Solve Griffith's Problem 1.12: Ehrenfest's Theorem

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on Griffith's Problem 1.12, specifically calculating the time derivative of the expectation value of momentum, represented as \(\frac{d\left}{dt}\). The solution is derived using the equation \(\frac{d\left}{dt} = -i\hbar \int \left( \frac{\partial\Psi^*}{\partial t} \frac{\partial\Psi}{\partial x} + \Psi^* \frac{\partial^2 \Psi}{\partial t \partial x} \right) dx\). Participants debated the simplification of this expression and the potential need for integration by parts. Ultimately, the original poster confirmed they arrived at the correct answer.

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stunner5000pt
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Homework Statement


Griffith's problem 1.12
Calculate d\left<p\right>/dt.

Answer \frac{d\left<p\right>}{dt} = \left<\frac{dV}{dx}\right>

2. The attempt at a solution

so we know that

\left<p\right> = -i\hbar \int \left(\Psi^* \frac{d\Psi}{dx}\right) dx

so then

\frac{d\left<p\right>}{dt} = -i\hbar \int \left( \frac{\partial\Psi^*}{\partial t} \frac{\partial\Psi}{\partial x} + \Psi^* \frac{\partial^2 \Psi}{\partial t \partial x} \right) dx

im not quite sure if one can simplify this further ... i mean we can't integrate wrt x because all the terms in the integrand have x dependance... don't they?? Should i intergate by parts to proceed??

I think a couple of extra terms would be required, no?

Thanks for the help!
 
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Now there is this famous equation for \frac{\partial \Psi}{\partial t}, what's it called again... :smile:
 
da_willem said:
Now there is this famous equation for \frac{\partial \Psi}{\partial t}, what's it called again... :smile:

shhhhhhhhh you

i got the required answer anyway

thansk for your help :-p
 

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