Time-Dependant Schro Composite System

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on the time-dependent Schrödinger equation represented as a product of two independent wave functions, specifically in the context of a Hamiltonian composed of two parts: \(\widehat{H}(x_{1},x_{2}) = \widehat{H_{1}}(x_{1}) + \widehat{H_{2}}(x_{2})\). Participants attempted to show that the product form \(\psi(x_{1},x_{2}) = \psi_{1}(x_{1},t)\psi_{2}(x_{2},t)\) is a solution to the equation \(a\partial\psi/\partial t = \widehat{H}\psi\). The discussion reveals challenges in correctly applying separation of variables and interpreting the Hamiltonian's action on the product wave function, leading to a critical examination of dimensional consistency in the equations.

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Homework Statement


Given:
[tex]a\partial\psi/\partial t = \widehat{H}\psi[/tex]

Consider a is an unspecified constant. Show this equation has the following property. Let [tex]\widehat{H}[/tex] be the Hamiltonian of the system composed of two independent parts:
[tex]\widehat{H}(x_{1},x_{2}) = \widehat{H_{1}}(x_{1}) + \widehat{H_{2}}(x_{2})[/tex]

and the stationary states of the composite system are:
[tex]\psi(x_{1},x_{2}) = \psi_{1}(x_{1},t)\psi_{2}(x_{2},t)[/tex]

Show that this product form is a solution to the preceding equation for the given Hamiltonian.


2. The attempt at a solution
I have a feeling this is the wrong starting point but I do this (I assume I can use separation of variables)

[tex]\psi(x_{1},x_{2}) = \psi_{1}(x_{1},t)\psi_{2}(x_{2},t) = \vartheta_{1}(x_{1})T_{1}(t)\vartheta_{2}(x_{2})T_{2}(t)[/tex]


After plugging that into the first equation and some algebra I separate the variables and then set them equal to some constant E. I then have:

[tex]\partial/\partial t (T_{1}T_{2}) = (1/a)ET_{1}T_{2}[/tex]

and

[tex]\widehat{H}_{1}\vartheta_{1} + \widehat{H}_{2}\vartheta_{2} = E\vartheta_{1}\vartheta_{2}[/tex]

and from here, assuming I did everything correctly, I don't know how to continue.
 
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** Edit ** Removed incorrect answer.
 
Last edited:
I interpret

[tex] \widehat{H}(x_{1},x_{2}) = \widehat{H_{1}}(x_{1}) + \widehat{H_{2}}(x_{2})[/tex]

to mean that

[tex] \widehat{H}(\vartheta_{1}\vartheta_{2}) = \vartheta_{2}\widehat{H_{1}}(\vartheta_{1}) + \vartheta_{1}\widehat{H_{2}}(\vartheta_{2})[/tex]

Your interpretation is dimensionally incorrect, if nothing else. This should make a difference.
 

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