Uncertainty principle between Kinetic energy and Potential energy

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on the relationship between kinetic energy (T) and potential energy (V) through the lens of quantum mechanics, specifically using the commutator [T,V]. The user attempts to derive a principle using the uncertainty relation but encounters issues with the expression for the commutator, which leads to complications in satisfying the uncertainty principle. The correct formulation of the Heisenberg uncertainty principle involves the modulus squared of the expectation value of the commutator, which resolves the discrepancies noted in the user's calculations.

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J.Asher
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Homework Statement


Let's say T is kinetic energy and V is Potential.
Then, find a principle between T and V by using

dA^2dB^2 (larger or equal) {(1/2i)(<[A,B]>)}^2


3. The Attempt at a Solution

First I try to find commutator of T and V, [T,V]
then it gives little bit dirty expression..

[T,V] = -(h^2/2m) [ (d/dx)^2(V) + 2(d/dx)V(d/dx) ]
(Here h represents h over 2pi)
Then when I plug it into the general uncertainty principle,
i on the principle does not cancel out.
so the inequality cannot hold.

I thought that mathematically the second deravative of V(x) must be zero to fit the principle
but there is no clue. Maybe it is wrong also.

I can't go on further..
What did I wrong?
 
Last edited:
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Your principle of uncertainty formula is wrong, just by a hair.

The expectation value of the commutator is not just squared, it is the modulus squared;
i.e. it is itself times its conjugate.

I have not checked the rest, this is all on a quick glance and that's why your i factor does not cancel out.

I'll try to latex it, the right hand side of the Heisenberg inequatlity should read:

<br /> \left| \frac{1}{2i} &lt; \left[ A,B \right] &gt; \right| ^{2}<br />

which goes to:

<br /> \frac{1}{4} \left| &lt; \left[ A,B \right] &gt; \right| ^{2}<br />

Hope this was helpful, be happy and good luck.
 
Last edited:

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