# Expected value for momentum and x, intro to quantum mechanics.

## Homework Statement

Consider ﬁrst a free particle (Potential energy zero everywhere). When the particle at
a given time is prepared in a state ψ (x) it has

<x> = 0 and <p> = 0.

The particle is now prepared in Ψ (x, t = 0) = ψ (x) exp (ikx)

Give <p> at time t = 0.

It can be shown that in quantum mechanics <p> is independent of time for a free
particle, in analogy to Newton’s ﬁrst law in classical mechanics. Give <x> as a
function of time.

## Homework Equations

<p> = $\int\Psi*(-i$$\hbar$d/dx)$\Psi$dx (Should be a partial derivative
I just don't know how to write that, also integral is from -infinity to +infinity, same for all
I write further down too)

## The Attempt at a Solution

The attempt at a solution:

Basically substituting straight into the equation I gave above:

<p> = ∫ψ(x)exp(-ikx).-i$\hbar$.d/dx[ψ(x)exp(ikx)]dx

I guessed that I have to use the product rule for the second half of that so I get:

<p> = ∫ψ(x)exp(-ikx).-i$\hbar$.dψ(x)/dx.exp(ikx)]dx+∫ψ(x)exp(-ikx).-i$\hbar$.ψ(x)ik.exp(ikx)]dx

This is where my complete lack of experience shows if not already. Simplifying the first integral, the exponents add to zero for the exp() terms so they cancel. Also, dψ/dx.dx can be simplified to dψ. This leaves the term in the fist integral as -i$\hbar$ψ.dψ.

Simplifying the term in the second integral I use the same exponent rule to cancel those and also --i.i = 1. That leaves, in the second integral, the term $\hbar$kψ2dx.

I've been doing educated guessing up to here but now I really start guessing.
I have:

<p> = -i$\hbar$∫ψ(x)dx+$\hbar$k∫ψ2(x)dx

And by some math voodoo and because I saw somewhere that the integral of psi2dx = 1, I get zero for the first integral and <p> = $\hbar$k. I suspect I am wrong at many different points for so many different reasons. I hope this doesn't hurt too many people reading it.

As for the second part, finding <x> as a function of t, I have no idea where to start so even a pointer or two would be appreciated for that. If anyone could point out the numerous mistakes that are no doubt in my attempt at the first part I would also be very grateful. Thanks!

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