Proof of expectation value for a dynamic observable

In summary, the conversation is discussing how to show that the time derivative of a quantum mechanical expectation value is equal to the Poisson Bracket of the expectation value and Hamiltonian. The use of the Liouville theorem and the cyclic property of the trace are suggested as potential methods for proving this relationship.
  • #1
digogalvao
14
0

Homework Statement


Show that:
d<A(q,p)>/dt=<{A,H}>, where {A,H} is a Poisson Bracket

Homework Equations


Liouville theorem

The Attempt at a Solution


<A>=Tr(Aρ)⇒d<A>/dt=Tr(Adρ/dt)=Tr(A{H,ρ})
So, in order to get the correct result, Tr(A{H,ρ}) must be equal to Tr({A,H}ρ), but I don't think I can do that substitution. Is it valid? How can I prove that?
 
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  • #2
Use the cyclic property of the trace: Tr(ABC) = Tr(BCA) = Tr(CAB).
 
  • #3
vela said:
Use the cyclic property of the trace: Tr(ABC) = Tr(BCA) = Tr(CAB).
But there is a Poisson Bracket in it...
 
  • #4
Good point.
 
  • #5
So? lol
 
  • #6
Try expanding out the Poisson bracket and see if there's something you can do with the derivatives.
 
  • #7
No luck :(
 
  • #8
Bump...
 

1. What is the concept of "Proof of expectation value for a dynamic observable"?

The concept of "Proof of expectation value for a dynamic observable" is a fundamental principle in quantum mechanics that describes the average value of a dynamic observable, such as position or momentum, for a quantum system. It is a mathematical tool used to calculate the expected outcome of a measurement on a quantum system, taking into account the probabilistic nature of quantum mechanics.

2. How is the expectation value calculated for a dynamic observable?

The expectation value for a dynamic observable is calculated by taking the inner product of the state vector of the quantum system with the corresponding operator, and then taking the complex conjugate of this result. This calculation gives the average value of the observable for the given quantum state.

3. Why is the concept of expectation value important in quantum mechanics?

The concept of expectation value is important in quantum mechanics because it provides a way to predict the outcomes of measurements on quantum systems. In quantum mechanics, the state of a system is described by a wave function, which gives the probability amplitude for each possible outcome of a measurement. The expectation value allows us to calculate the average outcome of a measurement, which is necessary for making predictions and understanding the behavior of quantum systems.

4. Can the expectation value for a dynamic observable be negative?

Yes, the expectation value for a dynamic observable can be negative. In quantum mechanics, the wave function can have both positive and negative values, and the expectation value is a complex number that takes into account the overall amplitude and phase of the wave function. This means that the expectation value can be negative, positive, or even zero, depending on the specific quantum state and observable being measured.

5. How does the concept of expectation value relate to the uncertainty principle?

The concept of expectation value is closely related to the uncertainty principle in quantum mechanics. The uncertainty principle states that certain pairs of observables, such as position and momentum, cannot be simultaneously known with arbitrary precision. The expectation value for these observables can give us an idea of the average value, but it does not provide information about the specific values of the observables. This is a fundamental aspect of quantum mechanics and is related to the probabilistic nature of the quantum world.

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