QM: Expectation value of raising and lowering operator

In summary, the equation ##\langle j,m_z \mid J_-J_+ \mid j,m_z \rangle = h^2 [j(j+1)-m_z^2]## is missing a term due to the fact that ##J_x## does not commute with ##J_y## when computing ##J_-J_+##.
  • #1
barefeet
59
2

Homework Statement


Using
[tex]
J^2 \mid j,m_z \rangle = h^2 j(j+1) \mid j,m_z \rangle
[/tex]
[tex]
J_z \mid j,m_z \rangle = hm_z \mid j,m_z \rangle
[/tex]

Derive that :
[tex]
\langle j,m_z \mid J_-J_+ \mid j,m_z \rangle = h^2[ j(j+1) - m_z(m_z+1)]
[/tex]

Homework Equations


[tex]
J_- = J_x - iJ_y
[/tex]
[tex]
J_+ = J_x + iJ_y
[/tex]

The Attempt at a Solution


[tex]
J_-J_+ = (J_x- iJ_y)(J_x + iJ_y) = J_x^2 + J_y^2 = J^2 - J_z^2
[/tex]

[tex]
\langle j,m_z \mid J_-J_+ \mid j,m_z \rangle = \langle j,m_z \mid J^2 - J_z^2 \mid j,m_z \rangle = h^2[ j(j+1) - m_z^2]
[/tex]

Apparently I am missing a term here but I don't know where it should come from. I thought this should be true
[tex]
J_z^2 \mid j,m_z \rangle = J_zJ_z \mid j,m_z \rangle = h^2m_z^2 \mid j,m_z \rangle
[/tex]
(Note: h is hbar everywhere )
 
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  • #2
You are assuming that ##J_x## commutes with ##J_y## when computing ##J_-J_+##. This is not the case.
 
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Related to QM: Expectation value of raising and lowering operator

What is the raising and lowering operator in quantum mechanics?

The raising and lowering operator, also known as the ladder operator, is a mathematical operator used in quantum mechanics to describe the energy states of a quantum system. It is denoted by a+ and a and is used to move up or down the energy levels of a system.

What is the expectation value of the raising and lowering operator?

The expectation value of the raising and lowering operator is a measure of the average energy of a quantum system in a particular state. It is calculated by taking the inner product of the state vector with the operator and then squaring the result.

How is the expectation value of the raising and lowering operator related to the energy of a system?

The expectation value of the raising and lowering operator is directly related to the energy of a system. This is because the operator is used to describe the energy states of a system, and the expectation value is a measure of the average energy of a system in a particular state.

What is the significance of the expectation value of the raising and lowering operator in quantum mechanics?

The expectation value of the raising and lowering operator is a fundamental concept in quantum mechanics as it allows us to calculate the average energy of a system in a particular state. It also helps us understand how the energy levels of a system change when the operator is applied.

Can the expectation value of the raising and lowering operator have a negative value?

Yes, the expectation value of the raising and lowering operator can have a negative value. This can occur when the quantum system is in a superposition of energy states, where the average energy is a combination of positive and negative values.

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