Need help with proof for expectation value relation.

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on proving the expectation value relation \(\hbar \frac{d}{dt}\langle L\rangle = \langle N \rangle\), where \(L\) represents angular momentum and \(N\) denotes torque. The user utilized Ehrenfest's theorem and derived the equation involving the commutator \(\left[L,H\right]\). The user initially struggled with the commutator term but ultimately resolved the issue by recognizing that the angular momentum operator is time-independent, leading to the conclusion that the commutator vanishes.

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Homework Statement


I have to prove the following:
<br /> \hbar \frac{d}{dt}\langle L\rangle = \langle N \rangle<br />

Edit: L = Angular Momentum & N = Torque

Homework Equations


I used Ehrenfest's theorem, and I've got the equation in the following form:

<br /> \frac{1}{i} \left(\left[L,H\right]\right) + \hbar \left\langle \frac{\partial L}{\partial t}\right\rangle<br />

The Attempt at a Solution



I pretty much need to prove the commutator term vanishes, but I'm not sure if it does. I've done the following with the commutation:

<br /> i\hbar\frac{d}{dt}(\mathbf{r}\times\mathbf{p}) - i\hbar(\mathbf{r}\times\mathbf{p})\frac{d}{dt}<br />

<br /> -i^2\hbar^2\frac{d}{dt}(\mathbf{r}\times\mathbf{\nabla}_r) - -(i^2)\hbar^2(\mathbf{r}\times\mathbf{\nabla}_r)\frac{d}{dt}<br />

<br /> \hbar^2\frac{d}{dt}(\mathbf{r}\times\mathbf{\nabla}_r) - \hbar^2(\mathbf{r}\times\mathbf{\nabla}_r)\frac{d}{dt}<br />

<br /> \hbar^2\frac{d}{dt}\left(\epsilon_{ijk}\mathbf{r}^j\mathbf{\nabla}^k\right) - \hbar^2\left(\epsilon_{ijk}\mathbf{r}^j\mathbf{\nabla}^k\right) \frac{d}{dt}<br />

Can I switch the order of the derivatives/operators in such a way that I get the following:
<br /> \hbar^2\frac{d}{dt}\left(\epsilon_{ijk}\mathbf{r}^j\mathbf{\nabla}^k\right) - \hbar^2\frac{d}{dt}\left(\epsilon_{ijk}\mathbf{r}^j\mathbf{\nabla}^k\right) = 0<br />
 
Last edited:
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Never mind, figured it out. I forgot that the angular momentum operator is time-independent, so it disappears. Then I took the commutation of [L,H] a little differently then the way I did it above, and I got the answer.
 

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