Commuting of Operators: Particle in Box in 1D with H & H1

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In summary, the conversation discusses the comparison between two Hamiltonians for a particle in a one-dimensional box with different lengths. The first Hamiltonian, H, corresponds to a box with length a and the second Hamiltonian, H1, corresponds to a box with length b. The main question is whether these two Hamiltonians commute or not. The difference between H and H1 lies in the location of the walls of the box, with a distance of a for H and a distance of b for H1. It is then asked if H and H1 have the same eigenvectors. It is suggested to write down the Hamiltonians and solve the equation with the boundaries to see the difference. Ultimately, it is discovered that the two Hamiltonians
  • #1
hokhani
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consider a particle in the box in one dimension with the length a. the hamiltonian is H.
then the box's walls goes far away and the box length gets b. now the hamiltonian is H1.
i like to know whether these two hamiltonians commute or not?
 
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  • #2
What is the difference between your H and H1?
 
  • #3
for the first one dimensional box, two walls are located in the distance "a" while in another box they are in the distance "b"
so the boundary is different for them.
i want to now if H and H1 have the same eigenvectors!?
 
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  • #4
Write down the Hamiltonians and solve the Equation with the boundaries and you will see.
 
  • #5
ok
thanks
i find my misunderestanding
i thought both have the same hamiltonian "p^2/2m" so they should have the same eigenvectors.
 

FAQ: Commuting of Operators: Particle in Box in 1D with H & H1

What is meant by commuting of operators in the context of a particle in a 1D box with H & H1?

Commuting of operators refers to the mathematical property where two operators, in this case H and H1, can be applied in any order without changing the final outcome. In the context of a particle in a 1D box, this means that the order in which the operators H and H1 are applied to the wavefunction of the particle will not affect the resulting energy eigenvalues.

How does the concept of commuting of operators relate to the quantization of energy in a particle in a 1D box?

The concept of commuting of operators is crucial in understanding the quantization of energy in a particle in a 1D box. This is because the operators H and H1 are used to describe the kinetic and potential energies of the particle, and their commutativity allows for the energy to be quantized into discrete levels rather than a continuous spectrum.

Can commuting of operators be applied to other physical systems besides a particle in a 1D box?

Yes, commuting of operators is a general mathematical concept that can be applied to various physical systems. In quantum mechanics, it is particularly useful in understanding the properties of energy eigenvalues and operators in different systems.

What are the implications of commuting of operators in solving the Schrödinger equation for a particle in a 1D box?

The implications of commuting of operators in solving the Schrödinger equation for a particle in a 1D box are significant. This property allows for the simplification of the mathematical equations involved, making it easier to solve for the energy eigenvalues and wavefunctions of the particle.

How does the concept of commuting of operators impact the observable properties of a particle in a 1D box?

The concept of commuting of operators has a direct impact on the observable properties of a particle in a 1D box. This is because the operators H and H1 are used to calculate the energy levels, which in turn determine the observable properties of the particle such as its position, momentum, and energy. The commutativity of these operators ensures that these observable properties are well-defined and predictable.

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