answersLogoWhite

0

The hamiltonian operator is the observable corresponding to the total energy of the system. As with all observables it is given by a hermitian or self adjoint operator. This is true whether the hamiltonian is limited to momentum or contains potential.

User Avatar

Wiki User

17y ago

What else can I help you with?

Continue Learning about Math & Arithmetic

Why Hamilton's equations are called canonical equations?

The word canonical means "by a general law, rule, principle or criterion". When the Hamiltonian operator is applied to the (average momentum) wave function it gives quantized values. In this sense the Hamilton equations gives the Schrodinger equation discreet values by a general law.


What are Hamiltonian equations?

Hamiltonian equations are a representation of Hamiltonian mechanics. Please see the link.


What is Hamiltonian function?

The total energy of the system simply described in classical mechanics called as Hamiltonian.


Why is energy expressed as the second-order partial differential of a wave function in quantum mechanics?

You are referring to the Schrodinger Equation. This is because it comes from the classical view that the total energy is equal to the hamiltonian of a system:Kinetic Energy + Potential Energy = Total energy.Classically the kinetic energy is (1/2)mv2 = p2/(2m) ; where m is mass, v is velocity, p is momentum (p=mv).Now the momentum operator in QM is p=iħ∇ ;where ∇ is the gradient operator.This therefore yields the QM hamiltonian [-ħ2∇2/(2m) + V(x,y,z)]Ψ = EΨNow a more fun question to ask would be "Why is the Hamiltonian a function of the second-order partial differential with respect to position but the time dependent is only a function of a first-order differential with respect to time?"meaningHΨ = -iħ(dΨ/dt) or[-ħ2∇2/(2m) + V(x,y,z)]Ψ = -iħ(dΨ/dt)hint: Think Maxwell's Equations!


What is harmitian matrix?

Hermitian matrix (please note spelling): a square matrix with complex elements that is equal to its conjugate transpose.

Related Questions

Is it true that the momentum operator shows momentum operator is hermitian?

Yes, it is true that the momentum operator is Hermitian.


Is the momentum operator Hermitian in quantum mechanics?

Yes, the momentum operator is Hermitian in quantum mechanics.


What is the meaning of Hc in an Hamiltonian?

In the context of a Hamiltonian, Hc typically refers to the complex conjugate of the Hamiltonian operator. Taking the complex conjugate of the Hamiltonian operator is often done when dealing with quantum mechanical systems to ensure that physical observables are real-valued.


What is the commutator of the operator x with the Hamiltonian in quantum mechanics?

In quantum mechanics, the commutator of the operator x with the Hamiltonian is equal to the momentum operator p.


How can one determine if an operator is Hermitian?

To determine if an operator is Hermitian, one must check if the operator is equal to its own conjugate transpose. This means that the operator's adjoint is equal to the operator itself. If this condition is met, then the operator is Hermitian.


What is a Hermitian operator?

A Hermitian operator is any linear operator for which the following equality property holds: integral from minus infinity to infinity of (f(x)* A^g(x))dx=integral from minus infinity to infinity of (g(x)A*^f(x)*)dx, where A^ is the hermitian operator, * denotes the complex conjugate, and f(x) and g(x) are functions. The eigenvalues of hermitian operators are real and their eigenfunctions are orthonormal.


Prove that coordinate is cyclic in Lagrangian then it is also cyclic in Hamiltonian?

If a coordinate is cyclic in the Lagrangian, then the corresponding momentum is conserved. In the Hamiltonian formalism, the momentum associated with a cyclic coordinate becomes the generalized coordinate's conjugate momentum, which also remains constant. Therefore, if a coordinate is cyclic in the Lagrangian, it will also be cyclic in the Hamiltonian.


How can we show that the position operator is Hermitian?

To show that the position operator is Hermitian, we need to demonstrate that its adjoint is equal to itself. In mathematical terms, this means proving that the integral of the complex conjugate of the wave function multiplied by the position operator is equal to the integral of the wave function multiplied by the adjoint of the position operator. This property is essential in quantum mechanics as it ensures that the operator corresponds to a physical observable.


What is the significance of the commutator of the Hamiltonian and momentum operators in quantum mechanics?

In quantum mechanics, the commutator of the Hamiltonian and momentum operators is significant because it determines the uncertainty principle and the behavior of particles in a quantum system. The commutator represents the relationship between the energy of a system (Hamiltonian) and the momentum of a particle. It helps us understand how these operators interact and affect the dynamics of a quantum system.


How is the momentum operator derivation performed in quantum mechanics?

In quantum mechanics, the momentum operator derivation is performed by applying the principles of wave mechanics to the momentum of a particle. The momentum operator is derived by considering the wave function of a particle and applying the differential operator for momentum. This operator is represented by the gradient of the wave function, which gives the direction and magnitude of the momentum of the particle.


What is the commutator of the momentum operator (p) and the position operator (x)?

The commutator of the momentum operator (p) and the position operator (x) is equal to -i, where is the reduced Planck constant.


How do i Derive Position operator in momentum space?

To derive the position operator in momentum space, you can start with the definition of the position operator in position space, which is the operator $\hat{x} = x$. You then perform a Fourier transform on this operator to switch from position space to momentum space. This Fourier transform will yield the expression of the position operator in momentum space $\hat{x}_{p}$.