Dispersion of the wave packet over time

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the dispersion of wave packets over time, specifically analyzing the Taylor expansion of frequency, ω(k). The key finding is that only the third term, 1/2*(k − k0)^2 (d^2ω/dk^2), contributes to the change in the shape of the wave function. The absence of second-order terms indicates that all k components travel at the same speed, resulting in no shape change of the wave packet. This highlights the critical role of the second derivative of frequency in wave packet dispersion.

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  • Understanding of Taylor series expansion in physics
  • Familiarity with wave packet theory
  • Knowledge of frequency dispersion and its mathematical representation
  • Basic concepts of wave mechanics
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abeer-0101
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TL;DR
I am confused about how the taylor expansion controls the shape of the wave packet
since, in order to view the shape changes in our wave packet we are presented with the taylor expansion of the frequency
ω(k) = ω(k0) + (k − k0)dω/dk + 1/2*(k − k0)^2 (d^2ω/dk^2)
we are told that only the third term that is the
1/2*(k − k0)^2 (d^2ω/dk^2)
contributes to change in shape of the wave function over time.why is that?
 
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If there is no terms of second order and more
ω(k) = ω(k0) + (k − k0)dω/dk
\frac{d\omega}{dk}=\frac{\omega(k)-\omega(k0)}{k-k0}=v
constant. It means all the different k components have same speed so there happens no change in shape of the wave.
 
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