I Using the Schrodinger eqn in finding the momentum operator

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The discussion centers on the derivation and understanding of the momentum operator, \(\hat{p} = -i\hbar \frac{\partial}{\partial x}\), in the context of the Schrödinger equation. Participants express confusion about how \(\hat{p}\) can be defined without already using it in the kinetic energy term of the Hamiltonian. They highlight that while the Schrödinger equation incorporates \(\hat{p}\), it seems necessary to derive \(\hat{p}\) independently. Suggestions for alternative motivations for defining momentum include references to De Broglie waves and its role as the generator of spatial translations. The conversation emphasizes the challenge of reconciling these concepts within quantum mechanics.
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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 Schrodinger 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 Schrodinger 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 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?
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##.
 
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 Schrodinger 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 schrodinger equation but the KE energy term in the Hamiltonian is already using ##\hat p = -i\hbar \frac{\partial}{\partial x}##
 
Hamiltonian299792458 said:
how exactly do we find ##\hat p## without using the Schrodinger 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 schrodinger 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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