Coupled 2D harmonic oscillators

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the problem of coupled 2D harmonic oscillators, focusing on the transformation of coordinates and the expression of kinetic energy in the new coordinate system.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss rescaling coordinates and express the potential term for the 2D harmonic oscillator. There are attempts to express kinetic terms in the new coordinates, with some participants seeking clarification on how to relate momentum operators to the new coordinates.

Discussion Status

The discussion includes various attempts to derive expressions for kinetic energy and momentum in the new coordinate system. Some participants express confusion regarding the relationship between the new coordinates and the kinetic terms, while others provide guidance on finding momentum operators. There is a recognition of the complexity introduced by interaction terms between the coordinates.

Contextual Notes

Participants are navigating the constraints of quantum mechanics in their calculations, particularly in relation to kinetic energy terms and the transformation of derivatives between coordinate systems.

Apashanka das
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1. The problem statementhttps://www.physicsforums.com/attachments/225935

Homework Equations

3. I have rescaled coordinates which are X=(x1+x2)/√2 and Y=√3(x1-x2)/√2 for which the potential term becomes for a 2D harmonic oscillator of coordinates X and Y. But how to express Kinetic terms in terms of these new coordinates X and Y?
 

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solve for x_1 and x_2 in terms of X, Y then find the kinetic energy.
 
Dr Transport said:
solve for x_1 and x_2 in terms of X, Y then find the kinetic energy.
sorry sir I didn't get you here QM kinetic term is nedded
 
\hat{p} can be related to the \dot{X}, you just have to find the momentum operators in terms of your new coordinates.
 
Dr Transport said:
\hat{p} can be related to the \dot{X}, you just have to find the momentum operators in terms of your new coordinates.
sir but in calculating p2 there will be again interaction term between X And Y
Sir I am actually trying to find d2/dx12 in terms of d2/dX2 and d2/dY2
 
Dr Transport said:
\hat{p} can be related to the \dot{X}, you just have to find the momentum operators in terms of your new coordinates.
O thank you sir I have got it
The ans is option B
 

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