U(0)=0 for real expectation values of momentum

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SUMMARY

The expectation value of the radial momentum operator, defined as ## p_r \rightarrow \frac{\hbar}{i}\left ( \frac{\partial }{\partial r} + \frac{1}{r}\right ) ##, must be real for the wave function ## \psi ##. This requires that the radial wave function satisfies the condition ## u(0)=0 ##. To demonstrate this, one should express the expectation value in position space using spherical coordinates and apply integration by parts effectively.

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rtellez700
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Homework Statement


The position-space representation of the radial component of the momentum operator is given by
## p_r \rightarrow \frac{\hbar}{i}\left ( \frac{\partial }{\partial r} + \frac{1}{r}\right ) ##

Show that for its expectation value to be real:## \left \langle \psi|p_r|\psi \right \rangle = \left \langle \psi|p_r|\psi \right \rangle ^{*}##, the radial wave function must satisfy the condition ##u(0)=0##. Suggestion: Express the expectation value in position space in spherical coordinates and integrate by parts.

Homework Equations


##u(r)=r*R(r)##

The Attempt at a Solution


I think this can be solved for a general \psi but I'm having a hard time figuring out where the integration by parts would even come into play. Any insight on how to approach this problem would be appreciated.
 
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rtellez700 said:
Suggestion: Express the expectation value in position space in spherical coordinates
Where did you follow that suggestion?
 

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