An elementary derivation of the quantumvirial theorem from Hellmann–Feynmantheorem

OpenAlex İngilizce

Abstract A simple proof of the quantum virial theorem that can be used in undergraduate courses is given. The proof proceeds by first showing that the energy eigenvalues of a Hamiltonian remain invariant under a scale transformation. Then invoking the Hellmann–Feynman theorem produces the final statement of the virial theorem.