QM: commutator 2D particle magnetic field

In summary, the conversation discusses the cancellation of terms in a given equation involving orbit center operators. The first and fourth terms are cancelled out due to the circular motion of a charged particle in a magnetic field. This is demonstrated through an example of the second term in the equation.
  • #1
zhaos
15
0

Homework Statement


I was reading this textbook:
https://books.google.com/books?id=s...10#v=onepage&q=orbit center operators&f=false

Homework Equations


In the equation of the page (unlabeled), we have
$$
\left[A_x\frac{\partial}{\partial y} - \frac{\partial}{\partial y}A_x + \frac{\partial}{\partial x}A_y - A_y\frac{\partial}{\partial x}\right]\psi(x)\\
= \left[- \frac{\partial A_x}{\partial y}+ \frac{\partial A_y}{\partial x}\right]\psi(x)
$$

The Attempt at a Solution


Why do the first and fourth terms cancel out? Is it to do with the circular motion of the charged particle in the magnetic field?
 
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  • #2
For example, for the second term in the first line of your equation
$$
- \frac{\partial}{\partial y}(A_x \psi(x)) = - A_x \frac{\partial \psi(x)}{\partial y} - \psi(x)\frac{\partial A_x}{\partial y}
$$
The first term of the right hand side in the above equation will cancel with the first term in
zhaos said:
$$
\left[A_x\frac{\partial}{\partial y} - \frac{\partial}{\partial y}A_x + \frac{\partial}{\partial x}A_y - A_y\frac{\partial}{\partial x}\right]\psi(x)
$$
 
  • #3
Oh. That makes it clear. Thank you.
 

Related to QM: commutator 2D particle magnetic field

1. What is a commutator in quantum mechanics?

A commutator is an operator that measures the difference between two observables in quantum mechanics. It is calculated by multiplying the two operators and subtracting the result from the product of the operators in the opposite order.

2. How does the commutator relate to 2D particles in a magnetic field?

In the context of 2D particles in a magnetic field, the commutator is used to calculate the magnitude and direction of the particle's spin. The commutator of the spin operator with the Hamiltonian of the particle in a magnetic field yields the energy levels of the particle.

3. Can the commutator of a 2D particle in a magnetic field be zero?

Yes, the commutator of a 2D particle in a magnetic field can be zero if the particle is in a state with a well-defined spin. This means that the particle's spin is either aligned or anti-aligned with the magnetic field, resulting in a zero commutator value.

4. How is the commutator used to study the behavior of 2D particles in a magnetic field?

The commutator is used to study the behavior of 2D particles in a magnetic field by providing information about the particle's spin and energy levels. By calculating the commutator, we can determine the probability of the particle having a certain spin and the energy levels it can occupy.

5. Is the commutator approach applicable to all quantum mechanical systems?

Yes, the commutator approach is applicable to all quantum mechanical systems. It is a fundamental concept in quantum mechanics and is used to study the behavior of particles in various systems, including 2D particles in a magnetic field.

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