Troubleshooting a Wrong Multiplying 2nd Equation

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the application of Dirac notation in quantum mechanics, specifically focusing on the manipulation of equations involving inner products and integrals. The original poster is attempting to understand a misstep in their calculations related to the expression W=ψ(x)∫Φ*(x')dx'.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the relationship between the integral of the complex conjugate of a wave function and its representation in Dirac notation. Questions arise regarding the treatment of integrals and inner products, with some participants attempting to clarify the distinction between these concepts.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively engaging with the original poster's confusion, providing insights into the nature of Dirac notation and the implications of their calculations. There is a recognition of a mistake in the handling of inner products, and some guidance has been offered to clarify the misunderstanding.

Contextual Notes

There is an ongoing examination of the assumptions made in the original calculations, particularly concerning the treatment of dummy variables and the identity in Dirac notation. The discussion reflects a collaborative effort to unpack the complexities of the problem without arriving at a definitive solution.

n.easwaranand
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Homework Statement
Write in Dirac notation for
W=ψ(x)∫Φ*(x')dx'
Relevant Equations
1. ψ(x)=<x|Ψ>
2. <Φ|=∫<Φ|x><x|dx
Can't figure out what is wrong with my solution.
Multiplying 2nd equation with |x'> to get <Φ|x'>=∫<Φ|x'><x'|x'>dx' = ∫Φ*(x')dx'
So,
W=ψ(x)∫Φ*(x')dx' = <x|Ψ><Φ|x'>

But this is wrong. Not sure what is final answer.
 
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n.easwaranand said:
Homework Statement:: Write in Dirac notation for
W=ψ(x)∫Φ*(x')dx'
Relevant Equations:: 1. ψ(x)=<x|Ψ>
2. <Φ|=∫<Φ|x><x|dx

Can't figure out what is wrong with my solution.
Multiplying 2nd equation with |x'> to get <Φ|x'>=∫<Φ|x'><x'|x'>dx' = ∫Φ*(x')dx'
So,
W=ψ(x)∫Φ*(x')dx' = <x|Ψ><Φ|x'>

But this is wrong. Not sure what is final answer.
What happened to the integral?
 
PeroK said:
What happened to the integral?
This integral ∫Φ*(x')dx' is expressed as <Φ|x'> .
 
n.easwaranand said:
This integral ∫Φ*(x')dx' is expressed as <Φ|x'> .
The Dirac construction ##\langle \phi | x' \rangle## is the inner product of the state bra ##\langle \phi |## with the position eigenstate ket ##|x' \rangle##. This corresponds to the complex conjugate of the position space wave-function for the state ##|\phi \rangle##, evaluated at the point ##x'##:
$$\langle \phi | x' \rangle = \phi(x')^*$$
It's not an integral. In fact, it's just the complex conjugate of the equation from your OP:

n.easwaranand said:
Relevant Equations:: 1. ψ(x)=<x|Ψ>
 
PeroK said:
The Dirac construction ##\langle \phi | x' \rangle## is the inner product of the state bra ##\langle \phi |## with the position eigenstate ket ##|x' \rangle##. This corresponds to the complex conjugate of the position space wave-function for the state ##|\phi \rangle##, evaluated at the point ##x'##:
$$\langle \phi | x' \rangle = \phi(x')^*$$
It's not an integral. In fact, it's just the complex conjugate of the equation from your OP:
In that case, what would be the answer? ψ(x)∫Φ*(x')dx' = <x|Ψ>∫<Φ|x'>dx'
 
n.easwaranand said:
In that case, what would be the answer? ψ(x)∫Φ*(x')dx' = <x|Ψ>∫<Φ|x'>dx'
Yes, that's it.
 
n.easwaranand said:
Multiplying 2nd equation with |x'> to get <Φ|x'>=∫<Φ|x'><x'|x'>dx' = ∫Φ*(x')dx'
Let me show you what went wrong here.
$$\langle \phi| = \langle \phi | (\int dx' |x'\rangle \langle x'|) = \int dx' \langle \phi |x'\rangle \langle x'|$$$$\langle \phi|x \rangle = \int dx' \langle \phi |x'\rangle \langle x'|x \rangle = \int dx' \langle \phi |x'\rangle \delta(x' - x) = \langle \phi |x\rangle $$
And you should end up with an identity.
 
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PeroK said:
Let me show you what went wrong here.
$$\langle \phi| = \langle \phi | (\int dx' |x'\rangle \langle x'|) = \int dx' \langle \phi |x'\rangle \langle x'|$$$$\langle \phi|x \rangle = \int dx' \langle \phi |x'\rangle \langle x'|x \rangle = \int dx' \langle \phi |x'\rangle \delta(x' - x) = \langle \phi |x\rangle $$
And you should end up with an identity.
I see. I just took the innerproduct with the dummy variable ! Now, I realize my mistake. Thanks a lot, that makes quite clear to me.
 

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