Hamiltonians and Expectation Values and Ehrenfest's theorum, OH MY ()

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on demonstrating the relationship between the time derivative of the expectation value of an operator Q and the commutator of Q with the Hamiltonian operator H, as expressed in the equation iħ(d/dt) = <[Q,H]>. Participants emphasize the need to utilize Schrödinger's equation to derive the left-hand side's expression for . The commutation relation [Q,H] is defined as QH - HQ, and the expectation value is calculated using the integral of the wave function Ψ(x,t).

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Hamiltonian mechanics and operators
  • Familiarity with Schrödinger's equation
  • Knowledge of expectation values in quantum mechanics
  • Comprehension of commutators in quantum theory
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of expectation values in quantum mechanics
  • Learn about the implications of the commutation relation [Q,H]
  • Explore advanced applications of Schrödinger's equation
  • Investigate Ehrenfest's theorem and its significance in quantum mechanics
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Students and researchers in quantum mechanics, particularly those studying Hamiltonian dynamics and the mathematical foundations of quantum theory.

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Homework Statement



(a) Let Q be an operator which is not a function of time, abd Let H be the Hamiltonian operator. Show that:

i(hbar)([tex]\delta<q>[/tex] / dt =<[Q,H]>

Here <q> is the expectation value of Q for any arbirtary time-dependent wave function Psi, which is not necessarily an eigenfunction of H, and <[Q,H]> is the expectation value of the commutator of Q and H for the same wave function.

Homework Equations



I know the Hamiltonian and I understand that [Q,H]=QH-HQ
so <QH-HQ> = int(Psi*(x,t)(QH-HQ)Psi(x,t) dx) and now I'm in over my head/don't really know whether what I'm doing is right.

The Attempt at a Solution



I'm having trouble getting anything further than what I mentioned above
 
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Start with the left-hand side. Write down an expression for the expectation value [tex]\langle Q \rangle[/tex] and take the time derivative. You'll want to use Schrödinger's equation to connect to the expression on the right-hand side.
 

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