Particles in an energy eigenstate not moving?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the concept of particles in energy eigenstates within quantum mechanics, specifically addressing why such particles cannot be considered to be moving in a classical sense.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the interpretation of wavefunctions and their time evolution, questioning the implications of stationary states and expectation values.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided hints regarding the relationship between stationary states and the behavior of particles in energy eigenstates, while others are seeking to clarify foundational concepts related to wavefunctions.

Contextual Notes

There is an indication that the original poster may require a deeper understanding of quantum mechanics principles, particularly regarding stationary states and their characteristics.

sheelbe999
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I'm really struggling with this one guys, the question is:

Explain why a particle which is in an energy eigenstate cannot be moving in the
classical sense.
 
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What you need to know to answer this is a) the interpretation of a wavefunction, and b) how a wavefunction changes with time. (If you know that the state at t=0 is f, then what is it at arbitrary t? f(t)=(something)f, right?).

(This should probably be in the homework forum).
 
thanks and will move it

henry
 
Hints: This has to do with "stationary states".

What is a prerequisite for a stationary state? What do stationary states imply for expectation values?
 

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