- #1
Robsta
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Homework Statement
Work out the variance of momentum in the infinite square well that sits between x=0 and x=a
Homework Equations
Var(p) = <p2> - <p>2
$$ p = -i\hbar \frac{{\partial}}{\partial x} $$
The Attempt at a Solution
I've calculated (and understand physically) why <p> = 0
Now I'm calculating $$<p^2> = \int_{0}^{a} sin(\frac{nπx}a)(-\hbar^2)\frac{{\partial}^2}{\partial x^2}sin(\frac{nπx}a) dx$$
$$<p^2> = ({\frac{n\pi\hbar}{a}})^2 \int_{0}^{a} sin(\frac{nπx}a)sin(\frac{nπx}a) dx$$
$$ <p^2> = ({\frac{n\pi\hbar}{a}})^2 * \frac{a}2 $$
I'm out here by a factor of a/2 because of the integral and I'm not sure why, does anybody have any suggestions?