How to Show the Evolution of a Free Particle's Statistical Mixture?

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on the mathematical derivation of the evolution of a free particle's statistical mixture using the wave function \(\psi(r)\). The key equations involve the density function \(D(R,P)\) and the properties of the Dirac delta function. Participants aim to demonstrate that the integral of \(D(R,P)\) over \(P\) yields \(|\psi(R)|^2\) and that the time evolution of a free particle's statistical mixture behaves like that of classical particles. Additionally, the discussion seeks to establish the spreading law of a free wave packet.

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Homework Statement


With the wave function [tex]\psi(r)[/tex] of a particle, one forms the function:
[tex]D(R,P)=\frac{\int exp(-\frac{i}{\hbar} P\cdot r)\psi^*(R-r/2)\psi (R+r/2) dr}{(2\pi \hbar)^3}[/tex], which is the density in phase of a classical statistical mixture associated with this wave function, Show that:
1. [tex]\int D(R,P)dP=|\psi (R)|^2[/tex] [tex]\int D(R,P)dR=|\psi (P)|^2[/tex].
2. if the particle is free, the evolution in time of the mixture is strictly that of a statistical mixture of free classical particles of the same mass;
3. find the spreading law of a free wave packet.


Homework Equations


I think one of them is dirac delta function:
[tex]\int \frac{exp(-\frac{i}{\hbar} P\cdot r)}{(2\pi \hbar)^3}dr=\delta(r) \ \int \frac{exp(-\frac{i}{\hbar} P\cdot r)}{(2\pi \hbar)^3}dP=\delta(P)[/tex]


The Attempt at a Solution


1. So far by using the above equality I get that:
[tex]\int D(R,P)dP=\int \frac{\int exp(-\frac{i}{\hbar} P\cdot r)\psi^*(R-r/2)\psi (R+r/2) dr}{(2\pi \hbar)^3} dP=\int \psi^*(R-r/2)\psi (R+r/2) dr[/tex], I don't see how this becomes the amplitude of the wave function in the R space squared?

2. Don't know what I need to show here.

3. The same as with 2.

Any hints?
Not answers!
 
Last edited:
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Just to help you with 1, your equations are wrong - both of them depend only on r on one side of the equation and P on the other side. Fix them and redo the integration.
 
Can someone help me with questions 2,3?
 

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