A Modern Approach to Quantum Mechanics · Problem 9.15

Bound States of Central Potentials — John S. Townsend

Physics — Quantum Mechanics · spherical-harmonics-parity

Problem

Show that the spherical harmonics Yl,mY_{l,m} are eigenfunctions of the parity operator with eigenvalue (−1)l(-1)^l. Note: An inversion of coordinates in spherical coordinates is accomplished by r→rr \to r, θ→π−θ\theta \to \pi - \theta, and ϕ→ϕ+π\phi \to \phi + \pi. Use (9.148). It may be wise to check the specific examples in (9.151) through (9.153) before attempting the general case.

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