value of the kinetic energy do i have to just do this

[tex] <\hat{T}> = \int_{0}^{a} \Psi(x,t)^* \frac{\hat{p}^2}{2m} \Psi(x,t) dx [/tex]

to get the expectation value of the kinetic energy?

Thanks for your help, it is greatly appreciated!
That's correct.
 

1. What is quantum mechanics?

Quantum mechanics is a branch of physics that studies the behavior of particles at the atomic and subatomic level. It describes how particles such as electrons and photons behave and interact with each other.

2. How is quantum mechanics different from classical mechanics?

Classical mechanics describes the behavior of objects on a macroscopic scale, while quantum mechanics deals with the behavior of particles on a microscopic scale. Unlike classical mechanics, quantum mechanics takes into account the inherent uncertainty and probabilistic nature of particles at this scale.

3. What is the Schrödinger equation?

The Schrödinger equation is a mathematical formula that describes how the quantum state of a particle changes over time. It is a central equation in quantum mechanics, and is used to calculate the probability of finding a particle in a certain state.

4. What is quantum superposition?

Quantum superposition is the principle that states that a particle can exist in multiple states or locations simultaneously. This is in contrast to classical mechanics, where an object can only exist in one state at a time.

5. How is quantum mechanics applied in technology?

Quantum mechanics has many practical applications in technology, such as in the development of transistors, lasers, and computer memory. It also plays a crucial role in fields such as quantum computing, cryptography, and quantum physics-based sensors.

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