Commutation Relations and Ehrenfest

[keniwas]

Homework Statement

Let \psi(\vec{r},t) be the wavefunction for a free particle of mass m obeying Schrödinger 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.

Homework 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

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

&lt;x^2&gt;=&lt;x^2&gt;_0+\frac{1}{m}&lt;xp_x+p_xx&gt;_0t+\frac{2&lt;p_{x}^2&gt;_0}{m^2}t^2

The problem is if I try to subtract &lt;x&gt;^2 from this, the 2 in the last term (\frac{2&lt;p_{x}^2&gt;_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.

 

[gabbagabbahey]

You're gunna kick yourself:

\int_0^t \frac{2\langle p_x^2\rangle_0}{m^2}t&#039;dt&#039;=\frac{\langle p_x^2\rangle_0}{m^2}t^2

 

[keniwas]

HAHAHA oh... that hurts...

Thank you =)