Undergrad What is a Gaussian Wave Packet?

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A Gaussian Wave Packet is a mathematical representation used in quantum mechanics, formed by combining multiple wave functions to describe a particle's state. The discussion clarifies that questions about the behavior of atoms within a Gaussian Wave Packet are nonsensical, as the packet itself is not a physical entity but a conceptual tool. Similarly, the idea of multiple Gaussian Wave Packets occupying the same space is also deemed illogical. Participants are encouraged to refer to peer-reviewed articles for a deeper understanding. The conversation emphasizes the importance of distinguishing between mathematical concepts and physical realities in quantum mechanics.
William Estlick
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Can anyone tell me what a Gaussian Wave Packet is?
What happens to the atoms inside a Gaussian Wave Packet?
Can more than one Gaussian Wave Packet Exist in the same place?
Thank you,
 
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William Estlick said:
Can anyone tell me what a Gaussian Wave Packet is?
What happens to the atoms inside a Gaussian Wave Packet?
Can more than one Gaussian Wave Packet Exist in the same place?
Thank you,
Can you give us links to the reading you've been dong so far on this? We prefer to answer specific questions about links to peer-reviewed articles. Thanks.
 
William Estlick said:
What happens to the atoms inside a Gaussian Wave Packet?
Can more than one Gaussian Wave Packet Exist in the same place?
Neither of these questions make any sense, because a Gaussian wave packet is a mathematical concept (it's a sum of various solutions to a particular differential equation). This is like asking what happens to the atoms inside a prime number, or whether two logarithms can exist in the same place.
 
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Thread 'Two equivalent statements of time reversal symmetric Hamiltonian'

Time reversal invariant Hamiltonians must satisfy ##[H,\Theta]=0## where ##\Theta## is time reversal operator. However, in some texts (for example see Many-body Quantum Theory in Condensed Matter Physics an introduction, HENRIK BRUUS and KARSTEN FLENSBERG, Corrected version: 14 January 2016, section 7.1.4) the time reversal invariant condition is introduced as ##H=H^*##. How these two conditions are identical?
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