How can the momentum of a wavefunction be determined using Fourier transforms?

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on determining the momentum of a wavefunction represented as ψ(x) = eikx using Fourier transforms. Participants explored two methods: applying the momentum operator directly and performing a Fourier transform. The latter approach led to complications due to the oscillatory nature of the function, resulting in an undefined integral. The discussion emphasizes the importance of understanding the Dirac delta function representation in this context.

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Homework Statement



Wavefunction is of form:
ψ(x) = eikx
Find momentum and energy of this state.

Homework Equations


Fourier transform of ψ(x) to get to momentum space
or is it
<p> = integral from -infinity to infinity of ψ* (h/i) * derivative wrt x of ψ dx

The Attempt at a Solution



I initially tried the second approach, but it didn't work, I got an infinite answer. Someone said to instead convert the function to momentum space, I used the Fourier transform but when I do that, my integral in the Fourier transform is -infinity to infinity of an oscillating function that doesn't decrease and is undefined.

I have no idea now how to proceed. I've worked on this question for hours, I searched the textbook, google, etc. and could not find anything useful.
 
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Hint: One representation of the Dirac delta function is
[tex]\delta(x-x_0) = \frac{1}{2\pi}\int_{-\infty}^\infty e^{-ik(x-x_0)}\,dk[/tex]

Another way you could approach the problem is to simply apply the momentum operator to that function and interpret what the equation means.
 

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