Comparison of width of a wavefunction in real space and momentum space

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on the correlation between the width of a wavefunction in real space and momentum space, specifically using the Schrödinger equation for a delta potential. The wavefunctions are defined as \(\Psi (x) = \sqrt{\kappa}e^{- \kappa |x|}\) in real space and \(\Psi (p) = \frac{\sqrt{2 ( \hbar \kappa)^3}}{\sqrt{\pi}(p^2 + (\hbar \kappa)^2)}\) in momentum space. The participant suggests using the uncertainty relation to establish a connection between the widths, proposing to calculate \(\Delta x\) and \(\Delta p\) to quantify this relationship.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of the Schrödinger equation in quantum mechanics
  • Familiarity with wavefunctions and their representations in real and momentum space
  • Knowledge of the uncertainty principle in quantum mechanics
  • Ability to compute expectation values such as \(\langle x^2 \rangle\) and \(\langle p^2 \rangle\)
NEXT STEPS
  • Calculate the widths \(\Delta x\) and \(\Delta p\) for the given wavefunctions
  • Research the implications of the uncertainty principle on wavefunction widths
  • Explore the physical significance of delta potentials in quantum mechanics
  • Examine the mathematical relationship between wavefunctions in real and momentum space
USEFUL FOR

Students and researchers in quantum mechanics, particularly those studying wavefunction properties and the implications of the uncertainty principle.

BasharTeg
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Hello, I have a slight problem with Quantumtheory here.

Homework Statement


I have solved the schrödinger equation in the momentum space for a delta potential and also transferred it into real space. So now I have to find the correlation between the width of the wavefunction in both spaces (and then motivate it physically) and I am stuck here because I don't even know where to start.


Homework Equations


[itex]\Psi (x) = \sqrt{\kappa}e^{- \kappa |x|}[/itex]

[itex]\Psi (p) = \frac{\sqrt{2 ( \hbar \kappa)^3}}{\sqrt{\pi}(p^2 + (\hbar \kappa)^2)}[/itex]


The Attempt at a Solution


I was thinking about maybe the uncertainty relation of momentum and space would help here, but I am stuck where to start.


Hope someone can help or give a hint.
 
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Just looking at the functions, you can approximate the characteristic width of the wave functions in position space by using [itex]\kappa x \approx 1[/itex] and in momentum space by using [itex]p / \hbar \kappa \approx 1[/itex].

If you want to be more precise, calculate [itex]\Delta x = \sqrt{\langle x^2 \rangle - \langle x \rangle^2}[/itex] and [itex]\Delta p = \sqrt{\langle p^2 \rangle - \langle p \rangle^2}[/itex].
 
Thanks I will look into it. I guess I have to calculate Δx and Δp since I need a correlation how the width in momentum space affects the width in real space and vice versa.
 

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