Challenges
Datasets
Workspaces
Papers
Discussions
Leaderboard
Log inSign up
Challenges
Datasets
Workspaces
Papers
Discussions
Leaderboard
Blog
Job Board
Q3AS

© 2026 Aqora Quantum S.A.S.

TermsPrivacyLegal Notice

College Physics

A simple inferential reasoning method for angular momentum operator

Cen Tian-qing

Published Jan 1, 2010• 0 citations
OpenAlex

Abstract

In quantum mechanics textbook, the spherical coordinate forms of both 2 and z are obtained generally by using the Cartesian coordinates, however, the variable substitution calculation is complex. In this paper, the spherical coordinates on the orthogonal basis of coordinate are regarded to variables vectors, and differential nature of the spherical coordinates is used. The derivation for angular momentum operators 2 and z in quantum mechanics is predigested.

Related papers

Some intricacies of the momentum operator in quantum mechanics

Utpal Roy, Suranjana Ghosh, Bhattacharya, Kaushik

In quantum mechanics textbooks the momentum operator is defined in the Cartesian coordinates and rarely the form of the momentum operator in spherical polar coordinates is discussed. Consequently one always generalizes the Cartesian prescription to other coordinates and falls in a trap. In this work we introduce the difficulties one faces when the question of the momentum operator in general curvilinear coordinates arises. We have tried to elucidate the points related to the definition of the momentum operator taking spherical polar coordinates as our specimen coordinate system and proposed an elementary method in which we can ascertain the form of the momentum operator in general coordinate systems.

arXiv:0706.0924•Jun 6, 2007•4 citations

Vector operators and spherical harmonics in quantum mechanics

M. Andrews

The usual explicit expressions for spherical harmonics are derived by a method which does not involve the solution of differential equations or the use of angular momentum operators in spherical polar form. Instead a raising operator constructed from an arbitrary vector is used together with the usual angular momentum raising and lowering operators. The method is first presented as simply as possible in Schrödinger representation using position as the vector. Then it is generalized to an arbitrary vector and arbitrary integral angular momentum without using a particular representation. Finally it is shown how a conserved vector (other than angular momentum) of a central system can be used to reveal properties of the energy eigenstates. As an example, eigenstates of the hydrogen atom are found using the Runge-Lenz vector.

American Journal of Physics•Mar 1, 1979•5 citations

Reality of linear and angular momentum expectation values in bound states

Utpal Roy, Suranjana Ghosh, T. Shreecharan +1 more

In quantum mechanics textbooks the momentum operator is defined in the Cartesian coordinates and rarely the form of the momentum operator in spherical polar coordinates is discussed. Consequently one always generalizes the Cartesian prescription to other coordinates and falls in a trap. In this work we introduce the difficulties one faces when the question of the momentum operator in spherical polar coordinate comes. We have tried to point out most of the elementary quantum mechanical results, related to the momentum operator, which has coordinate dependence. We explicitly calculate the momentum expectation values in various bound states and show that the expectation value really turns out to be zero, a consequence of the fact that the momentum expectation value is real. We comment briefly on the status of the angular variables in quantum mechanics and the problems related in interpreting them as dynamical variables. At the end, we calculate the Heisenberg's equation of motion for the radial component of the momentum for the Hydrogen atom.

arXiv:0704.0373•Apr 3, 2007•3 citations

Angular Momentum Operators in Orthogonal Curvilinear Coordinate Systems

Sun Shu-sheng

Using the transformation matrix between the unit basis vectors in deferent orthogonal curvilinear coordinate systems,we deduce the general form of the transformation between the angular momentum operators in these coordinate systems.We give the representations of Hamilton operator  and angular momentum operators in the orthogonal curvilinear coordinate system.We discuss the transformation matrix of unit basis vectors among the spherical coordinate system,cylindrical coordinates system and rectangular coordinates system,and the transformation between the angular momentum operators.Furthermore,we discuss the treatment of 2operator in different coordinate systems.

Journal of Shenyang University of Chemical Technology•Jan 1, 2010•0 citations

Quantizing Angular Momentum via the Simple Harmonic Oscillator

Charles P. Friedman, Edwin F. Taylor

The quantization of orbital angular momentum can be introduced simply through the model of the two- and three-dimensional simple harmonic oscillator. Most of the analysis is carried out in the familiar Cartesian coordinate system in which the simple harmonic oscillator Schrödinger equation is separable. Angular momentum eigenfunctions are constructed by superposition, and the resulting functions easily transformed into spherical coordinates. The angle-dependent parts of the solutions are the spherical harmonics, which are the orbital angular momentum eigenfunctions for all central potentials including the Coulomb potential of the hydrogen atom. The method also introduces the separation of variables technique and provides practice in applying the concepts of completeness, orthogonality, superposition of states, and alternative representations.

American Journal of Physics•Sep 1, 1971•3 citations

The Quantum Mechanics of Angular Momentum

Angular momentum is essential to any advanced discussion of magnetic resonance spectroscopy. A brief history of the modern sub-atomic particle-spin concept is presented. The origin of the spin-1/2 angular momentum quantum number is detailed and angular momentum operators are constructed for spin-1/2 nuclei using the postulates of quantum mechanics which are then used to produce a set of very useful eigenvalue formulas. Angular momentum operators in spherical coordinate form are developed and operator matrices are constructed from Cartesian operators. The time-evolution of these operators is of much interest in later chapters and is explored in some detail here.

Royal Society of Chemistry eBooks•Sep 12, 2025•0 citations
In quantum mechanics textbook, the spherical coordinate forms of both 2 and z are obtained generally by using the Cartesian coordinates, however, the variable substitution calculation is complex. In this paper, the spherical coordinates on the orthogonal basis of coordinate are regarded to variables vectors, and differential nature of the spherical coordinates is used. The derivation for angular momentum operators 2 and z in quantum mechanics is predigested.
In quantum mechanics textbooks the momentum operator is defined in the Cartesian coordinates and rarely the form of the momentum operator in spherical polar coordinates is discussed. Consequently one always generalizes the Cartesian prescription to other coordinates and falls in a trap. In this work we introduce the difficulties one faces when the question of the momentum operator in general curvilinear coordinates arises. We have tried to elucidate the points related to the definition of the momentum operator taking spherical polar coordinates as our specimen coordinate system and proposed an elementary method in which we can ascertain the form of the momentum operator in general coordinate systems.
The usual explicit expressions for spherical harmonics are derived by a method which does not involve the solution of differential equations or the use of angular momentum operators in spherical polar form. Instead a raising operator constructed from an arbitrary vector is used together with the usual angular momentum raising and lowering operators. The method is first presented as simply as possible in Schrödinger representation using position as the vector. Then it is generalized to an arbitrary vector and arbitrary integral angular momentum without using a particular representation. Finally it is shown how a conserved vector (other than angular momentum) of a central system can be used to reveal properties of the energy eigenstates. As an example, eigenstates of the hydrogen atom are found using the Runge-Lenz vector.
In quantum mechanics textbooks the momentum operator is defined in the Cartesian coordinates and rarely the form of the momentum operator in spherical polar coordinates is discussed. Consequently one always generalizes the Cartesian prescription to other coordinates and falls in a trap. In this work we introduce the difficulties one faces when the question of the momentum operator in spherical polar coordinate comes. We have tried to point out most of the elementary quantum mechanical results, related to the momentum operator, which has coordinate dependence. We explicitly calculate the momentum expectation values in various bound states and show that the expectation value really turns out to be zero, a consequence of the fact that the momentum expectation value is real. We comment briefly on the status of the angular variables in quantum mechanics and the problems related in interpreting them as dynamical variables. At the end, we calculate the Heisenberg's equation of motion for the radial component of the momentum for the Hydrogen atom.
Using the transformation matrix between the unit basis vectors in deferent orthogonal curvilinear coordinate systems,we deduce the general form of the transformation between the angular momentum operators in these coordinate systems.We give the representations of Hamilton operator  and angular momentum operators in the orthogonal curvilinear coordinate system.We discuss the transformation matrix of unit basis vectors among the spherical coordinate system,cylindrical coordinates system and rectangular coordinates system,and the transformation between the angular momentum operators.Furthermore,we discuss the treatment of 2operator in different coordinate systems.
The quantization of orbital angular momentum can be introduced simply through the model of the two- and three-dimensional simple harmonic oscillator. Most of the analysis is carried out in the familiar Cartesian coordinate system in which the simple harmonic oscillator Schrödinger equation is separable. Angular momentum eigenfunctions are constructed by superposition, and the resulting functions easily transformed into spherical coordinates. The angle-dependent parts of the solutions are the spherical harmonics, which are the orbital angular momentum eigenfunctions for all central potentials including the Coulomb potential of the hydrogen atom. The method also introduces the separation of variables technique and provides practice in applying the concepts of completeness, orthogonality, superposition of states, and alternative representations.
Angular momentum is essential to any advanced discussion of magnetic resonance spectroscopy. A brief history of the modern sub-atomic particle-spin concept is presented. The origin of the spin-1/2 angular momentum quantum number is detailed and angular momentum operators are constructed for spin-1/2 nuclei using the postulates of quantum mechanics which are then used to produce a set of very useful eigenvalue formulas. Angular momentum operators in spherical coordinate form are developed and operator matrices are constructed from Cartesian operators. The time-evolution of these operators is of much interest in later chapters and is explored in some detail here.