Ehrenfest theorem, is there any condition for the operator Q?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the conditions under which the operator Q commutes with the Hamiltonian H in the context of the Ehrenfest theorem. Participants explore the implications of commutation relations and the nature of the operators involved, including their mathematical properties and physical interpretations.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions the intelligibility of their initial query regarding the operators H and Q, seeking clarification on their definitions.
  • Another participant suggests that if Q strongly commutes with H, this serves as a sufficient restriction, provided that the wave function is in an invariant dense domain.
  • There is a discussion on the conditions under which the commutator [Q,H] equals zero, with one participant proposing that if H is a function of Q, such as H = Q^2, then they will commute.
  • Another participant expresses uncertainty about the general conditions for the commutation of H and Q, questioning why they would commute in general.
  • One participant asserts that if Q is related to momentum, then the Ehrenfest theorem can be applied, whereas if Q is position, it cannot be applied due to the nature of H.
  • A later reply introduces a concept regarding the implications of commuting operators on the measurement of their corresponding observables, suggesting that non-commuting operators indicate that they cannot be measured simultaneously.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the conditions for the commutation of operators H and Q, with no consensus reached on the generality of these conditions or the implications for measurement. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the specific restrictions on the operator Q.

Contextual Notes

Participants reference specific mathematical properties and assumptions regarding the operators and their domains, but these assumptions are not fully detailed or agreed upon, leaving some aspects of the discussion open to interpretation.

Outrageous
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For commutator, HQ-QH = 0 .
But for this case as shown below, complex ψQHψ - HcomplexψQψ= 0?
If the operator Q is in term of (∂/∂t) and (∂/∂x) ,then the HQ-QH may not be zero.
Is there any restriction for Q operator?
 

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You question is not quite inteligible. You need to specify who the symbols stand for. Who's H, Q ?
 
dextercioby said:
You question is not quite inteligible. You need to specify who the symbols stand for. Who's H, Q ?

Thanks for replying~
H is Hamiltonian , Q is an operator
 
Well, if Q strongly commutes with H, this is enough restriction as it stands. Assuming psi(x) is in an invariant dense everywhere domain, H=f(Q) is a trivial solution of [Q,H]=0.
 
Outrageous said:
For commutator, HQ-QH = 0 .
But for this case as shown below, complex ψQHψ - HcomplexψQψ= 0?
If the operator Q is in term of (∂/∂t) and (∂/∂x) ,then the HQ-QH may not be zero.
Is there any restriction for Q operator?

I think I should ask ,why the H and Q commute each other, how do we know they will commute in general?
The thumbnail I posted is one part for the derivation of ehrenfest's theorem.
 
dextercioby said:
, H=f(Q) is a trivial solution of [Q,H]=0.

What do you mean? H is a function of Q ? Then they will commute?
 
Yes, if H=H(Q) such as e.g. H = Q^2, then [Q^2,Q]=0 on all vectors on which the commutator makes sense.
 
dextercioby said:
Yes, if H=H(Q) such as e.g. H = Q^2, then [Q^2,Q]=0 on all vectors on which the commutator makes sense.

So whenever I want to use Ehrenfest theorem, the operator H= H(Q), eg Q = momentum. If Q = position then I can't use Ehrenfest because H is not f(x). Correct?

One more to ask, I read from somewhere says: when one operator commute another, that means they have no eigenfunction(wavefunction together) . So we can't measure both at the same time.
Why they didn't commute mean we can't measure them at the same time?
 

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