Free Particle: Prove Constant in Time

renegade05
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Homework Statement


A free particle moving in one dimension is in the initial state ψ(x,0). Prove that
<p> is constant in time by direct calculation (i.e., without recourse to the
commutator theorem regarding constants of the motion).

Homework Equations



<p> = m*(d<x>/dt) ?
S.E.
ψ(x,0)= 1/(√(2∏))*∫Θ(k)e^(ikx)dk

The Attempt at a Solution



I am not really sure where to start... Should I find <x> ? is that the easiest way? And how do you this for a free particle ? stuff is confusing me. Can someone give me a start here...
 
on Phys.org
renegade05 said:

Homework Statement


A free particle moving in one dimension is in the initial state ψ(x,0). Prove that
<p> is constant in time by direct calculation (i.e., without recourse to the
commutator theorem regarding constants of the motion).

Homework Equations



<p> = m*(d<x>/dt) ?
No, don't use this. Use the definition of the expectation value of an operator.

S.E.
ψ(x,0)= 1/(√(2∏))*∫Θ(k)e^(ikx)dk

The Attempt at a Solution



I am not really sure where to start... Should I find <x> ? is that the easiest way? And how do you this for a free particle ? stuff is confusing me. Can someone give me a start here...
What is the Hamiltonian for a free particle?
 

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