A Modern Approach to Quantum Mechanics · Problem 7.7

Path Integrals — John S. Townsend

Physics — Quantum Mechanics · harmonic-oscillator-superposition-state

Problem

A particle of mass mm in the one-dimensional harmonic oscillator is in a state for which a measurement of the energy yields the values ℏω/2\hbar\omega/2 or 3ℏω/23\hbar\omega/2, each with a probability of one-half. The average value of the momentum ⟨px⟩\langle p_x\rangle at time t=0t=0 is mωℏ/2\sqrt{m\omega\hbar/2}. This information specifies the state of the particle completely. What is this state and what is ⟨px⟩\langle p_x\rangle at time tt?

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