Expectation value of momentum times position particles in a box

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SUMMARY

The expectation value of the momentum times the position operator, denoted as , for a particle in a box can be calculated using the wave function Psi(x) = √(2/l) sin(nπx/l) and the momentum operator P = -iħ(d/dx). The integral required to solve this involves the term x*cos(x), which can be evaluated using integration by parts. The solution requires evaluating the integral from 0 to L, which is crucial for obtaining the correct expectation value.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of quantum mechanics principles, specifically wave functions and operators.
  • Familiarity with the concept of expectation values in quantum mechanics.
  • Knowledge of integration techniques, particularly integration by parts.
  • Basic proficiency in calculus, especially with trigonometric functions.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the process of calculating expectation values in quantum mechanics.
  • Learn about integration by parts and its applications in physics problems.
  • Explore the properties of the wave function for a particle in a box.
  • Investigate the implications of momentum and position operators in quantum mechanics.
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Students of quantum mechanics, physicists working on particle dynamics, and anyone interested in advanced calculus applications in physics.

adebola1
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Homework Statement



What is the expectation value of <p*x> aka the momentum times the position operator, for a particle in a box.

Homework Equations



Psi(x) = root(2/l) sin (n∏x/l)
P= -ih(bar)d/dx
X=x

The Attempt at a Solution


All integrals are from 0 to L
I'm typing this on a playbook so I won't show all my steps.
-2ih/l ∫sin(n∏x/l)d/dx(xsin(nx/l)
Which I got to be : sinx(sinx) + xcosx. My teacher however never gave us the integral of xcosx from 0 to l. So how can I solve this?
 
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adebola1 said:

Homework Statement



What is the expectation value of <p*x> aka the momentum times the position operator, for a particle in a box.

Homework Equations



Psi(x) = root(2/l) sin (n∏x/l)
P= -ih(bar)d/dx
X=x

The Attempt at a Solution


All integrals are from 0 to L
I'm typing this on a playbook so I won't show all my steps.
-2ih/l ∫sin(n∏x/l)d/dx(xsin(nx/l)
Which I got to be : sinx(sinx) + xcosx. My teacher however never gave us the integral of xcosx from 0 to l. So how can I solve this?

The integral of x*cos(x)dx is equal to the integral of x*d(sin(x)). Use integration by parts.
 

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