Trouble finding ##L^2## in function of ##x## and ##p##

In summary, the document discusses the challenges associated with expressing the L² norm of a function in terms of variables x and p. It highlights the mathematical complexities and potential obstacles in deriving a clear formulation, emphasizing the need for a deeper understanding of the relationships between these variables in the context of functional analysis.
  • #1
pixyl
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3
Homework Statement
Prove that ##\vec L^2 = \vec x^2 \vec p^2 - (\vec x \cdot \vec p)^2 + i\hbar \vec x \cdot \vec p##
Relevant Equations
##\varepsilon_{ijk}\varepsilon_{imn} = \delta_{jm}\delta_{kn} - \delta_{jn}\delta_{km}##,
##L_i = \varepsilon_{ijk}x^jp^k##,
##[x^i, p^j] = i\hbar\delta_{ij}##
##[x^i, x^j] = [p^i, p^j] = 0##
What I've done is
$$\vec{L}^2 = \varepsilon_{ijk}x^jp^k\varepsilon_{imn}x^mp^n = (\delta_{jm}\delta_{kn} - \delta_{jn}\delta_{km})x^jp^kx^mp^n = x^jp^kx^jp^k - x^jp^kx^kp^j = $$
$$ = x^jx^jp^kp^k - i\hbar x^jp^j - x^jp^kx^kp^j = $$
$$ = x^jx^jp^kp^k - i\hbar x^jp^j - (x^jx^kp^kp^j - i\hbar x^jp^j) = $$
$$ = x^jx^jp^kp^k - i\hbar x^jp^j - (x^jx^kp^jp^k - i\hbar x^jp^j) = $$
$$ = x^jx^jp^kp^k - i\hbar x^jp^j - x^jp^jx^kp^k = $$
$$ = \vec x^2 \vec p^2 - (\vec x \cdot \vec p)^2 - i\hbar \vec x \cdot \vec p$$

I've tried again and again and I don't understand what I'm doing wrong: if you can spot the error it would be greatly appreciated.
 
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  • #2
##p_k x_k=x_k p_k - i\hbar \delta_{kk} = x_k p_k - 3i\hbar##
 
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  • #3
vela said:
##p_k x_k=x_k p_k - i\hbar \delta_{kk} = x_k p_k - 3i\hbar##
Oh my god yes... I just thought ##\delta_{kk} = 1## so I ignored it, forgetting about the sum. Thank you, you've ended my two days misery!
 
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FAQ: Trouble finding ##L^2## in function of ##x## and ##p##

What is the significance of the L² space in quantum mechanics?

The L² space, or the space of square-integrable functions, is significant in quantum mechanics because it provides the framework for describing quantum states. The wave functions of quantum systems must belong to this space to ensure that the probabilities calculated from these functions are well-defined and normalizable. This ensures that the total probability of finding a particle in all of space is equal to one.

How do I find the L² norm of a function in terms of position x?

The L² norm of a function ψ(x) is calculated using the integral of the square of the absolute value of the function over all space. Mathematically, this is expressed as: ||ψ||² = ∫ |ψ(x)|² dx, where the integral is taken over the domain of interest. If the function is normalizable, this integral will yield a finite value.

What role does the momentum operator play in relation to L² space?

The momentum operator, typically represented as -iħ(d/dx) in one dimension, acts on wave functions in L² space. When applying this operator to a wave function, the result must also be a square-integrable function to ensure that the physical interpretation remains valid. The eigenfunctions of the momentum operator correspond to plane waves, which are not in L² space but are important in understanding the momentum representation of quantum states.

Can a function that is not in L² space still be useful in quantum mechanics?

Yes, functions that are not in L² space, such as plane waves, can still be useful in quantum mechanics, particularly in scattering theory and the analysis of free particles. These functions are often treated as distributions or generalized functions, allowing physicists to work with them in a broader mathematical framework, such as rigged Hilbert spaces.

How does one transition between position x and momentum p representations in quantum mechanics?

The transition between position and momentum representations is achieved through the Fourier transform. The wave function in position space ψ(x) can be transformed into momentum space φ(p) using the relation φ(p) = (1/√(2πħ)) ∫ ψ(x) e^(-ipx/ħ) dx. This transformation allows one to represent quantum states in either position or momentum space, facilitating the analysis of different physical problems.

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