QM: Difference between these Initial Wavefunctions

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on the differences between two initial wavefunctions in quantum mechanics: ##\Psi(x,0) = Ae^{\frac{-x^2}{2\sigma ^2}}## and ##\Psi(x,0) = Be^{\frac{-x^2}{2\sigma ^2}}e^{\frac{ipx}{\hbar}}##. The inclusion of the term ##e^{ipx}## introduces a nonzero expectation value of momentum, resulting in a wavepacket that propagates in one direction with a specific velocity, contrasting with the symmetric behavior of the Gaussian wavepacket. The steps to analyze these wavefunctions include normalization, Fourier transformation, and applying the inverse Fourier transform using the equation ##\int \frac{\tilde{\psi}}{\sqrt{2\pi}} e^{i(kx - \frac{\hbar k^2}{2m} t)}##.

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Homework Statement



I've been asked as a part of some school project to find the Fourier transform, and time evolution of the following initial wavefunctions:

1. ##\Psi(x,0) = Ae^{\frac{-x^2}{2\sigma ^2}}##
2. ##\Psi(x,0) = Be^{\frac{-x^2}{2\sigma ^2}}e^{\frac{ipx}{\hbar}}##

What physical difference does the ##e^{ipx}## term make?

To find the time evolution of 1 and 2, do I follow the following steps?
1. Normalize them
2. Find their Fourier transform
3. Plug it into their inverse Fourier transform ##\int \frac{\tilde{\psi}}{\sqrt{2\pi}} e^{i(kx - \frac{\hbar k^2}{2m} t)}##

I was told to take ##\hbar = 1## and therefore ##p = k##

Assistance is greatly appreciated

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution

 
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The factor ##e^{ipx}## gives the wavepacket a nonzero expectation value of momentum. So, it's a wavepacket that is "shot" to one direction with a certain velocity, unlike the real-valued Gaussian wavepacket that spreads to both directions equally fast.
 
hilbert2 said:
The factor ##e^{ipx}## gives the wavepacket a nonzero expectation value of momentum. So, it's a wavepacket that is "shot" to one direction with a certain velocity, unlike the real-valued Gaussian wavepacket that spreads to both directions equally fast.

Thanks for the response!

So is it right to think of this as a Gaussian wavepacket with some initial "average" momentum?

Edit:

I'd also like to ask about the ##p## terms in (2) and the Fourier transform ##\frac{1}{\sqrt{2\pi}} \int \Psi(x,0) e^{-ipx}dp##. Are they the same thing? If not, what do they mean?
 
Last edited:

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