Proving Ehrenfest's Theorem: Diff. vs. Partial Diff.

OIn summary, the discussion is about the difference between the exact differential and partial differential in the Ehrenfest Theorem. The question is raised about how the exact differential can be changed to a partial differential in the first equality, and whether this assumes that the derivative of the position with respect to time is equal to zero. It is suggested that in an abstract state space, the only variable is time since the state vector and operator are both only functions of time.
  • #1
calculus_jy
56
0
In proving the Ehrenfest Theorem
This is the typical first line:

[tex]\frac{d }{dt}<O> = \frac{\partial}{\partial t} <\psi|O|\psi> = <\dot{\psi}|O|\psi> + <\psi|O|\dot{\psi}>+<\psi|\dot{O}|\psi>
[/tex]

My question is how can the exact differential
[tex] \frac{d }{dt}<O>[/tex]
be changed the partial differential
[tex] \frac{\partial}{\partial t} <\psi|O|\psi> [/tex]
in the first equality. would it not be
[tex] \frac{d }{dt}<O>=\frac{\partial}{\partial x} <\psi|O|\psi> \frac{dx}{dt}+\frac{\partial}{\partial t} <\psi|O|\psi>[/tex]

Have we assumed that [tex] \frac{dx}{dt}=0[/tex]
If so why?
 
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  • #2
I think that if we are working in abstrac state space the only variable is time since [itex]|\psi(t)>[/itex] is only function of time as well as the operator
 
Last edited:

Related to Proving Ehrenfest's Theorem: Diff. vs. Partial Diff.

1. What is Ehrenfest's theorem and why is it important in physics?

Ehrenfest's theorem is a fundamental principle in quantum mechanics that relates the time evolution of a quantum system to its classical counterpart. It is important because it provides a bridge between classical and quantum mechanics, allowing us to understand how macroscopic behavior emerges from microscopic quantum dynamics.

2. What is the difference between differential and partial differential equations?

Differential equations involve only one independent variable, while partial differential equations involve multiple independent variables. Differential equations are used to model systems with continuous variables, while partial differential equations are used to model systems with both continuous and discrete variables.

3. How does Ehrenfest's theorem relate to differential and partial differential equations?

Ehrenfest's theorem states that the time evolution of an observable in a quantum system is given by the expectation value of its corresponding classical observable. This can be expressed using differential or partial differential equations, depending on the variables involved.

4. How do we prove Ehrenfest's theorem?

Ehrenfest's theorem can be proved using mathematical techniques such as the Heisenberg equation of motion and the commutator relation between position and momentum operators. It can also be derived from the more general principle of correspondence, which states that in the classical limit, quantum mechanics should reduce to classical mechanics.

5. What are some applications of Ehrenfest's theorem?

Ehrenfest's theorem has many applications in quantum mechanics, including the study of quantum systems in thermal equilibrium, the dynamics of phase transitions, and the behavior of quantum systems in the presence of external fields. It is also used in the development of quantum algorithms and in the analysis of quantum information and communication protocols.

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