Using symmetry of action to find the constant of motion

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on applying Noether's theorem to find the constant of motion in the context of a symmetry transformation involving the wave function, represented as ## e^{i \alpha }\psi ##. The transformation indicates that the action remains invariant, confirming its symmetry. Participants emphasize the importance of treating the problem as a variational one in time and suggest that understanding the Noether procedure is crucial for deriving the constants of motion effectively. Additionally, the discussion highlights the need to consider boundary terms during the variational procedure, which can introduce additional conserved quantities.

PREREQUISITES
  • Noether's theorem
  • Variational calculus
  • Euler-Lagrange equations
  • Quantum mechanics wave functions
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  • Study the Noether procedure in detail
  • Learn about variational principles in quantum mechanics
  • Explore boundary conditions in variational calculus
  • Investigate conserved quantities and their physical implications
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Students and researchers in theoretical physics, particularly those studying quantum mechanics, variational calculus, and symmetries in physical systems.

Pushoam
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Homework Statement


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The Attempt at a Solution


I need help in solving second part of this question.
I put ## e^{i \alpha }\psi ## instead of ##\psi ## and got to see that the integrand doesn't change which means the given transformation is a symmetry of the given action. But how to use this information to find out constant of motion?
I have seen a lot of pdf which talk of the transformation ## \psi ## going to ## \psi + \epsilon \eta (x) ##. Since, the transformation given in this problem is different. I do not know with what I should start.
 

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Two big hints here... the phrase "treating it as a variational problem in t" and "show that the Noether procedure leads to..." You need to study up on that procedure. I suggest you come back here with more specific questions about that procedure if you're stuck.

I think basically your instructor wants you to show that you understand Noether's proof of her celebrated theorem by applying it in this specific example. Also note that when you carry out the variational procedure (the one usually executed to derive the Euler Lagrange equations of motion) you will get some boundary terms which you need not assume go away. We usually assert \delta t, \delta x are zero on the boundary region. I vaguely recall relaxing this assumption leads to some interesting additional terms having to do with fluxes of conserved quantities across the boundary. But let me emphasize the "vaguely" in that sentence.
 
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