What Are the Integration Limits for Calculating Expectation Values in a 1D Box?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating expectation values for a particle in a one-dimensional box in quantum mechanics, specifically focusing on the limits of integration for the momentum and position expectation values.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster expresses confusion regarding the appropriate limits for integration in their calculations. Participants discuss the boundaries of the box, questioning where the wave function is non-zero.

Discussion Status

Some participants confirm the limits of integration as x=0 and x=L, indicating a shared understanding of the boundaries for the problem. However, the original poster's initial confusion suggests that further exploration of the topic may still be beneficial.

Contextual Notes

The discussion highlights the importance of understanding the physical setup of the problem, particularly the boundaries of the one-dimensional box, which are critical for correctly applying the integration limits.

roshan2004
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Quantum Mechanics "Expectation"

Homework Statement


1. Calculate the expectation value [tex]<p_{x}>[/tex] of the momentum of a particle trapped in a one-dimensional box.
2. Find the expectation value <x> of the position of a particle trapped in a box L wide.

Homework Equations


[tex]\psi _{n}=\sqrt{\frac{2}{L}}sin \frac{n\pi x}{L}[/tex]
[tex]<p_{x}>=\int \psi^*p_{x}\psi dx[/tex]
[tex]<x>=\int \psi^*x\psi dx[/tex]

The Attempt at a Solution


I got confused on choosing the limits for both the problems for integrating them. What's the limits I should chose for both the problems.
 
Last edited:
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Where is Ψ non-zero? (What are the boundaries of the box?)
 


x=0 and x=L
 


Thanks I got it. The limits that I have to use are x=0 and x=L
 


Exactly. :wink:
 

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