Is exp (- mod(x)/a) an eigenfunction of momentum?

Thread starter sachi
Start date Dec 16, 2005
Tags

Eigenfunctions Momentum

In summary, momentum eigenfunctions are mathematical functions that describe a particle's state in terms of its momentum, and they are solutions to the Schrödinger equation in quantum mechanics. They are significant because they allow us to determine a particle's momentum with certainty and play a key role in understanding quantum behavior. They are also related to momentum operators, which act on them to determine a particle's momentum. All particles have momentum eigenfunctions, but the specific form depends on their properties. These eigenfunctions can change over time as a particle's momentum changes.

Dec 16, 2005

sachi

Is exp (- mod(x)/a) an eigenfunction of momentum. I know that this is not differentiable at x = 0, but does this completely disqualify it from being a momentum eigenfunction?

Physics news on Phys.org

Dec 16, 2005

Physics Monkey

Science Advisor

Homework Helper

That state doesn't have the same derivative above and below zero, so clearly it isn't a momentum eigenstate.

What are momentum eigenfunctions?

Momentum eigenfunctions are mathematical functions that describe the state of a particle in terms of its momentum. They are solutions to the Schrödinger equation in quantum mechanics.

What is the significance of momentum eigenfunctions?

Momentum eigenfunctions are significant because they allow us to determine the momentum of a particle with certainty. They also play a crucial role in understanding the behavior of particles at the quantum level.

How are momentum eigenfunctions related to momentum operators?

Momentum eigenfunctions are eigenfunctions of the momentum operator, which is a mathematical operator that describes the momentum of a particle. The momentum operator acts on a momentum eigenfunction to determine the momentum of the particle.

Do all particles have momentum eigenfunctions?

Yes, all particles have momentum eigenfunctions. However, the specific form of the momentum eigenfunction will depend on the properties of the particle, such as its mass and energy.

Can momentum eigenfunctions change over time?

Yes, momentum eigenfunctions can change over time. This is because particles can have different momenta at different points in time, and the momentum eigenfunction will reflect that change.