Hamiltonian Definition and 901 Threads

  1. B

    Hamiltonian: The Key to Understanding Total Energy in Quantum Mechanics

    Hello! I've just finished a discussion with my peers and lecturer on some of the postulates of QM, My lecturer said that "the total energy of any quantum mechanical system is always given by the Hamiltonian, which may be obtained by appropraite application of the classical Hamiltonian"...
  2. M

    Quantum Physics - Hamiltonian operator

    Hi, Can you help me with this, I don't know how to go about solving this. Question:
  3. L

    Constructing Hamiltonian Matrix from Sz Basis States for Quantum Spin Chains

    Hallo! My question relates to the use of basis states to form operator matrices... In the context of quantum spin chains, where the Hamiltonian on a chain of N sites is defined periodically as:H = sumk=0N-1[ S(k) dot S(k+1) ] (apologies for the notation) so there is a sum over k=0 to N-1...
  4. I

    Proving Hamiltonian Invariance with Goldstein Problems

    Homework Statement I'm solving Goldstein's problems. I have proved by direct substitution that Lagrange equations of motion are not effected by gauge transformation of the Lagrangian: L' = L + \frac{dF(q_i,t)}{dt} Now I'm trying to prove that Hamilton equations of motion are not affected...
  5. J

    Understanding the Total Energy of a Hamiltonian

    I have a question on the Hamiltonian from a classical viewpoint. I understand that the Hamiltonian, H, is conserved if it has no explicit time dependence, in other words: \frac{\partial H}{\partial t} = 0 What I am not clear on is how one can determine whether a given Hamiltonian...
  6. H

    How to dertermine the Hamiltonian matrix

    Hi, guys, I do not know how to determine the Hamiltonian matrix of the following question with the basis of two stationary state. Pls give me some hints about it. Consider first a single Hydrogen atom, made up of a proton at some location A in space, and an electron. We assume that the...
  7. H

    Calculating Hamiltonian for H-Atom & Energy Changes in Magnetic Field

    Homework Statement Write down the full Hamiltonian for a hydrogen atom in an external field. Next, calculate the energy changes deltaE (not absolute E) of the three orbitals Y01, Y11, and Y-11 induced by the applied magnetic field Bz. Interpret your results with respect to your knowledge of...
  8. M

    Trying to write falling rod energies as Hamiltonian

    "Consider an infinitely sharp pin of mass M and height H perfectly balanced on its tip. Assume that the mass of the pin is all at the ball on the top of the pin. Classically, we expect the pin to remain in this state forever. Quantum mechanics, however, predicts that the pin will fall over...
  9. K

    What Are the Eigenvalues and Degeneracies of a Coupled Ising Spin System?

    Homework Statement Consider two Ising spins coupled together −βH = h(σ1 + σ2) + Kσ1σ2, where σ1 and σ2 commute and each independently takes on the values ±1. What are the eigenvalues of this Hamiltonian? What are the degeneracies of the states? The Attempt at a Solution Four possible...
  10. malawi_glenn

    How Do You Derive the Lagrangian from a Given Hamiltonian?

    Homework Statement H = p_1p_2 + q_1q_2 Find the corresponding Lagrangian, q_i are generelized coordinates and p_i are canonical momenta. Homework Equations H = \dot{q}_ip_i - L p_i = \frac{\partial L}{\partial \dot{q}_i} \dot{q}_i = \frac{\partial H}{\partial p_i} The...
  11. A

    What is a positive definite Hamiltonian?

    Can anybody explain what is meant by positive definite Hamiltonian? All I know is that if a Hamiltonian can be factorized as H={Q}^{\dagger}Q then that Hamiltonian is one such example. But I am not sure if that is the definition of a positive definite Hamiltonian. In the quantum mechanical...
  12. J

    Understanding the Hamiltonian of a System: Explained for Beginners

    I did search for topics in this forum. but i could not find basics that deal with hamiltonian of the system Well I'm pretty new to the field of quantum mechanics. I just could not understand what exactly it means by the hamiltonian of a system? I was told that it describes the total energy of...
  13. S

    Exploring the Matrix Hamiltonian for Non-Identical Spin 1/2 Particles

    Matrix Hamiltonian? Homework Statement I have two non-identical spin 1/2 particles, which have vector magnetic moments S_1 and S_2. The interaction energy (Hamiltonian) is given by a constant times the dot product of S_1 and S_2. There is no external field present. I need to find the...
  14. Xezlec

    What Is the Role of the Hamiltonian in Quantum Mechanics?

    After several failures in the past (why does the universe have to be so complicated?!), I'm once again trying to learn to understand the basics of QM, out of sheer frustration with not knowing what the heck physicists are talking about all the time. I know, I still have a long way to go...
  15. S

    Separating Hamiltonian functions. Helium atom.

    I'm using McQuarrie's "Quantum Chemistry" book for a little bit of light reading. He included a proof of a theorem that states that if a Hamiltonian function is separable, then the eigenfunctions of Schrodinger's equation are the products of the eigenfunctions of the simpler "separated"...
  16. B

    Hamiltonian in terms of ladders, question.

    I'm preparing for an exam at the moment and in one of the past exams the is a question asking to prove that the hamiltonian operator can be expressed in terms of the ladder operators. The solution is this (The minus sign didn't come out in the last line, and obviously there is one more...
  17. A

    Anderson Hamiltonian (product of number operators) in 1st quantization?

    In the Anderson model, it cost an energy Un_{\Uparrow}n_{\Downarrow} for a quantum dot level to be occupied by two electrons. Here n_{\Uparrow} is the second quantized number operator, counting the number of particles with spin \Uparrow. I need the term Un_{\Uparrow}n_{\Downarrow} in first...
  18. O

    Hamiltonian & Degeneracy: Conditions

    Hi all, could someone give me a quick answer on the exact conditions for the hamiltonian to be non degenerate, i.e. to have different eigenvalues? thanks in advance.
  19. M

    Hamiltonian Matrix Eq. 8.43 Explained - Feynman III Quantum Mechanics

    In the volume III of R Feynman series which is on Quantum Mechanics , please explain to me the eq.8.43 given on page 1529, i know how we got the equation but the 2nd part of 1st equation (H12)C2, what does it mean ?
  20. K

    Hamiltonian and Lagrange density

    Hello everyone! I'm trying to find the relation between the lagrangian density and the hamiltonian, does anyone know how they are related? I also need a reference where I can find the relation. Thanks!
  21. diegzumillo

    What are some examples of systems with time-dependent Hamiltonians?

    Hi all! I'm starting to study the time evolution operator, and now i came up with this objective... i need a time dependant hamiltonian! since no fundamental interaction is time dependent i need to think of a system in such a configuration that i have a time dependency on H. Anyway, if anyone...
  22. B

    Proving $\frac{d}{dt}\left\langle{XP}\right\rangle$ for Hamiltonian H

    Hey does anybody have an idea of how to prove that \frac{d}{dt}\left\langle{XP}\right\rangle= 2\left\langle{T}\right\rangle-\left\langle{x\frac{dV}{dx}}\right\rangle for a hamiltonian of form H=\frac{P^2}{2M}+V(x) where X is the position operator, P is the momentum and T is the kinetic...
  23. G

    How Can I Fix Branch Cut Issues in a Hamiltonian System with NDSolve?

    So I'm trying to solve the following Hamiltonian system using Mathematica. solution = NDSolve[{x'[t] == 2p[t], x[0] == 2, p'[t] == I*(2 + 1/2)(I*x[t])^(1 + 1/2), p[0] == 1-2*I}, {x, p}, {t,0,10}, MaxSteps -> Infinity][[1]]; I'm letting E=1, so at all points t, it should be that...
  24. G

    Solving Hamiltonian with chain of charge centers?

    I was thinking of how to solve the single particle Hamiltonian H=...+\sum_i \frac{1}{\vec{r}-\vec{r}_i} where \vec{r}_i=i\cdot\vec{a} Transforming it into second quantization k-space I had terms like H=...+\sum_G...c^\dag_{k+G}c_k But it seems to me that for the method of trial wavefunctions any...
  25. H

    Level Curves of a Hamiltonian System

    Various problems in my textbook ask me to sketch the level curves for a Hamiltonian system, but they don't suggest how to go about it. I know that I need to determine the eigenvalues for each equilibrium point in the given system, and these values hint at the behavior of solutions near each...
  26. Q_Goest

    What physical systems exhibit nonseparable Hamiltonians in classical mechanics?

    I’m trying to decipher this particular passage from a paper. Ref: FM Kronz, JT Tiehen - Philosophy of Science, 2002 “Emergence and Quantum Mechanics” Can you provide an example of a physical system which corresponds to a classical system with a nonseparable Hamiltonian (ex: the Milky Way...
  27. C

    Does every observable commute with the hamiltonian?

    I would guess that they would as every observable is a function of the q's and p's and as those commute with the hamiltonian I couldn't imagine an observable that wouldn't commute, however are there any other cases where an observable won't commute with the hamiltonian?
  28. N

    Degenerate Eigenfunctions of Hamiltonian

    Homework Statement I found the following problem in two places.But I doubt the first one is wrong. Let \ u_1(\ x ) and \ u_2(\ x ) are two degenerate eigenfunctions of the hamiltonian \ H =\frac{\ p^2 }{2\ m }\ + \ V (\ x ) Then prove that \int...
  29. P

    Hamiltonian vs. Energy: Exploring the Relationship in Analytic Mechanics

    I was wondering if anyone knows of systems for which the Hamiltonian is not equall to the total energy? This is an interesting problem in analytic mechanics (e.g. Lagrangian and Hamiltonian dynamics) but is rarely, if ever, mentioned in forums and newsgroups. I'd love to see a large set of...
  30. F

    Difference between Newtonian, Langrange, and Hamiltonian Mechanics

    Hey I was just wondering what the differences between the three forms of mechanics were. I've only studied basic Newtonian mechanics so I'm not really sure about the other two. Could anyone elaborate?
  31. G

    How to Simplify the Hamiltonian for a Homogeneous System in Scaled Coordinates?

    I have to show that the hamiltonian for a homogeneous system can be simplified in scaled coordinates. The first two terms I can convert to scaled coordinates <T>+<V> whereas I have some trouble for the last term -½* \int d³r d³r' \frac{n²}{|r-r'|} where n is the density. The scaled...
  32. malawi_glenn

    Is the Hamiltonian H = p^2/2m + V_0r^2 Rotationally Invariant?

    [SOLVED] rotationally invariant hamiltonian Homework Statement Show that the Hamiltonian H = p^2/2m+V_0r^2 corresponding to a particle of mass m and with V_0 constant is a) rotationally invariant. Homework Equations Rotation operator: U_R(\phi ) = \exp (-i \phi \vec{J} / \hbar...
  33. R

    Spin Hamiltonian Explained: Basics & Overview

    Does any willing to explain in detail from basics about what is this 'Spin Hamiltonian'.?? thanks
  34. X

    Why replace Hamiltonian with operator?

    momentum operator in Hamiltonian Hello all. I'm in an introductory QM course as a physics major. As I understand it, to quantize a classical system, we just replace momentum in Hamiltonian with momentum operator? But why? One answer is that because it works. Is there any other reasons why it...
  35. Q

    [Quick] States of interacting and non-interacting Hamiltonian

    Eigenstates of interacting and non-interacting Hamiltonian Have multi-particle state of full Hamiltonian and one-particle state of free Hamiltonian non-zero scalar product? Intuitively one can say that scalar product of such states should be zero because each of these states mentioned above...
  36. Q

    Figuring out if the state x is an eigen state of the hamiltonian

    I had encountered a problem for which I need to know how to proceed in order to solve it. Taking a particle m with box potential (one dimensional) where V(x) = 0 when mod(x) <=a and V(x) = infinity when mod(x) > a and where wave function phi(x) = A (phi1(x) + ph2(x)) where phi1(x) and phi2(x)...
  37. V

    Is Hamiltonian Mechanics Essential for Studying Quantum Mechanics?

    hello all, i'm an EE student,and I've recently started studying quantum mechanics. most textbooks start with schrodinger's equation directly but a few others (like say Liboff) start with the concept of hamiltonian from hamiltonian mechanics. is a knowledge of the same i.e...
  38. G

    Derivation of the Hamiltonian of the Heisenberg model

    Homework Statement Show that the Hamiltonian of the Heisenberg model can be written as: H=\sum^{N}_{k=1}[H_{z}(k)+H_{f}(k)] where H_{z}(k)\equivS^{z}(k)S^{z}(k+1) H_{f}(k)\equiv(1/2)[S^{+}(k)S^{-}(k+1)+S^{-}(k)S^{+}(k+1)] Homework Equations As above The Attempt at a Solution I...
  39. U

    Solve Hamiltonian for 1-Electron Atom: Find Energy & Normalization Constant

    For an atom with one electron and nuclear charge of Z, the Hamiltonian is: H=-~\frac{\nabla^{2}}{2}~- ~\frac{Z}{r}~ 1) show that the wavefunction: \Psi_{1s}=Ne^{-Zr} is an eigenfunction of the Hamiltonian 2) find the corresponding energy 3) find N, the normalisation constant In...
  40. S

    Significance of the hamiltonian commuting

    Wht is the significance of an operator commuting with the hamiltonian?? Its definitely more than them being measurable simultaneously and precisely!
  41. J

    Hamiltonian Function - Definition & Explanation

    Hi, I'm just wondering if someone could explain to me exactly what the hamiltonian function is
  42. Y

    Lagrangian and Hamiltonian Dynamics

    1. (from Marion 7-29) A simple pendulum consist of a mass m supended by a massless spring with unextended length b and spring constant k. The pendulum's point of support rises vertically with constant acceleration a. Find the Lagrange equation of motion. Does the motion of the mass...
  43. C

    Hamiltonian and energy momentum tensor

    i know this is sort of an obvious question but what is the difference between the hamiltonian and energy momentum tensor since they are both matrices and energy and momentum are equivalent? are they different in terms of the cicumstances in which they are used.
  44. C

    Lagrangian and hamiltonian formalism

    what is the difference between these two formalism and when are each used? also is it true the lagrangian formalism is used more in qft, if so i am curious to know why?
  45. J

    Understanding the General Hamiltonian from the Schrödinger Equation

    Is it possible to say that for a general Schrödinger equation i \hbar \frac{\partial}{\partial t} | \psi (t) \rangle = \hat{H} | \psi (t) \rangle one may obtain the general Hamiltonian operator \hat{H} = i \hbar \frac{\partial}{\partial t} Thanks!
  46. S

    Hamiltonian, Lagrange multipliers and Dirac's Programme

    Hi! I've been studying Dirac's programme for some time and I realized that there's something missing: Actually this is missing in every standard book on classical mechanics concerning how constraints are implemented in the lagrangian. They are usually inserted with some unknown variables...
  47. E

    Is the Hamiltonian with a Complex Potential Hermitian?

    Homework Statement Let V = V_r - iV_i, where V_i is a constant. Determine whether the Hamiltonian is Hermitian. Homework Equations H = \frac{-\hbar^2}{2m}*\Delta^2+V_r - iV_i The Attempt at a Solution I think you can distribute the Hamiltonian operator as follows: H^{\dag} =...
  48. E

    How does one develop a Hamiltonian for a free particle?

    The equation for the Hamiltonian is H = T + V. Can someone explain how you can use this to get this equation for a free particle: i\hbar|\psi'> = H|\psi> = P^2/(2m)|\psi> The first part is obviously Schrodinger's equation but how do you get H = P^2/2m? Go to page 151 at the site below...
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