Using the principle of conservation of energy

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a problem related to quantum mechanics, specifically involving the Hamiltonian formulation where kinetic and potential energy are considered. The original poster is attempting to draw an analogy between the conservation of energy in quantum mechanics and Newton's laws of motion.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Problem interpretation, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster describes their approach using the Hamiltonian and expresses uncertainty about its correctness. Some participants question the clarity of the original poster's work and suggest that there may be a misunderstanding regarding the potential energy term.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants providing feedback on the original poster's work. There is a recognition of a potential mistake in the differentiation of the potential energy, which has prompted further clarification and exploration of the concepts involved.

Contextual Notes

Participants note that the original poster has provided a photograph of their work instead of a typed explanation, which has led to some comments about the length and clarity of the submission. There is also a mention of dimensional analysis as a tool for checking the work presented.

Just_some_guy
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Hi all,

I'm not 100% sure this belongs in this topic but it was a problem I was given in a quantum mechanics lecture so here goes, sorry if I am wrong.Anyway I was given a hamiltonian H= T+VWhere T is kinetic energy and av is potential, and asked to use

dH/dt= 0

to find an analogy between it and Newtons laws, now my work is far to long to post using the usual method so I have attached a photograph of all my work I hope it is clear what I have done, I just want to know if this is the correct approach or I have somehow magically confused myself into what seems to be a reasonable answer :)
ImageUploadedByPhysics Forums1412978714.668321.jpg


Thanks for any help
 
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Just_some_guy said:
now my work is far to long to post using the usual method so I have attached a photograph of all my work
Let's be honest. It's not too long; you're just too lazy to type it in.
 
Ok fair enough! I'm using u phone so I find it much better to post photographs
 
V = V(x) so ##{\partial V\over \partial t} = 0##. However, that's not what you have in your relevant equation. From that (and from any first-grader dimensional analysis) you want ##{\partial V\over \partial x}## there. Coming close to Newton already ?
 
So potential between that a and 0 is not 0?
 
I'm not sure I follow what you are saying?
 
He's saying there's a mistake in the fifth line of your work.
 
Ah I see it! I have dV(x)/dt

Rather than what I should have which is

dV(x)/dx
 

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