Wave-packet in configuration space

In summary, Wigner discusses the elements of quantum mechanics in his book "Group theory and its Applications to the Quantum Mechanics of atomic spectra." He explains that in a many-dimensional space with position coordinates, the motion of a system can be described by a point in configuration space. This point's movement corresponds to the classical motion of the system and the motion of a wave packet in configuration space, assuming a specific index of refraction. However, the meaning and interpretation of this refractive index is not clear.
  • #1
Pradyuman
6
0
In the book "Group theory and it's Applications to the Quantum Mechanics of atomic spectra " by Eugene P. Wigner

in chapter 4 The elements of quantum mechanics it is written

Consider a many dimensional space with as many coordinates as the system considered as position coordinates. Every arrangement of the positions of the particles of the system corresponds to a point in this multidimensional configuration space. This point will move in the course of time tracing out a curve by which the motion of the system can be completely described classically. There exists a fundamental correspondence between the classical motion of this point, the system point in configuration space, and the motion of a wave packet also considered in configuration space, if only we assume that the index of refraction for these waves is ##\sqrt{2m(E-V)}\over E##, where ##E## is the total energy of the system;##V## is the potential energy as a function in the configuration space.
What does the wave-packet and the refractive index implies here.How to interpret this?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
I do not know the index of refraction in this context. According to the formula you quote, it has physical dimension of ##L^{-1}T##, inverse of velocity, if he does not apply some convention of unit that you have not quoted there.
 

1. What is a wave-packet in configuration space?

A wave-packet in configuration space is a mathematical representation of a quantum particle's probability distribution in a given region of space. It describes the position and momentum of the particle, and how they change over time.

2. How is a wave-packet in configuration space different from a wave-packet in momentum space?

A wave-packet in configuration space represents the position and momentum of a particle, while a wave-packet in momentum space represents the particle's momentum and how it changes over time. They are related through a mathematical transformation called a Fourier transform.

3. What is the significance of the shape of a wave-packet in configuration space?

The shape of a wave-packet in configuration space can provide information about the particle's position uncertainty and momentum uncertainty. A narrow wave-packet indicates a more precise position but a larger momentum uncertainty, while a wide wave-packet indicates a less precise position but a smaller momentum uncertainty.

4. How does the wave-packet in configuration space change over time?

The wave-packet in configuration space changes over time according to the Schrödinger equation, which describes the time evolution of quantum systems. The wave-packet can spread out or contract, depending on the potential energy of the system.

5. Can a wave-packet in configuration space be used to predict the behavior of a quantum particle?

Yes, a wave-packet in configuration space can be used to calculate the probability of finding a quantum particle in a particular region of space at a given time. However, it cannot predict the exact position or momentum of the particle, as these are inherently uncertain in quantum mechanics.

Similar threads

  • Quantum Physics
2
Replies
61
Views
1K
  • Quantum Physics
Replies
4
Views
1K
Replies
6
Views
932
Replies
17
Views
1K
  • Quantum Physics
Replies
16
Views
1K
Replies
8
Views
1K
  • Quantum Physics
Replies
8
Views
2K
  • Quantum Physics
3
Replies
94
Views
24K
  • Quantum Physics
Replies
13
Views
2K
Back
Top