How to find the wavefunction in this case?

In summary, the conversation discusses a two interacting particle system with a Hamiltonian that is reduced to two non-interacting fictitious particles. The system's Hamiltonian is solved for the two particles, with the wavefunction written in terms of ##\mathbf{R}## and ##\mathbf{r}##. The conversation then explores finding the wavefunction in terms of ##\mathbf{r}_1## and ##\mathbf{r}_2##, with the suggestion to express ##\mathbf{R}## and ##\mathbf{r}## in terms of ##\mathbf{r}_1## and ##\mathbf{r}_2##. The conversation concludes with the confirmation that this is
  • #1
Kashmir
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We've a two interacting particle system, with Hamiltonian as:
##H_{s y s}=\frac{\mathbf{p}_{1}^{2}}{2 m_{1}}+\frac{\mathbf{p}_{2}^{2}}{2 m_{2}}+V\left(\mathbf{r}_{1}, \mathbf{r}_{2}\right)##

we reduce it to two non interacting fictitious particles,one moving freely other in a central field, thus the system has Hamiltonian: ##H_{s y s}=\frac{\mathbf{P}^{2}}{2 M}+\frac{\mathbf{p}_{r e l}^{2}}{2 \mu}+V(\mathbf r)## with the operator relations as:

##\mathbf{R}=\frac{m_{1} \mathbf{r}_{1}+m_{2} \mathbf{r}_{2}}{m_{1}+m_{2}}####\mathbf{r}=\mathbf{r}_{2}-\mathbf{r}_{1}##

##\mathbf{p}_{r e l}=\frac{m_{1} \mathbf{p}_{2}-m_{2} \mathbf{p}_{1}}{m_{1}+m_{2}}##

##\mathbf{P}=\mathbf{p}_{1}+\mathbf{p}_{2}##


We solve ##H|E\rangle=E|E\rangle## for the two non interacting particles and find the wavefunction ##\psi_{s y s}(\mathbf{R}, \mathbf{r})=\psi_{C M}(\mathbf{R}) \psi_{r e l}(\mathbf{r})##

How do we find the wavefunction in terms of ##\mathbf r_1,\mathbf r_2##? We can't just invert ##\mathbf{R}=\frac{m_{1} \mathbf{r}_{1}+m_{2} \mathbf{r}_{2}}{m_{1}+m_{2}}####\mathbf{r}=\mathbf{r}_{2}-\mathbf{r}_{1}## and use them because they are operator relations.
 
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  • #2
Why do you think that? The wave function in terms of ##\vec{r}_1## and ##\vec{r}_2## is just the wave function you've written down with ##\vec{R}## and ##\vec{r}## expressed in terms of ##\vec{r}_1## and ##\vec{r}_2##.
 
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  • #3
vanhees71 said:
Why do you think that? The wave function in terms of ##\vec{r}_1## and ##\vec{r}_2## is just the wave function you've written down with ##\vec{R}## and ##\vec{r}## expressed in terms of ##\vec{r}_1## and ##\vec{r}_2##.
The eigenstate is
##\int|R\rangle \otimes|r\rangle
\psi(R, r) d R d r=|E\rangle##

In ##r_1,r_2## representation I need to find ##\left\langle r_{1}| \otimes\left\langle r_{2}|\left|\int\right| R\right\rangle \otimes \mid r\right\rangle \psi(R, r) d R d r##
 
  • #4
Not sure what you mean,

(1) Not sure what you mean, in the position representation the position operators act just as numbers.
(2) Even in the operator sense, r1 and r2 most definitely can be given in terms of RCM and rrel. Try to find the inverse transformation.

I'll take the opportunity to point out to this channel
 
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  • #5
andresB said:
Not sure what you mean,

(1) Not sure what you mean, in the position representation the position operators act just as numbers.
(2) Even in the operator sense, r1 and r2 most definitely can be given in terms of RCM and rrel. Try to find the inverse transformation.

I'll take the opportunity to point out to this channel

I do use this channel. Professor M is nice :). Thank you
 
  • #6
vanhees71 said:
Why do you think that? The wave function in terms of ##\vec{r}_1## and ##\vec{r}_2## is just the wave function you've written down with ##\vec{R}## and ##\vec{r}## expressed in terms of ##\vec{r}_1## and ##\vec{r}_2##.
So I simply write ##R, r## in terms of ##r_1,r_2## in ##\psi_{s y s}(\mathbf{R}, \mathbf{r})=\psi_{C M}(\mathbf{R}) \psi_{r e l}(\mathbf{r})## and get my wavefunction in terms of ##r_1,r_2##. Right?
 
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  • #7
Right!
 
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1. What is a wavefunction?

A wavefunction is a mathematical function that describes the quantum state of a system. It contains information about the position, momentum, and other physical properties of the system.

2. How do you find the wavefunction?

The wavefunction can be found by solving the Schrödinger equation, which is a mathematical equation that describes the evolution of a quantum system over time.

3. What factors affect the wavefunction?

The wavefunction is affected by the potential energy of the system, the mass of the particles involved, and any external forces acting on the system.

4. Can the wavefunction change over time?

Yes, the wavefunction can change over time as the system evolves according to the Schrödinger equation. It can also be affected by measurements or interactions with other systems.

5. How is the wavefunction used in quantum mechanics?

The wavefunction is used to calculate the probability of obtaining a certain measurement or outcome in a quantum system. It is also used to describe the behavior of particles at the microscopic level.

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