Confirmation concept questions eigenfunctions and operators

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the relationship between momentum eigenfunctions and energy operators for free particles and harmonic oscillators. It concludes that momentum eigenfunctions are not necessarily eigenfunctions of the harmonic oscillator energy operator, particularly when the potential is not constant. The expectation value of energy does depend on time if the system is not in a stationary state, as indicated by the time-dependent wave function governed by the Schrödinger equation.

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  • Understanding of quantum mechanics concepts, particularly eigenfunctions and operators.
  • Familiarity with the Schrödinger equation and its implications for wave functions.
  • Knowledge of commutators and their role in quantum mechanics.
  • Basic principles of stationary states and time evolution in quantum systems.
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  • Study the properties of momentum and energy operators in quantum mechanics.
  • Learn about the implications of non-constant potentials on wave function behavior.
  • Explore the concept of stationary states and their significance in quantum systems.
  • Investigate the role of expectation values in time-dependent quantum mechanics.
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Students and professionals in quantum mechanics, particularly those studying the behavior of eigenfunctions and operators in various potential scenarios.

black_hole
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Homework Statement



Are the momentum eigenfunctions also eigenfunctions of e free particle energy. Operator?
Are momentum eigenfunctions also eigenfunctions of the harmonic oscillator energy operator?
An misplayed system evolves with time according to the shrodinger equation with potential v. The wave function depends on time. Does the expectation value of energy depend on time?

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



I think not necessarily. Looking at the commutator it looks like this would only work if the potential was a constant.

I guess this is a no judging by the form of the eigenfunctions of the two.

Does this depend on the initial conditions? It snot clear wether or not this is a stationary state?
 
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black_hole said:
I think not necessarily. Looking at the commutator it looks like this would only work if the potential was a constant.
What potential?

black_hole said:
I guess this is a no judging by the form of the eigenfunctions of the two.
Can you show this more rigorously?

black_hole said:
Does this depend on the initial conditions? It snot clear wether or not this is a stationary state?
My understanding of the question is that you start from an eigenstate of the system and displace it (or conversely displace the potential) and then look at the time evolution of the system. The problem states that "The wave function depends on time", so is it a stationary state? If the answer is no, does this mean that the expectation value of the energy will vary in time?
 

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