Momentum Operator: Comparing p_x and p

[hyddro]

This is not really a homework problem but rather a homework-related question.. When I came across my homework (and my textbook: Atkin's physical chemistry 9th Ed.), they defined the momentum operator as:

p_x = - ( $\hbar$ / i ) * d/dx...

but i have seen in other sources that they define it as p = ( $\hbar$ * i ) * d/dx...

they multiply i rather than divide and it is also positive.. i don't known if they represent the same or not, if so.. how can you convert one to the other? Thanks and sorry if this is a very silly question..

 

[micromass]

We have

$$\frac{1}{i} = -i$$

 

[hyddro]

Thanks! I know it was something easy and silly. Thanks again.

 

[vanhees71]

The usual sign convention in physics is, however,
$$\hat{p}=-\mathrm{i} \hbar \partial_x.$$
For more details, see
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Momentum_operator