Quantum Operators, Eigenvalues, and Solvable Systems
Table of Quantum Mechanical Operators
S.No Operator Observable Eigenvalue Eigenfunction Physical Meaning
1 x Position x0 delta(x - x0) Gives exact position
2 -ihbar d/dx Momentum p e^(ipx/hbar) Linear momentum
3 -hbar/2m d/dx Kinetic Energy p/2m e^(ipx/hbar) Kinetic energy operator
4 H Total Energy En psin(x) Hamiltonian: total energy
5 -ihbar /phi Lz mhbar e^(imphi) z-component of angular m
6 L Angular Momentum hbarl(l+1) Ylm(theta, phi) Total orbital angular mom
7 Sz Spin z hbar/2 [1 0], [0 1] Spin- particle
Detailed Explanation of Each Operator
1. Position Operator (x): This operator acts by multiplying the wavefunction with x. Its eigenfunctions are
Dirac delta functions delta(x - x0), meaning the particle is exactly localized at position x0. Position
eigenvalues are continuous and span all real numbers.
2. Momentum Operator (p = -ihbar d/dx): It represents linear momentum. The eigenfunctions are complex
exponentials e^(ipx/hbar), and the eigenvalues (p) are continuous. This operator frequently appears in
questions about the de Broglie relation and uncertainty principle.
3. Kinetic Energy Operator (T = -hbar/2m d/dx): Derived from the square of the momentum operator, it shares
the same eigenfunctions as the momentum operator but has quadratic eigenvalues: p/2m.
4. Hamiltonian (): Represents the total energy (kinetic + potential). In systems like the particle in a box or
harmonic oscillator, solving the Schrdinger equation gives discrete energy levels (eigenvalues) and
associated wavefunctions (eigenfunctions).
Quantum Operators, Eigenvalues, and Solvable Systems
5. Angular Momentum (Lz = -ihbar /phi): It is important in systems with spherical symmetry. The
eigenfunctions are e^(imphi), where m is an integer. Eigenvalues are quantized: mhbar.
6. Total Angular Momentum (L): Its eigenvalues are hbarl(l+1), where l is an integer. The eigenfunctions are
spherical harmonics Ylm(theta, phi), which appear in 3D central force problems like the hydrogen atom.
7. Spin Operators (Sz): For a spin- particle (like an electron), the z-component of spin has only two
eigenvalues: +hbar/2 and -hbar/2. The eigenfunctions are 2D vectors or spinors: [1 0] and [0 1].
