Quantum Mechanics Complex Wave Question

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on the complex wave function Psi(x,y,t) = exp[i(kxCosA + kySinA - wt)], where the user seeks to calculate the wavelength, phase velocity, and direction of motion. The wavelength is determined using the formula λ = 2π/k, while the phase velocity is calculated with v = ω/λ. The user expresses difficulty in starting the problem due to the multi-dimensional nature of the wave function, indicating a need for understanding partial derivatives in this context.

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  • Understanding of complex wave functions in quantum mechanics
  • Familiarity with wave properties such as wavelength and phase velocity
  • Knowledge of vector notation and operations in physics
  • Ability to perform partial derivatives
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Homework Statement



Consider the complex wave of amplitude;

Psi(x,y,t) = exp[i(kxCosA + kySinA - wt)]

Calculate the wavelength, phase velocity v, and direction of motion of this wave.


Homework Equations



Phase vel = wave length/ period or w/k


The Attempt at a Solution



My problem here is that this is the first wave function that I've dealt with that propogates through x, y and time. I don't know how to find the wavelength of a wave when given it's wave function. I can find the probability of it being in a certain region, or it's average position. I guess since I'm given an x, y, and time term that I'll be doing partial derivatives, especially for the phase velocity section, but my biggest problem here is not being able to even start off the problem.
 
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[tex]\vec{r}=\left(\begin{array}{c} x \\y\end{array}\right)[/tex]

[tex]\vec{k}=k \left(\begin{array}{c} \cos A \\ \sin A \end{array}\right)[/tex]

(note that [tex]\| \vec{k} \| = k[/tex] )

[tex]\Psi (x,y,t)=\exp \left(k x \cos A + k y \sin A - \omega t \right) \Leftrightarrow \Psi(\vec{r},t)=\exp \left(\vec{k}.\vec{r} - \omega t \right)[/tex]

We still have:

[tex]\lambda = \frac{2\pi}{k}[/tex]

and

[tex]v = \frac{\omega}{\lambda}[/tex]
 

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