Allowed momentum values for a plane wave

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the allowed momentum values for a plane wave described by the wavefunction $$ \Psi (x,0) = A(ie^{ikx}+2e^{-ikx}) $$, where the particle is not confined to a potential well. The key conclusion is that the momentum values are determined by the wavevector k, leading to a momentum of $$ p = \hbar k $$ with a probability distribution of 20% for positive momentum and 80% for negative momentum. The uncertainty in position being infinite indicates a sharp momentum measurement, yet the wavefunction is not an eigenfunction of momentum due to the presence of multiple k values.

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alec_grunn
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Hi all,
This is from a past exam paper: At t=0 the state of a particle is described by the wavefunction

Code:
 $$ \Psi (x,0) =A(iexp(ikx)+2exp(-ikx)) $$

This is between positive and negative infinity - not in a potential well.

What values of momentum are allowed, and with what probability in each case?

Relevant Equations:
## \hat p = -i \hbar \frac{\partial}{\partial x} ##

My attempted solution:
Since there's only one k value present I was thinking there is one momentum value: ##p = \hbar k## with 100% chance of measuring this. And the fact that the uncertainty in position is infinite means that its momentum is sharp. But if this is the case, then why isn't it an eigenfunction of momentum?

Please help,
Cheers
 
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Momentum is a vector operator - the sign matters.
 
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Ok so that means 20% chance of +p and 80% chance of -p?
 
alec_grunn said:
Ok so that means 20% chance of +p and 80% chance of -p?
Yes.
 

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