Expectation value in momentum space

[VVS2000]

Homework Statement

The problem was to show that given φ(p), and wave function Ψ(r), prove that <p>= ∫φ(p)*pφ(p)dp and <p²>=∫φ(p)*p²φ(p)dp

Relevant Equations

Ψ(r)=1/2πℏ ∫ φ(p)exp(ipr/ℏ)dp
<p>=∫Ψ(r)*pΨ(r)dr

so from Fourier transform we know that
Ψ(r)=1/2πℏ∫φ(p)exp(ipr/ℏ)dp
I proved that <p>= ∫φ(p)*pφ(p)dp from <p>=∫Ψ(r)*pΨ(r)dr
so will the same hold any operator??

 

[topsquark]

Homework Statement:: The problem was to show that given φ(p), and wave function Ψ(r), prove that <p>= ∫φ(p)*pφ(p)dp and <p²>=∫φ(p)*p²φ(p)dp
Relevant Equations:: Ψ(r)=1/2πℏ ∫ φ(p)exp(ipr/ℏ)dp
<p>=∫Ψ(r)*pΨ(r)dr

so from Fourier transform we know that
Ψ(r)=1/2πℏ∫φ(p)exp(ipr/ℏ)dp
I proved that <p>= ∫φ(p)*pφ(p)dp from <p>=∫Ψ(r)*pΨ(r)dr
so will the same hold any operator??

Without seeing your work I can't really say if what you did would hold. But, yes, we can do this with any operator O(p). The usual method involves noting that $e^{\pm ipr/ \hbar}$ commutes with p. Any operator O(p) will commute with the exponentials, so just put that into your proof instead of p. (You may need to prove that you can do this. Think of how you prove that the exponential operator $e^{\pm ipr/ \hbar}$ commutes with p.)

-Dan

 

[VVS2000]

Without seeing your work I can't really say if what you did would hold. But, yes, we can do this with any operator O(p). The usual method involves noting that $e^{\pm ipr/ \hbar}$ commutes with p. Any operator O(p) will commute with the exponentials, so just put that into your proof instead of p. (You may need to prove that you can do this. Think of how you prove that the exponential operator $e^{\pm ipr/ \hbar}$ commutes with p.)

-Dan

yeah, thing is I am still learning Latex to use it to type equations here, so It would be difficult to get in the whole proof. I tried uploading the pic of my work but there was some issue
yeah I think will try to prove why O(p) will commute

 

[topsquark]

yeah, thing is I am still learning Latex to use it to type equations here, so It would be difficult to get in the whole proof. I tried uploading the pic of my work but there was some issue
yeah I think will try to prove why O(p) will commute

Hint: Think Maclaurin series.

-Dan