Expectatoon value particle in superposition of momentum states

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on deriving the expectation value of the kinetic energy operator, E = p²/2m, for a particle in a superposition of two momentum eigenstates. The participant defines the wave function as Psi = √(1/L) [A*exp(ik₁x)exp(-iEt/ħ) + B*exp(ik₂x)exp(-iEt/ħ)] and attempts to compute the expectation value using the integral = ∫ (Ψ*OΨ) dx. The expected outcome is clarified to be A²ħ²k₁²/2m + B²ħ²k₂²/2m, emphasizing the importance of correctly labeling the momentum states and ignoring time-dependent factors during integration.

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  • Quantum mechanics fundamentals, specifically wave functions and operators
  • Understanding of kinetic energy operator E = p²/2m
  • Familiarity with expectation values and integrals in quantum mechanics
  • Knowledge of momentum eigenstates and superposition principles
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  • Study the derivation of expectation values in quantum mechanics
  • Learn about the properties of momentum eigenstates in quantum systems
  • Explore the implications of superposition in quantum mechanics
  • Investigate the role of normalization in wave functions
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Students and researchers in quantum mechanics, particularly those studying wave functions, operators, and the behavior of particles in superposition states.

Fixxxer125
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Homework Statement



Demonstrate the relation between the expectation value and the measurement outcomes of an observable of a particle by conisdering as an observable the kinetic energy operator
E=p^/2m when the particle is in a superposition of 2 momentum eigenstates

Homework Equations



<O> = Int (from -inf -> inf) [(Psi*)O(Psi)] dx


The Attempt at a Solution



I am taking the superposition of 2 momentum eigenstates as

Psi= square root (1/L) [ A*exp(ikx)exp(-iEt/Hbar) +B*exp(ikx)exp(-iEt/Hbar) ]

And then putting this into the integral

<O> = Int (from 0->L) [(Psi*)(-hbar/2m*d2/dx2(Psi)] dx

However I end up with a very long equation for the expectation value whereas I thought the expectation value would be something along the lines of
A2hbar2k12/2m + B2hbar2k22/2m as this looks like an eigenvalue
 
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I'd take out the [itex]\sqrt{1/L}[/itex] since there's no reason to consider any sort of box here (and besides you can absorb it into the [itex]A[/itex] and [itex]B[/itex] terms). Get rid of the time-dependent bit (since you're going to ignore it anyway - you're integrating over [itex]x[/itex]) and make sure you label your two [itex]k[/itex]s differently, like you have in your final suggestion: [itex]k_1[/itex] and [itex]k_2[/itex]. And then the approach you're using should work! You seem to have some idea what you expect to find, which is good - if you can't get there post where you get up to.
 

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