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

In summary, the potential operator ##V(\hat{x})## is defined by its action on the position kets as ##\hat{V}(x)|x\rangle=V(x)|x\rangle##. This means that for any ket ##|\psi\rangle##, ##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##. The expression ##V(\hat{x}) \int d x|-x\rangle\langle x \mid \psi\rangle## may be correct, but its meaning is unclear.
  • #1
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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  • #2
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.
 
  • Informative
Likes Kashmir
  • #3
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)
 

1. What is a potential operator?

A potential operator is a mathematical operator used in quantum mechanics to describe the potential energy of a system. It is typically denoted as V(ĉ), where ĉ is the position operator.

2. How is the potential operator applied?

The potential operator is applied to a wave function, which represents the state of a quantum system. The resulting wave function describes the potential energy of the system at a particular point in space.

3. What is the significance of the potential operator in quantum mechanics?

The potential operator is a fundamental concept in quantum mechanics as it allows for the calculation of potential energy at a specific point in space. It is also used in the Schrödinger equation, which describes the time evolution of a quantum system.

4. Can the potential operator be applied to any system?

Yes, the potential operator can be applied to any system that can be described by a wave function. This includes particles, atoms, and molecules, among others.

5. How do you interpret the results of applying the potential operator?

The results of applying the potential operator provide information about the potential energy of a system at a particular point in space. This can help in understanding the behavior and properties of the system under study.

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