Double-Slit Experiment: Momentum & Position

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on the relationship between momentum and position in the context of the double-slit experiment, specifically exploring how to derive a probability density function for position from a given momentum probability density function. The scope includes theoretical aspects and mathematical reasoning related to quantum mechanics.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions whether there is a fixed relationship between the momentum of a particle after passing through a slit and its position on the screen.
  • Another participant asserts that Schrödinger's Equation describes this relationship for non-relativistic massive particles but requests a more specific question for clarity.
  • A participant seeks to derive a position probability density function from a given momentum probability density function, indicating they have a specific formula to work with.
  • It is suggested that solving Schrödinger's Equation with appropriate boundary conditions is necessary, though it may be complex, and approximation techniques could be applicable.
  • A participant provides a specific formula for the momentum probability density function, referencing a work by Uffink and Hilgevoord from 1985.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants have not reached a consensus on the relationship between momentum and position, and multiple approaches and perspectives are presented without resolution.

Contextual Notes

The discussion involves assumptions related to boundary conditions and the complexity of solving Schrödinger's Equation, which are not fully explored or resolved.

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TL;DR
In the double-slit experiment with two open slits, is there a fixed relationship between the momentum (p) of the particle immediately after passing through the slit and the position (q) of the impact on the screen?
In the double-slit experiment with two open slits, is there a fixed relationship between the momentum (p) of the particle immediately after passing through the slit and the position (q) of the impact on the screen?
 
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Yes. The relationship is called Schrödinger's Equation for a non-relativistc massive particle.
If you wish a more specific answer you will need to formulate a more specific question.
 
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My specific question is, that I have a formula for the probability density function of the momentum (p) of the particle immediately after it passes through the slit in the double-slit experiment with two open slits and I want to derive from that formula a formula for the probability density function of the position (q) of the impact on the screen?
 
Then you need to solve Schrödinger to match your specific boundary conditions in time and space. This will likely be very difficult.
There are many approximation techniques that are useful for particular situations. What does your formula look like?
 
It is formula (11) from Uffink and Hilgevoord. (1985):

$$\begin{align}
\phi \left(p \right) \, = \, \frac{\sqrt{2}~\sqrt{\frac{a }{\pi }}~\cos \left(A ~p \right)~\sin \left(a ~p \right)}{a ~p }
\end{align}$$

Reference

Uffink, J.B.M. and Hilgevoord, J. (1985). Uncertainty Principle and Uncertainty Relations. Foundations of Physics, Vol. 15, No. 9,
 
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