How can the momentum of a wavefunction be determined using Fourier transforms?

In summary, the problem involves finding the momentum and energy of a wavefunction of the form ψ(x) = eikx. After initial attempts using the second approach and encountering an infinite answer, the suggestion to convert the function to momentum space using the Fourier transform was made. However, this resulted in an integral of an oscillating function that does not decrease and is undefined. Another approach is suggested using the Dirac delta function and interpreting the equation by applying the momentum operator to the function. This is a possible alternative method to solving the problem.
  • #1
function22
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Homework Statement



Wavefunction is of form:
ψ(x) = eikx
Find momentum and energy of this state.

Homework Equations


Fourier transform of ψ(x) to get to momentum space
or is it
<p> = integral from -infinity to infinity of ψ* (h/i) * derivative wrt x of ψ dx

The Attempt at a Solution



I initially tried the second approach, but it didn't work, I got an infinite answer. Someone said to instead convert the function to momentum space, I used the Fourier transform but when I do that, my integral in the Fourier transform is -infinity to infinity of an oscillating function that doesn't decrease and is undefined.

I have no idea now how to proceed. I've worked on this question for hours, I searched the textbook, google, etc. and could not find anything useful.
 
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  • #2
Hint: One representation of the Dirac delta function is
[tex]\delta(x-x_0) = \frac{1}{2\pi}\int_{-\infty}^\infty e^{-ik(x-x_0)}\,dk[/tex]

Another way you could approach the problem is to simply apply the momentum operator to that function and interpret what the equation means.
 

FAQ: How can the momentum of a wavefunction be determined using Fourier transforms?

What is momentum of a wavefunction?

The momentum of a wavefunction is a measure of the movement or velocity of a particle described by the wavefunction. It is a fundamental quantity in quantum mechanics that describes the behavior of particles at the atomic and subatomic level.

How is momentum of a wavefunction calculated?

The momentum of a wavefunction is calculated using the momentum operator, which is represented by the symbol "p" in equations. This operator acts on the wavefunction and yields a numerical value that represents the momentum of the particle.

What is the relationship between momentum and wavefunction?

The wavefunction of a particle contains information about its position, momentum, and energy. The momentum of a particle is related to its wavefunction through the Heisenberg uncertainty principle, which states that the more precisely we know the position of a particle, the less precisely we can know its momentum, and vice versa.

How does the momentum of a wavefunction affect the behavior of a particle?

The momentum of a wavefunction determines how a particle will behave in a given situation. For example, a higher momentum means the particle will move faster and have a shorter wavelength, while a lower momentum means the particle will move slower and have a longer wavelength. This can affect the particle's interactions with other particles and its overall behavior.

Can the momentum of a wavefunction be measured?

According to quantum mechanics, the momentum of a wavefunction can only be measured indirectly through experiments. This is because the act of measuring the momentum of a particle will inevitably change its state, making it impossible to know the exact momentum at any given moment. However, through mathematical calculations and observations of the particle's behavior, we can determine the momentum of a wavefunction.

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