Linear Algebra and Identity Operator Generalized to 3D

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

This discussion focuses on the application of linear algebra and the identity operator in the context of 3D quantum mechanics, particularly in relation to the hydrogen atom and particle in a box models. The user seeks clarity on the transition from 1D to 3D systems, specifically how to express arbitrary states |S(t)> using Dirac notation in three dimensions. Key formulas discussed include the identity operator ##\hat{1} = \int d^3 r | \mathbb{r}\rangle\langle \mathbb{r}|## and the completeness relation ##\delta^{(3)}\left(\mathbb{r}-\mathbb{r'}\right)=\langle \mathbb{r} | \mathbb{r'} \rangle##. The user references Sakurai's "Modern Quantum Mechanics" as a valuable resource for understanding this notation.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Dirac notation and linear algebra in quantum mechanics
  • Familiarity with 1D quantum systems, including spin-1/2 particles
  • Basic knowledge of probability theory as applied to quantum mechanics
  • Concept of projection operators in quantum states
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the application of the identity operator in 3D quantum mechanics
  • Explore the derivation of probability distributions for continuous and discrete operators
  • Review Sakurai's "Modern Quantum Mechanics" for advanced Dirac notation techniques
  • Learn about the implications of completeness relations in multi-dimensional quantum systems
USEFUL FOR

Students and professionals in quantum mechanics, particularly those transitioning from 1D to 3D systems, as well as educators seeking to clarify the use of linear algebra in quantum theory.

Electric to be
Messages
152
Reaction score
6
I'm just getting into 3D quantum mechanics in my class, as in the hydrogen atom, particle in a box etc.

But we have already been thoroughly acquainted with 1D systems, spin-1/2, dirac notation, etc.

I am trying to understand some of the subtleties of moving to 3D. In particular, for any arbitrary state

|S(t)>, in one dimension we can use the identity operator to do: |S(t)> = ∫ dx |x><x|S(t)> or ∫ dp |p><p|S(t)> , which is basically just saying we can represent our state in terms of any of the different basis states. Perhaps momentum or position representation, or perhaps something else.

Furthermore, this kind of notation can be used to "derive" the probability for continuous and discrete operators in terms of the projection operator. For example, P = | ∫dx |x><x|S(t)> |2, integrated between x = a and x = b will give the probability for finding particle between a and b.

I know how to generalize the probabilities to 3 dimensions in terms of a normal integral over x,y and z, but I just want to see how the appropriate dirac notation linear algebra looks in three dimensions, as I am having trouble deducing the identity and projection operators in 3D.

Thanks.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Identity: ##\hat{1} = \int d^3 r | \mathbb{r}\rangle\langle \mathbb{r}| ##
Completeness: ##\delta^{(3)}\left(\mathbb{r}-\mathbb{r'}\right)=\langle \mathbb{r} | \mathbb{r'} \rangle##

For a generic state ##|S \rangle=\int d^3 r |\mathbb{r}\rangle\langle \mathbb{r}| S\rangle##

From my memory Sakurai's Modern Quantum Mechanics was quite good for this notation.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
3K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 16 ·
Replies
16
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
3K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 31 ·
2
Replies
31
Views
4K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K