Momentum Eigenstate with a non-zero potential

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the behavior of a particle in a momentum eigenstate under a non-zero potential, specifically the potential defined as c*y, where c is a constant and y is a spatial variable. It is established that if the momentum operator p does not commute with the Hamiltonian H, the momentum eigenstate will not remain an eigenstate over time. The participant expresses confusion regarding the implications of the Heisenberg equations, particularly in relation to the time dependence of the eigenvalue associated with the momentum eigenstate.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of momentum operators in quantum mechanics
  • Familiarity with Hamiltonian mechanics
  • Knowledge of Heisenberg's equations of motion
  • Concept of eigenstates and eigenvalues in quantum systems
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the implications of non-commuting operators in quantum mechanics
  • Research the effects of non-zero potentials on momentum eigenstates
  • Learn about the time evolution of quantum states using the Schrödinger equation
  • Explore the relationship between momentum eigenstates and Hamiltonian eigenstates
USEFUL FOR

Quantum mechanics students, physicists studying potential energy effects, and researchers exploring the dynamics of quantum systems with non-zero potentials.

QFT25
Messages
24
Reaction score
3

Homework Statement


Prove that if a particle starts in a momentum eigenstate it will remain forever in a eigenstate given the potential c*y where c is a constant and y is a spatial variable.

Homework Equations



(h/i)d/dx is the momentum operator and a momentum eigenstate when put in the momentum operator gives an eigenvalue times the momentum eigenstate.

The Attempt at a Solution



If p commutes with H then a eigenstate of H is an eigenstate of p always. My problem is that p does not commute with H and I always thought that you can only have momentum eigenstates for systems with with zero potential. So I'm at a loss where to begin because if I workout the Heisenberg equations I get dp/dt where p is the operator in the Heisenberg picture to be none zero. Any help will be much appreciated.[/B]
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Can an momentum eigenstate have a eigenvalue which is time dependent.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 29 ·
Replies
29
Views
3K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
3K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
2K
Replies
1
Views
2K
Replies
3
Views
2K