# Commutation Relations and Ehrenfest

1. Oct 6, 2009

### keniwas

1. The problem statement, all variables and given/known data
Let $$\psi(\vec{r},t)$$ be the wavefunction for a free particle of mass m obeying Schrodinger equation with V=0 in 3 dimensions. At t=0, the particle is in a known initial state $$\psi_0(\vec{r})$$. Using Ehrenfest's theorem, show that the expectation value $$<x^2>$$ in the state $$\psi(\vec{r},t)$$ is a quadratic function of t:
$$<x^2>_t=a+bt+ct^2$$
where a, b and c are constants. Relate the constants b and c to the expectation values of operators at t=0. Show that these lead to the expression for $$<(\delta x)^2>_t$$ quoted in class.

2. Relevant equations
we have that $$<(\delta x)^2>=<x^2>-<x>^2=<(\delta x)^2>_0+\frac{1}{m}(<xp_x+p_xx>_0-2<x>_0<p_x>_0)+\frac{<(\delta p_x)^2>_0}{m^2}$$
where
$$<x>=<x>_0+\frac{<px>_0}{m}t$$

3. The attempt at a solution
$$\frac{d}{dt}<x^2>=\frac{1}{i\hbar}<[x^2,H]>=\frac{1}{m}<xp_x+p_xx>$$

$$\frac{d}{dt}\frac{1}{m}<xp_x+p_xx>=\frac{1}{i\hbar m}<[xp_x,H]+[p_xx,H]>=\frac{1}{i\hbar m}<x[p_x,H]+[x,H]p_x+p_x[x,H]+[p_x,H]x>=\frac{1}{i\hbar m}<\frac{i\hbar}{m}p_xp_x+p_x\frac{i\hbar}{m}p_x>=\frac{i\hbar}{i\hbar m^2}<2p_{x}^2>$$

$$\frac{d}{dt}\frac{1}{m^2}<p_{x}^2>=0$$

Taking three integrals of the last equation from 0 to t and substituting the values we got in the previous equations we get the equation for <x^2> as

$$<x^2>=<x^2>_0+\frac{1}{m}<xp_x+p_xx>_0t+\frac{2<p_{x}^2>_0}{m^2}t^2$$

The problem is if I try to subtract $$<x>^2$$ from this, the 2 in the last term ($$\frac{2<p_{x}^2>_0}{m^2}t^2$$) causes problems. I feel there should have been a 1/2 pop out somewhere in here that will cancel with that 2 to make this work. But i can't see where it is. Does anyone see where I am going wrong that is giving me this extra factor of 2?

Thanks for any input.

2. Oct 7, 2009

### gabbagabbahey

You're gunna kick yourself:

$$\int_0^t \frac{2\langle p_x^2\rangle_0}{m^2}t'dt'=\frac{\langle p_x^2\rangle_0}{m^2}t^2$$

3. Oct 7, 2009

### keniwas

HAHAHA oh... that hurts....

Thank you =)