Group velocity, quantum mechanics

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the relationship between classical and quantum mechanics, specifically focusing on the concept of group velocity in quantum mechanics and its equivalence to classical velocity. The original poster attempts to derive the expression for group velocity and compare it to classical velocity.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the differentiation of the angular frequency with respect to the wave vector and question the steps taken in the original poster's attempt. There is a reference to an alternative method found in Wikipedia, which raises questions about the differences in approaches.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants exploring different methods of deriving the group velocity. Some guidance has been offered regarding the differentiation process, and questions about potential errors in the original poster's calculations have been raised.

Contextual Notes

Participants express uncertainty about the application of the chain rule in differentiation and reflect on their understanding of the concepts involved. There is an acknowledgment of confusion and a desire for clarification on specific steps in the derivation.

raul_l
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Homework Statement



A particle in classical mechanics with a velocity v becomes a wave packet with a group velocity v_g in quantum mechanics.
I have to show that \vec{v} = \vec{v}_g

Homework Equations



\vec{v}_g = \frac{\partial \omega(\vec{k})}{\partial \vec{k}}

\omega(\vec{k}) = \hbar^{-1} \sqrt{m_{0}{2} c^4+\hbar^2 k^2 c^2}

The Attempt at a Solution



\vec{v}_g = \frac{\partial}{\partial \vec{k}} \hbar^{-1} \sqrt{m_{0}{2} c^4+\hbar^2 \vec{k} \vec{k} c^2} = \frac{\vec{k}}{\hbar \sqrt{m_{0}{2} c^4+\hbar^2 k^2 c^2}} = \frac{\vec{k}}{\hbar \sqrt{m_{0}{2} c^4+\hbar^2 k^2 c^2}} = \frac{m\vec{v}}{\hbar^2 E} = \frac{m\vec{v}}{\hbar^2 m c^2} = \frac{\vec{v}}{\hbar^2 c^2}
 
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In Wikipedia it's done like this:
v_g = \frac{\partial \omega}{\partial k} = \frac{\partial (E/\hbar)}{\partial (p/\hbar)} = \frac{\partial E}{\partial p} = ...

From there on it's fairly easy.

But I'm wondering what's wrong with my approach.
 
How come you don't get an hbar^2*c^2 from the chain rule in the numerator when you do your differentiation with respect to k?
 
How could I not see this.
I've never felt more stupid :redface:

Thanks :smile:
 

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