Time partial derivative of a wave function

In summary, the conversation is discussing the probability of finding a particle in a constant state with time, and the equation for this probability holds for all states. It is then mentioned that the time derivative operator is an anti-hermitian operator, but when considering any hermitian operator, the rate of change of that observable is not necessarily conserved in all situations. The speaker then realizes their mistake and acknowledges that time derivative is not an operator on the Hilbert space. They are advised to work out their argument with x instead of t to better understand the difference.
  • #1
NeroKid
44
0
the probability of finding particle is a constant with time <ψ|[itex]\partialψ[/itex]/[itex]\partial(t)[/itex]> = -<[itex]\partialψ[/itex]/[itex]\partial(t)[/itex]|ψ> , the equation holds for all ψ so the time derivative operator is an anti-hermitian operator, but then consider any hermitian operator A, the rate of change of A is d(<ψ|Aψ>)/dt = <[itex]\partialψ[/itex]/[itex]\partial(t)[/itex]|Aψ>+<ψ|[itex]\partial(Aψ)[/itex]/[itex]\partial(t)[/itex]> , interchange the anti hermitian operator for the first one the equation equals to 0 which means every observable is conserved in all situation and it's clearly wrong, so where did I think wrong? Please show me
 
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  • #2
What your derivation is trying to say is that the time derivative of the expectation value of an observable in an arbitray pure state is time independent iff the commutator between the hamiltonian and the observable in that pure state is 0, thing which is a pretty standard result of the theory.
 
  • #3
yes but that is what after you change frome time derivative to hamiltonian , what i was trying to say is that because the time derivative is anti-hermitian it has the form < f|Ag> = - <Af|g> so any observable is conserved
 
  • #5
NeroKid,
In your attempt to prove that time derivative is an anti-hermitian operator on the Hilbert space, you tacitly take for granted that time derivative is at least an operator on the Hilbert space. However, that is wrong. The time derivative is not an operator on the Hilbert space. This is because states in the Hilbert space are functions of x, not functions of x and t. The parameter t is an external parameter, not associated with the Hilbert space.

If you are still confused, try to work out your argument with x instead of t. Do you see a difference?
 
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  • #6
ok I see now tks a lot
 

1. What is a time partial derivative of a wave function?

A time partial derivative of a wave function is a mathematical operation that calculates the rate of change of a wave function with respect to time. It is used to describe the behavior of a quantum system as it evolves over time.

2. What is the significance of the time partial derivative in quantum mechanics?

The time partial derivative is significant in quantum mechanics because it allows us to understand how a quantum system changes over time. This helps us to make predictions about the behavior of particles and their interactions.

3. How is the time partial derivative related to the Schrödinger equation?

The Schrödinger equation is a fundamental equation in quantum mechanics that describes the time evolution of a quantum system. The time partial derivative is one of the terms in this equation, and it represents the change in the wave function with respect to time.

4. Can the time partial derivative of a wave function be negative?

Yes, the time partial derivative of a wave function can be negative. This indicates that the wave function is decreasing over time, which may correspond to a particle moving in the opposite direction or a decrease in the amplitude of the wave.

5. How is the time partial derivative of a wave function measured in experiments?

The time partial derivative of a wave function cannot be directly measured in experiments. However, its effects can be observed through changes in the wave function, such as changes in the position or momentum of a particle. These changes can be measured using various experimental techniques in quantum mechanics.

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