Tutorial 3

1. A free particle, which is initially localized in the range −a < x < a, is released at
time t = 0: (
A, if − a < x < a
Ψ(x, 0) =
0, otherwise
where a and A are positive constants. Find Ψ(x, t).

2. Obtain the matrix representation of the position operator xb of a harmonic oscillator

in energy basis.

3. Two vectors |ai and |bi in function space are not orthogonal to one another. What
value of the constant β must be chosen to ensure that the vector |ci = |ai + β |bi is
orthogonal to |ai ?

4. If |ui and |vi are orthonormal vectors, show that:

(a) |ai = |ui + |vi is orthogonal to |bi = |ui − |vi ;
(b) |ci = |ui + i |vi is orthogonal to |di = i |ui + |vi .

5. If Ab and Bb are Hermitian operators, then show that AbBb + Bb Ab is Harmitian. Hence
show that 21 (xbpb + pbxb) is Harmitian.

6. Calculate the commutators of the raising and lowering operators with each other and
with the Hamiltonian operator H.
c