Quantum mechanics relation between p, λ, E, f in a wave

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around quantum mechanics, specifically the relationships between momentum, wavelength, energy, and frequency in the context of wave behavior on a string. The original poster presents a problem involving wave equations, energy density, and power calculations, while also integrating quantum relations into the wave equation.

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  • Mixed

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the substitution of quantum relations for momentum and energy into the wave equation. Questions arise regarding the Lorentz transformations of the variables involved, with some participants attempting to recall or derive the transformations relevant to the discussion.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants actively engaging in the exploration of quantum mechanics and relativity concepts. Some guidance is provided regarding the form of the wave equation and the transformations, but there is no explicit consensus on the application of these concepts yet.

Contextual Notes

Participants note that they have not yet covered certain topics, such as Lorentz transformations, in their studies, which may affect their ability to fully engage with the problem at hand.

Samuelriesterer
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Problem statement, equations, and work done:

In quantum mechanics, there is a relation between momentum and wavelength and between energy and frequency. These are:

##p=\hbar k = \frac{h}{\lambda}##
##E = hf = \hbar \omega##

A wave with an amplitude of 10cm is traveling on a string in the +x direction. The distance between wave crests (tops of oscillations) is 0.5 meters and the string oscillates up and down with a period of 0.10 seconds.

[1] Calculate the wavelength, write the equation for the wave and calculate the wave speed.

##T=0.1 s##
##f = 10 Hz##
##\lambda = 0.5 m##
##A = 10 cm##
##k = \frac{2\pi}{\lambda} = 12.566##
##v = \frac{\lambda}{T} = 5 m/s##
##\omega = 2\pi f = 62.8 rad/sec##
##y(x,t) = A sin(kx - \omega t) = 10 sin(12.566x – 62.8t)##

[2] If the tension in the string is 0.01N, determine the mass per unit length of the string.

##F_t = \mu v^2 → \mu = \frac{F_T}{v^2} = \frac{0.01 N}{(5 m/s)^2} = 0.0004 kg/m##

[3] Use the quantum relations above to substitute momentum and energy for k and ω in the wave equation,; make sure to put the constant in the right places.

##p = \hbar k = \frac{h}{\lambda}##
##E = h f = \hbar \omega##
##k = \frac{p}{\hbar} = \frac{h}{\lambda \hbar}##
##\omega = \frac{E}{\hbar} = \frac{h}{f \hbar}##
##Asin(kx-\omega t) = A sin (\frac{px}{\hbar} - \frac{Et}{\hbar}) = Asin (\frac{hx}{\lambda \hbar} - \frac{ht}{f \hbar})##

[4] Show that kx-ωt is invariant under the Lorentz transformation. That is, with the E and p substitutions, show that, for an observer moving in the direction of wave travel, transforming x,t,E and p produces the same expression as in the original frame. It is helpful to think of vectors and dot products here.

OK this is where I am stuck.

[5] Waves carry energy from place to place. To calculate the energy density and power of a wave, start with Power = F•v. Using the note posted to the Canvas Syllabus on the speed of a wave on a string, show that the power is equal to:

##P = F_y \cdot v_y = -F_T tan(\theta) \cdot \frac{\partial y}{\partial t}##

Next, use:
##tan(\theta) = \frac{\partial y}{\partial t}##

to get:
##P = -F_T \frac{\partial y}{\partial x} \frac{\partial y}{\partial t}##

Given y = Asin(kx-ωt), calculate the two partial derivatives and write the full expression for the power. Eliminate FT using v2 = FT/μ and substitute for one of the velocity terms the correct combination of wave parameters ω and k.

Finally for the power, calculate the average power during one cycle by calculating the average of cosine squared over one period.

##f_{average} = <f> = \frac{1}{b-a} \int_a^b f(x) dx##
##<cos^2 (\theta)> = \frac{1}{2\pi} \int 0^{2\pi} cos^2(\theta) d\theta##

The graph attached may be of help in determining that average value.

[6] Lastly, to get the energy density, use the power as the energy delivered per unit time, so E(Δt) = P Δt and the energy density will be the energy per unit length of string , so Energy density u = E(Δt)/Δx. Carry out these steps to get an expression for the energy density of a wave on a string.
 

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Samuelriesterer said:
Use the quantum relations above to substitute momentum and energy for k and ω
I think the form wanted is this one:
##A sin (\frac{px}{\hbar} - \frac{Et}{\hbar})##
Samuelriesterer said:
transforming x,t,E and p
What are the Lorentz transformations for those variables?
 
I think I see something but we haven’t got that far in the Lorentz transformations. So would it be:

##x’ =\gamma (x-vt)##
##t’= \gamma (t - \frac{v}{c^2} x)##
##p=\gamma mv##
##E=\gamma mc^2##
 
Samuelriesterer said:
I think I see something but we haven’t got that far in the Lorentz transformations. So would it be:

##x’ =\gamma (x-vt)##
##t’= \gamma (t - \frac{v}{c^2} x)##
##p=\gamma mv##
##E=\gamma mc^2##
I guess so. (Never studied either quantum theory or relativity myself.)
 

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