Quantization Postulates for a Particle

In summary: This term differs from \hat{x}^2\hat{p}_{x}^2 + \hat{p}_{x}^2\hat{x}^2 by terms of order \hbar^2. In summary, the operators x^2 p_x^2 + p_x^2 x^2 and (xp_x + p_x x)^2/2 differ only by terms of order \hbar^2.
  • #1
kilojoules
5
0
Show that the operators x^2 p_x^2+p_x^2 x^2 and 〖 (xp_x+p_x x)〗^2/2 differ only by terms of order ℏ^2.






The attempt at a solution is attached (Postulates.pdf)
 

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  • #2
I don't know what you are trying to do in your solution ,you should explain it better. The first line equality is not correct,keep in mind that x,p momentum do not commute. I suggest expanding the second term first and see how it differs from the first.
 
  • #3
I first found the quantum mechanical operator corresponding to the classical quantities xP_x, and according to the information I found on a downloaded file ("Dry2ans.pdf"), can't remember the source, I found that:
xP_x → xP_x + P_x x

As per your suggestion, bp_psy, I don't know which second term you are talking about. Is it of the first expansion or which one?
 
  • #4
You initial post does not say that x,[itex]p_x[/itex] are classical observables but operators.Which one is it?
The classical observable [itex]xp_x[/itex] is represented by hermitian operator [itex]\hat{x}\hat{p}_{x}+\hat{p}_{x} \hat{x}[/itex] as they say in that document but the operator [itex]\hat{x}\hat{p}_{x}[/itex] is very different from [itex]\hat{x}\hat{p}_{x}+\hat{p}_{x}\hat{x}[/itex]. Sometime people do not hat their operators so you shouldn't always assume that no hats mean classical observables.
What I meant by the second term is [itex]\frac{(\hat{x}\hat{p}_{x}+\hat{p}_{x}\hat{x})^2}{2}[/itex].
 

What is the concept of quantization in physics?

Quantization is the idea that certain physical properties, such as energy and angular momentum, can only exist in discrete, quantized values rather than continuous values. This concept was first introduced by Max Planck in his theory of blackbody radiation.

What are the quantization postulates for a particle?

The quantization postulates for a particle state that a particle's energy and momentum are quantized, meaning they can only take on certain discrete values. This is based on the principle of wave-particle duality, where particles can also exhibit wave-like behavior.

How does quantization affect the behavior of particles?

Quantization has a significant impact on the behavior of particles. It can determine the allowed energy levels and the possible transitions between them, leading to the discrete emission or absorption of energy. It also plays a role in the stability and structure of atoms and molecules.

Why is quantization important in quantum mechanics?

Quantization is a fundamental concept in quantum mechanics, where it helps explain many phenomena on a microscopic scale. It also allows for the prediction and understanding of the behavior of particles at the quantum level, which is crucial in fields such as particle physics and nanotechnology.

What are some real-world applications of quantization?

Quantization has numerous real-world applications, including the development of modern technologies such as transistors, lasers, and computer memory. It is also essential in fields such as medicine, where it is used in imaging techniques like magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Additionally, quantization plays a role in the design and fabrication of materials with specific properties.

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