Operators implementation with operators

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the implementation of wave functions with operators in quantum mechanics, specifically focusing on the momentum operator and its application to wave functions. Participants explore the mathematical relationships and implications of using operators on wave functions, as well as the concept of numerical solutions in this context.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant proposes the relationship p(hat)ψ = pψ, suggesting this holds for the momentum operator applied to a wave function.
  • Another participant challenges this by stating that the relationship only holds if ψ is an eigenfunction of the momentum operator, noting that the proposed wave function is a superposition of different eigenfunctions.
  • A participant expresses uncertainty regarding the term "numerical solution," asking if it refers to specific numerical values for the wave function.
  • Another participant clarifies that to determine a value for ψ, one must know the position x and other constants, emphasizing the normalization condition for wave functions.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the application of the momentum operator to the wave function, with no consensus reached on the validity of the initial relationship proposed. The discussion on numerical solutions also remains unresolved, with varying interpretations presented.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations in the assumptions made about the wave function and its properties, particularly regarding normalization and the conditions under which the momentum operator applies. The discussion also reflects a dependence on the definitions of eigenfunctions and numerical solutions.

AleksanderPhy
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Hello I may make some mistakes because I am not professional at physics:smile:.So I want to know how to
implementate wave function with operators example:p(hat) impletated with ψ so: p(hat)ψ=pψ so as you saw it was momentum operator and momentum operator is:-iħ∂/∂x as you saw it is one diemensional momentum operator.So we have ψ one dimensional so we have ψ(x) and ψ(x)=A sin(kx)+B cos(kx) and we have -iħ∂/∂x A sin(kx)+B cos(kx) is it right and does implement wave function with operator have numeral solution?
 
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AleksanderPhy said:
p(hat)ψ=pψ
That's only true if ##\psi## is an eigenfunction of the momentum operator, but since in your problem you seem to have assumed that ##\psi(x) = A\sin kx + B\cos kx## which is a superposition of different momentum operator eigenfunctions, your relation "p(hat)ψ=pψ" cannot hold anymore. If what you want is just to operate ##i\hbar \partial/\partial x## on to ##\psi(x)## then just do as the operator told you, that is , partial differentiation.
AleksanderPhy said:
does implement wave function with operator have numerical solution?
I'm not sure what you meant by "numerical solution". Since it is a function (in position space), you can always calculate its value at any given point ##x##.
 
Thank you that information helped me a lot.On numerical solution I thoughte like that ψ=3.62 or some other imaginary- and negative- number
 
AleksanderPhy said:
On numerical solution I thoughte like that ψ=3.62 or some other imaginary- and negative- number
Your wavefunction is a function of x, to say that ##\psi## has certain value you need to know x (and the other constants). Moreover for real ##\psi## at some point ##x##, its value cannot be bigger than one as the wavefunction must be normalized.
 
Your information helped me a lot thank you very much(;
 

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