Expectation value of P^2 for particle in 2d box

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SUMMARY

The expectation value of P^2 for a particle in a 2D box can be calculated using the momentum operator defined as (-ih(bar)(d/dx + d/dy))^2. The wave function is given by psi(x,y) = Asin(k1x)sin(k2y), with normalization constant calculated as (2*sqrt2)/2 through a double integral of psi*psi. The allowable energy levels are expressed as E = ((pi^2*h(bar)^2)/ml^2)*((n1^2/2)+2n2^2), where n1 and n2 are whole numbers representing quantum numbers. The challenge lies in evaluating the P^2 operator over a double integral without introducing cross terms.

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[SOLVED] expectation value of P^2 for particle in 2d box

I am having difficulty in finding the right way to find this value. my book only give the 1d momentum operator as: ih(bar)*d/dx(partials). i see its much like finding the normalization constant. which i have done using a double integral. the problem has as a given soln psi(x,y)= Asin(k1x)sin(k2y). the dimensions are y ranges from 0 to l/2, and x ranges from 0 to l. i have found the normalization constant to be (2*sqrt2)/2 by doing a dble integral of psi*psi. I have also found the allowable energy lvls :E=((pi^2*h(bar)^2)/ml^2)*((n1^2/2)+2n2^2) where n1=n2 and are any whoile number for the quantum numbers. the main problem i am having is how to define the p operator for a 2-d box. can i use (-ih(bar)*(d/dx +d/dy))^2, and then evaluate it over a dble integral. but then i would have strange cross terms. i think i have to use the E value i have found but I am not sure. any help would be much appreciated.
 
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Hint: [itex]p^2 = p_x^2 + p_y^2[/itex] for the classical momentum in two dimensions.
 

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