Using the Schrodinger eqn in finding the momentum operator

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the derivation and understanding of the momentum operator, ##\hat p##, in the context of the Schrödinger equation. Participants explore the relationship between the momentum operator and the Hamiltonian, as well as the implications of using the Schrödinger equation in this derivation.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant notes that the Schrödinger equation does not have a formal derivation and discusses the application of the Hamiltonian operator on the wave function, leading to the expression for the momentum operator, ##\hat p = -i\hbar \frac{\partial}{\partial x}##.
  • Another participant points out that the relationship $$m\frac{d\langle x \rangle}{dt} = \langle p \rangle$$ supports the definition of the momentum operator, suggesting that this justifies the original definition of ##\hat p##.
  • Several participants express confusion about how to derive ##\hat p## without invoking the Schrödinger equation, questioning the circularity of using ##\hat p## in the Hamiltonian while also needing it to derive the momentum expectation value.
  • A participant suggests alternative motivations for defining the momentum operator, referencing external sources that discuss its origins from De Broglie waves and its role as the generator of spatial translations.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express uncertainty regarding the derivation of the momentum operator without relying on the Schrödinger equation. There is no consensus on how to resolve the apparent circularity in the definitions and derivations presented.

Contextual Notes

Participants highlight the dependence on the definitions of operators and the assumptions involved in their derivations. The discussion reflects various interpretations and motivations for the momentum operator, indicating that the topic is complex and multifaceted.

Hamiltonian
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how can we use the Schrodinger equation while finding ##\hat p## when in fact we have already used ##\hat p##(i.e. ##\hat p ^2## in the ##\hat T## term of the ##\hat H##) in the Schrodinger equation?
I have read that the Schrödinger equation has no formal derivation we are simply applying the Hamiltonian operator on the wave function
$$\hat H = i\hbar \frac{\partial}{\partial t} = \hat T + \hat V$$
here we substitute $$\hat T = \frac{\hat p^2}{2m}$$ where $$\hat p = -i \hbar \frac{\partial}{\partial x}$$
but when we derive the equation for ##\hat p## we actually substitute ##\frac{\partial \psi}{\partial t}## and ##\frac{\partial \psi *}{\partial t}## from the Schrödinger equation.

$$< p> = m\frac{d<x>}{dt} = m\int_{-\infty}^{+\infty} x\frac{\partial (\psi^*\psi)}{\partial t}$$
$$<p> = m\int_{-\infty}^{+\infty} x[\psi^*\frac{\partial \psi}{\partial t}+\psi\frac{\partial \psi^*}{\partial t}] dx$$
here we substitute ##\frac{\partial \psi}{\partial t}## and ##\frac{\partial \psi *}{\partial t}## as
$$\frac{\partial \psi}{\partial t} = \frac{i\hbar}{2m}\frac{\partial^2 \psi}{\partial x^2} -\frac{i}{\hbar} V\psi$$
$$\frac{\partial \psi^*}{\partial t} = \frac{-i\hbar}{2m}\frac{\partial^2 \psi^*}{\partial x^2} +\frac{i}{\hbar} V\psi^*$$
after some simplification we end up with
$$<p> = \int_{-\infty}^{+\infty} \psi^* (-i\hbar \frac{\partial}{\partial x})\psi dx$$
and then finally we get $$\hat p = -i\hbar \frac{\partial }{\partial x}$$
so I don't understand how we can use the Schrödinger equation while finding ##\hat p## when in fact we have already used ##\hat p##(i.e. ##\hat p ^2## in the ##\hat T## term of the ##\hat H##) in the Schrödinger equation?
this video does the derivation for the momentum operator
 
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What you appear to be showing is that$$m\frac{d\langle x \rangle}{dt} = \langle p \rangle$$ where ##\hat p = -i\hbar \frac{\partial}{\partial x}##. And that justifies the original definition of ##\hat p##.
 
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PeroK said:
What you appear to be showing is that$$m\frac{d\langle x \rangle}{dt} = \langle p \rangle$$ where ##\hat p = -i\hbar \frac{\partial}{\partial x}##. And that justifies the original definition of ##\hat p##.
how exactly do we find ##\hat p## without using the Schrödinger equation? by finding ##\hat p## I mean how do we arrive at ##\hat p = -i\hbar \frac{\partial}{\partial x}##. I thought the only way of arriving at this would be by using ##m\frac{d<x>}{dt} = <p>## but when we use this approach we need to use the Schrödinger equation but the KE energy term in the Hamiltonian is already using ##\hat p = -i\hbar \frac{\partial}{\partial x}##
 
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Hamiltonian299792458 said:
how exactly do we find ##\hat p## without using the Schrödinger equation? by finding ##\hat p## I mean how do we arrive at ##\hat p = -i\hbar \frac{\partial}{\partial x}##. I thought the only way of arriving at this would be by using ##m\frac{d<x>}{dt} = <p>## but when we use this approach we need to use the Schrödinger equation but the KE energy term in the Hamiltonian is already using ##\hat p = -i\hbar \frac{\partial}{\partial x}##
There are ways to motivate the definition of momentum. For example:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Momentum_operator#Origin_from_De_Broglie_plane_waves

And also on that page momentum as the generator of spatial translations (this is done in Sakurai's book).
 
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