Expectation value of X and Y component of angular momentum

In summary, the expectation value of the X component of angular momentum is the average value obtained from repeated measurements, and it is calculated by taking the inner product of the state vector with the corresponding operator. Similarly, the expectation value of the Y component of angular momentum is also calculated in the same way. These values represent the most likely outcome of measuring the angular momentum of a quantum system and provide information about its average angular momentum and orientation in space.
  • #1
xinoki
6
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Homework Statement


Show:
<Jx>=<Jy>=0

Homework Equations



Jx=1/2(J++J-)
Jy=1/2(J+-J-)

The Attempt at a Solution



<jm l Jx l jm> = < jm l 1/2 J+ l jm> + < jm l j- l jm >
= < jm l h/2 sqrt [(j-m)(j+m+1)] + h/2sqrt[(j+m)(j+m+1) l jm >

i am not sure how to apply the next step
 
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  • #2
Note that |j,m> is NOT an eigenstate of either J+ or J-. In fact, J+|j,m>=k|j,m+1>, etc.

Additionally note that [tex]<j,m|j,n>=\delta_{m,n}[/tex]
 

FAQ: Expectation value of X and Y component of angular momentum

What is the expectation value of the X component of angular momentum?

The expectation value of the X component of angular momentum is the average value that would be obtained if the measurement of the X component of angular momentum was repeated multiple times on a quantum system.

What is the expectation value of the Y component of angular momentum?

The expectation value of the Y component of angular momentum is the average value that would be obtained if the measurement of the Y component of angular momentum was repeated multiple times on a quantum system.

How is the expectation value of the X component of angular momentum calculated?

The expectation value of the X component of angular momentum is calculated by taking the inner product of the quantum system's state vector with the operator corresponding to the X component of angular momentum.

How is the expectation value of the Y component of angular momentum calculated?

The expectation value of the Y component of angular momentum is calculated by taking the inner product of the quantum system's state vector with the operator corresponding to the Y component of angular momentum.

What is the physical significance of the expectation value of the X and Y component of angular momentum?

The expectation value of the X and Y component of angular momentum represents the most likely outcome of measuring the angular momentum of a quantum system along the X and Y axes, respectively. It provides valuable information about the quantum system's average angular momentum and its orientation in space.

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