Commutation relation of operators involving momentum and position

AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around determining whether two operators, involving momentum and position, commute. The user initially believes they may have incorrectly concluded that the operators commute, despite knowing they should not. They reference a previous problem that established the commutation relation [P,Q] = -i√(ħ/λ) and are advised to keep the operators as P and Q in their calculations. The key takeaway is to be cautious with operator interactions and to avoid substitutions that could lead to errors. The user finds the guidance helpful in clarifying their approach.
Kooshy
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Homework Statement


The problem is number 11, the problem statement would be in the first picture in the spoiler.
Basically, I'm trying to find if two operators commute. They're not supposed to, since they involve momentum and position, but my work has been suggesting otherwise, so I'm doing something wrong.

Homework Equations


Are in problem 10 and written next to it. (2nd picture in spoiler.)
x^ = x
p^ = -iħ d/dx

P^= p^/√(mωλ)
Q^=x^ * (√(mω/ħ))


The Attempt at a Solution


Also in the picture.
I think I'm messing up where the operators operate on each other and new terms are created, and I'm not sure where or how to fix it.

2011-09-30161342.jpg

2011-09-30161246.jpg
 
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In (10) you have already proved that [P,Q] = -i\sqrt{hbar/\lambda}
Now re (11), do not substitute for the operators P and Q but leave them as P and Q. Hence the resulting expression will be in terms of P and Q. Then use [P,Q] = -i\sqrt{hbar/\lambda}
 
But be very careful since P and Q do not commute!
 
Thank you grzz, that worked out much easier than what I was trying.
:smile:
 
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