Time dependence of scalar product

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on demonstrating the time independence of the scalar product in quantum mechanics. The key equation derived is \(\frac{d}{dt}\int\Psi^{*}_{1}(x,t)\Psi_{2}(x,t)dx = 0\), which leads to the expression \(\frac{i}{\hbar}\int\left(\Psi^{*}_{1}\widehat{H}\Psi_{2}-\Psi_{2}\widehat{H}\Psi^{*}_{1}\right)dx\). The error identified involves the Hermitian properties of the operator \(\widehat{H}\), specifically that the Hermitian conjugate of \(\Psi^*_1 \widehat{H} \Psi_2\) remains \(\Psi^*_1 \widehat{H} \Psi_2\), thus correcting the final expression to \(\frac{i}{\hbar}\int\left(\Psi^{*}_{1}(\widehat{H}\Psi_{2})-(\widehat{H}\Psi^{*}_{1})\Psi_{2}\right)dx\).

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of quantum mechanics principles, particularly the Schrödinger equation.
  • Familiarity with the concept of Hermitian operators in quantum mechanics.
  • Knowledge of scalar products and their properties in Hilbert spaces.
  • Proficiency in calculus, specifically integration techniques in the context of physics.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the properties of Hermitian operators in quantum mechanics.
  • Learn about the time-dependent Schrödinger equation and its implications for quantum states.
  • Explore the concept of scalar products in Hilbert spaces and their significance in quantum theory.
  • Investigate the role of operators in quantum mechanics, focusing on their Hermitian properties.
USEFUL FOR

Quantum physicists, students of quantum mechanics, and researchers focusing on the mathematical foundations of quantum theory will benefit from this discussion.

Shredface
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How do I show that the scalar product is time independent?

I have: [tex]\frac{d}{dt}\int\Psi^{*}_{1}(x,t)\Psi_{2}(x,t)dx = 0[/tex]

And have proceeded to take the derivatives inside the integral and using the time dependent Schrödinger eq. ending up with:

[tex]\frac{i}{\hbar}\int\left(\Psi^{*}_{1}\widehat{H}\Psi_{2}-\Psi_{2}\widehat{H}\Psi^{*}_{1}\right)dx[/tex]

Using the Hermitian properties of [tex]\widehat{H}[/tex] I then got to:

[tex]\frac{i}{\hbar}\int\left(\Psi^{*}_{1}\widehat{H}\Psi_{2} - \Psi_{1}\widehat{H}\Psi^{*}_{2}\right)dx[/tex]

Either these two terms equivalent meaning they cancel and I have my result or I've made a drastic error somewhere. Can anyone help me out?
 
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Your last step is wrong. The hermitian conjugate of [tex]\Psi^*_1 H|\Psi_2[/tex] is [tex]\Psi^*_1 H|\Psi_2[/tex].
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Last edited:
[tex] \frac{i}{\hbar}\int\left(\Psi^{*}_{1}\widehat{H}\Psi_{2}-\Psi_{2}\widehat{H}\Psi^{*}_{1}\right)dx[/tex]

should read

[tex] \frac{i}{\hbar}\int\left(\Psi^{*}_{1}(\widehat{H}\Psi_{2})-(\widehat{H}\Psi^{*}_{1})\Psi_{2}\right)dx[/tex]

hermiticy:

[tex] \int \psi _1 ^* (\hat{O} \psi _2 ) \, dx = \int (\hat{O}\psi _1 )^* \psi _2 \, dx [/tex]
gives
[tex] - \frac{i}{\hbar}\int\left( (\widehat{H}\Psi_{1})^{*}\Psi_{2}-(\widehat{H}\Psi^{*}_{1})\Psi_{2}\right)dx[/tex]
 

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