What is the Commutator of [x, p e^(-p)]?

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In summary, a commutator is a mathematical operation that determines the difference between applying two operators in one order versus the opposite order. The commutator of [x,p e^(-p) ] is calculated using the formula [x,p e^(-p) ] = xp e^(-p) - p e^(-p) x and tells us how the position and momentum operators interact with each other when the exponential function e^(-p) is involved. It has many applications in quantum mechanics, particularly in the study of quantum states and dynamics.
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Homework Statement


commutator of [x,p e^(-p) ]

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution


answer is i - i.e^(-p)
 
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what is p in the e^(-p)?
 
  • #3
If it's the usual notation for quantum mechanics, x is position and p is momentum.
 
  • #4
its just the usual commutation relation of x and p with e^(-p) in multiplication.
the method of solving remains the same.
 
  • #5
I will assume that the multiplicative factor which should exist next to the momentum in the exponential in order to conform with the dimensionality is presumed to be unity. There is a shortcut formula for calculating commutators of the form [x,f(p)] and [p,g(x)]. In case you never heard about it, you should then do the calculation by first expanding ##e^{-p}## into power series and use the fundamental commutation relation between x and p.
 
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Prins said:

Homework Statement


commutator of [x,p e^(-p) ]

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution


answer is i - i.e^(-p)

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FAQ: What is the Commutator of [x, p e^(-p)]?

What is a commutator?

A commutator is a mathematical operation that determines the extent to which two mathematical operators can be applied in either order without changing the result. In other words, it calculates the difference between applying two operators in one order versus the opposite order.

What is the commutator of [x,p e^(-p) ]?

The commutator of [x,p e^(-p) ] is a mathematical operation that determines how the position operator (x) and momentum operator (p) behave when applied in different orders with the exponential function e^(-p). It is represented by the equation [x,p e^(-p) ] = xp e^(-p) - p e^(-p) x.

What does the commutator of [x,p e^(-p) ] tell us?

The commutator of [x,p e^(-p) ] tells us how the position and momentum operators interact with each other when the exponential function e^(-p) is involved. It gives us information about how these operators change when applied in different orders, and can be used to solve problems in quantum mechanics.

How is the commutator of [x,p e^(-p) ] calculated?

The commutator of [x,p e^(-p) ] is calculated using the formula [x,p e^(-p) ] = xp e^(-p) - p e^(-p) x. This means that you multiply the position operator (x) by the exponential function (e^(-p)), and then subtract the product of the momentum operator (p) and the exponential function from the first result. This gives you the commutator of [x,p e^(-p) ].

What are the applications of the commutator of [x,p e^(-p) ]?

The commutator of [x,p e^(-p) ] has many applications in quantum mechanics, particularly in the study of quantum states and quantum dynamics. It is used to derive important relationships, such as the Heisenberg uncertainty principle, and can help solve problems related to the motion and behavior of particles at the quantum level.

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