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pzona
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Quick question about how Schrodinger constructed the momentum operator. I understand that [tex]\widehat{H}[/tex] in the wave equation is the sum of the kinetic and potential operators, using the form H=T+V. The kinetic energy can be expressed by T=p^2/2m, and that's the last part I can follow. Most sources then give the momentum operator as a "substitution" which gives p [tex]\rightarrow[/tex] i[tex]\hbar[/tex][tex]\nabla[/tex]. I have absolutely no idea where this comes from (I've yet to take a formal math class on anything beyond basic calculus, maybe this is the problem), could anyone provide some information on this?