Commutation Relationships and Operator Functions

In summary, commutation relationships in quantum mechanics refer to the mathematical relationships between two operators, A and B, and are represented using the commutator [A, B]. They play a crucial role in determining the compatibility of operators and their observables, and operator functions are used to manipulate and transform operators in order to solve equations and make predictions about physical systems.
  • #1
chill_factor
903
5
There are 2 operators such that [A,B] = 0. Does [F(A),B]=0 ?

Specifically, let's say we had the Hamiltonian of a 3-D oscillator H and L^2. We know that L^2 = Lx^2+Ly^2+Lz^2, and it is known that [H,Lz] = 0. Can we say that since H and Lz commute, H and Lz^2 also commute, by symmetry H and Lx^2,Ly^2 commute also and therefore H and L^2 commute?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
If the Taylor expansion of [itex]F(A)[/itex] converges, then you can essentially assume that it is a polynomial in [itex]A[/itex], so it will commute. Your argument about [itex]H[/itex] and [itex]L^2[/itex] sounds right.
 

Related to Commutation Relationships and Operator Functions

1. What are commutation relationships?

Commutation relationships refer to the mathematical relationships between two operators, A and B, in quantum mechanics. It describes how the order of the operators affects their results when applied to a physical system.

2. How are commutation relationships represented mathematically?

Commutation relationships are represented using the commutator, denoted by [A, B]. It is defined as the difference between the product of A and B and the product of B and A, [A, B] = AB - BA.

3. What is the significance of commutation relationships in quantum mechanics?

Commutation relationships play a crucial role in quantum mechanics because they determine the compatibility of two operators and the observables they represent. If two operators commute, they can be measured simultaneously, but if they do not commute, the order of measurement affects the results.

4. What are operator functions?

Operator functions are mathematical functions that operate on operators, rather than just numbers. They are used in quantum mechanics to manipulate and transform operators in order to solve complex equations and describe physical systems.

5. How are operator functions related to commutation relationships?

Operator functions can help determine the commutation relationships between two operators. By applying an operator function to the commutator [A, B], we can obtain new commutation relationships between the operators A and B, which can be used to solve equations and make predictions about the behavior of a physical system.

Similar threads

Replies
5
Views
782
  • Quantum Physics
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • Advanced Physics Homework Help
Replies
6
Views
1K
Replies
4
Views
1K
Replies
0
Views
521
  • Quantum Physics
Replies
12
Views
2K
Replies
9
Views
1K
  • Quantum Physics
Replies
1
Views
796
  • Atomic and Condensed Matter
Replies
3
Views
1K
Replies
14
Views
1K
Back
Top