To add comments or start new threads please go to the full version of: Propagator For A Particle In Free Space
PhysOrgForum Science, Physics and Technology Discussion Forums > General Sci-Tech Discussions > Homework Help

plmokn
Sorry for all the dull questions, but I just when I thought I was getting my head round this stuff I'm completly stuck on how the two lines in the section of the book I'm reading follow from the first line.

For context it's derived the propagator for a particle in free space (H=P^2/2m) (all in 1 dimension) so:
|E> = a|p=(2mE)^1/2> + b|p=-(2mE)^1/2>
for arbitary a,b.
Giving a propagator:
U(t)=INT( |p><p|exp(-iEt/hbar) from minus infinity to plus infinity where E is the energy eigenvalue=p^2/2m since it's degenerate.

The book is then evaluating the propagator (U) explicitly in the X basis.
I've done the rest in math type to hopefully make it readable:
http://i196.photobucket.com/albums/aa266/plmokn_02/prop.jpg
Thanks very much (and sorry for being a pain)
plmokn
Solved it.
PhysOrg scientific forums are totally dedicated to science, physics, and technology. Besides topical forums such as nanotechnology, quantum physics, silicon and III-V technology, applied physics, materials, space and others, you can also join our news and publications discussions. We also provide an off-topic forum category. If you need specific help on a scientific problem or have a question related to physics or technology, visit the PhysOrg Forums. Here you’ll find experts from various fields online every day.
To quit out of "lo-fi" mode and return to the regular forums, please click here.
©PhysOrg.com - physics and technology news - Version for PDAs