Confirmation concept questions eigenfunctions and operators

In summary, we discussed whether momentum eigenfunctions are also eigenfunctions of the free particle energy operator and the harmonic oscillator energy operator. It seems that the commutator suggests this would only work if the potential is constant. We also considered the initial conditions and whether the system is in a stationary state, and if not, how this would affect the expectation value of energy over time.
  • #1
black_hole
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Homework Statement



Are the momentum eigenfunctions also eigenfunctions of e free particle energy. Operator?
Are momentum eigenfunctions also eigenfunctions of the harmonic oscillator energy operator?
An misplayed system evolves with time according to the shrodinger equation with potential v. The wave function depends on time. Does the expectation value of energy depend on time?

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



I think not necessarily. Looking at the commutator it looks like this would only work if the potential was a constant.

I guess this is a no judging by the form of the eigenfunctions of the two.

Does this depend on the initial conditions? It snot clear wether or not this is a stationary state?
 
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  • #2
black_hole said:
I think not necessarily. Looking at the commutator it looks like this would only work if the potential was a constant.
What potential?

black_hole said:
I guess this is a no judging by the form of the eigenfunctions of the two.
Can you show this more rigorously?

black_hole said:
Does this depend on the initial conditions? It snot clear wether or not this is a stationary state?
My understanding of the question is that you start from an eigenstate of teh system and displace it (or conversely displace the potential) and then look at the time evolution of the system. The problem states that "The wave function depends on time", so is it a stationary state? If the answer is no, does this mean that the expectation value of the energy will vary in time?
 

Related to Confirmation concept questions eigenfunctions and operators

1. What is the confirmation concept in relation to eigenfunctions and operators?

The confirmation concept refers to the process of verifying the accuracy and validity of a mathematical model or theory through experimentation or observation. In the context of eigenfunctions and operators, it involves testing whether the eigenvalues and eigenfunctions of an operator accurately represent the physical properties of a system.

2. How do eigenfunctions and operators relate to quantum mechanics?

Eigenfunctions and operators are fundamental concepts in quantum mechanics. Eigenfunctions represent the possible states of a quantum mechanical system, while operators represent physical properties that can be measured. The eigenvalues of an operator correspond to the possible outcomes of a measurement.

3. What are some examples of operators and their eigenfunctions in quantum mechanics?

Some common examples of operators in quantum mechanics include the position operator, momentum operator, and energy operator. Their corresponding eigenfunctions are the position eigenfunctions, momentum eigenfunctions, and energy eigenfunctions, respectively.

4. How are eigenfunctions and operators used to solve problems in quantum mechanics?

Eigenfunctions and operators are used in quantum mechanics to solve the Schrödinger equation, which describes the time evolution of a quantum system. By finding the eigenvalues and eigenfunctions of an operator, we can determine the possible energy levels and corresponding wavefunctions of a system, and use this information to make predictions about the behavior of the system.

5. What is the significance of the Hermitian property in operators and eigenfunctions?

The Hermitian property is a key characteristic of operators and eigenfunctions in quantum mechanics. It ensures that the eigenvalues of an operator are real numbers, and that the corresponding eigenfunctions are orthogonal (perpendicular) to each other. This allows us to accurately measure physical properties and make predictions about the behavior of quantum systems.

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