How to Show the Evolution of a Free Particle's Statistical Mixture?

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In summary, the conversation discusses the function D(R,P) which represents the density in phase of a classical statistical mixture associated with a particle's wave function. The conversation also explores various equations and their implications, including the Dirac delta function and the relationship between the function D and the amplitude of the wave function in space. The equations are discussed in relation to a free particle and the time evolution of the mixture. Further clarification and hints are requested for questions 2 and 3.
  • #1
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Homework Statement


With the wave function [tex]\psi(r)[/tex] of a particle, one forms the function:
[tex]D(R,P)=\frac{\int exp(-\frac{i}{\hbar} P\cdot r)\psi^*(R-r/2)\psi (R+r/2) dr}{(2\pi \hbar)^3}[/tex], which is the density in phase of a classical statistical mixture associated with this wave function, Show that:
1. [tex]\int D(R,P)dP=|\psi (R)|^2[/tex] [tex]\int D(R,P)dR=|\psi (P)|^2[/tex].
2. if the particle is free, the evolution in time of the mixture is strictly that of a statistical mixture of free classical particles of the same mass;
3. find the spreading law of a free wave packet.


Homework Equations


I think one of them is dirac delta function:
[tex]\int \frac{exp(-\frac{i}{\hbar} P\cdot r)}{(2\pi \hbar)^3}dr=\delta(r) \ \int \frac{exp(-\frac{i}{\hbar} P\cdot r)}{(2\pi \hbar)^3}dP=\delta(P)[/tex]


The Attempt at a Solution


1. So far by using the above equality I get that:
[tex]\int D(R,P)dP=\int \frac{\int exp(-\frac{i}{\hbar} P\cdot r)\psi^*(R-r/2)\psi (R+r/2) dr}{(2\pi \hbar)^3} dP=\int \psi^*(R-r/2)\psi (R+r/2) dr[/tex], I don't see how this becomes the amplitude of the wave function in the R space squared?

2. Don't know what I need to show here.

3. The same as with 2.

Any hints?
Not answers!
 
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  • #2
Just to help you with 1, your equations are wrong - both of them depend only on r on one side of the equation and P on the other side. Fix them and redo the integration.
 
  • #3
Can someone help me with questions 2,3?
 

FAQ: How to Show the Evolution of a Free Particle's Statistical Mixture?

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