Undergrad How to apply potential operator ##V(\hat{x})##

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SUMMARY

The potential operator ##V(\hat{x})## acts on position kets as defined by the equation ##\hat{V}(x)|x\rangle=V(x)|x\rangle##. For any ket ##|\psi\rangle##, the operation is expressed as ##V(\hat{x})|\psi\rangle = \int d x V(x)|x\rangle\langle x \mid \psi\rangle##. Additionally, the expression for the negative position kets is ##V(\hat{x}) \int d x|-x\rangle\langle x \mid \psi\rangle = \int d x V(-x)|-x\rangle\langle x \mid \psi\rangle##. This confirms the operator's action on both positive and negative position kets, reinforcing the correctness of the initial definitions provided.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of quantum mechanics concepts, particularly operators and kets.
  • Familiarity with the notation and operations involving Dirac notation.
  • Knowledge of potential energy functions in quantum mechanics.
  • Basic grasp of commutation relations in quantum theory.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the implications of potential operators in quantum mechanics.
  • Learn about the commutation relations between parity and potential operators.
  • Explore the mathematical framework of Dirac notation in quantum mechanics.
  • Investigate the role of position kets in quantum state representation.
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Quantum physicists, students of quantum mechanics, and researchers exploring the mathematical foundations of quantum operators and their applications.

Kashmir
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I want some clarification on the potential operator ##V(\hat{x})##. Can you please help me

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Is the action of ##V(\hat{x})## defined by its action on the position kets as ##\hat{V}(x)|x\rangle=V(x)|x\rangle##?

Then we'd have for any ket ##|\psi\rangle## that ##V(\hat{x})|\psi\rangle## ##=V(\hat{x}) \int d x|x\rangle\langle x \mid \psi\rangle####=\int d x V(x)|x\rangle\langle x \mid \psi\rangle##

And ##V(\hat{x}) \int d x|-x\rangle\langle x \mid \psi\rangle## equals ##\int d x V(-x)|-x\rangle\langle x \mid \psi\rangle##
Is that correct?
 
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Kashmir said:
Is the action of ##V(\hat{x})## defined by its action on the position kets as ##\hat{V}(x)|x\rangle=V(x)|x\rangle##?

Then we'd have for any ket ##|\psi\rangle## that ##V(\hat{x})|\psi\rangle## ##=V(\hat{x}) \int d x|x\rangle\langle x \mid \psi\rangle####=\int d x V(x)|x\rangle\langle x \mid \psi\rangle##
This looks right.
Kashmir said:
And ##V(\hat{x}) \int d x|-x\rangle\langle x \mid \psi\rangle## equals ##\int d x V(-x)|-x\rangle\langle x \mid \psi\rangle##
I'm not sure what this means. But, it looks right.
 
I get this expression ##V(\hat{x}) \int d x|-x\rangle\langle x \mid \psi\rangle## while doing another problem ( commutator of parity and V)
 

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