Can a Wavefunction Change State After Collapse with Disturbance?

In summary, the wavefunction of a system can collapse and change to a new state if the system is disturbed. This is determined by the Hamiltonian and the Schoredinger equation, which govern the time evolution of the wave function. The probability of a state change after a disturbance can be calculated by considering the change in the Hamiltonian.
  • #1
andrewthorn
3
0
Once a wavefunction has collapsed, can the system change to a new state if we disturb the system?

For example, if we have a particle in a state of well defined energy (e.g. ground state) and then suddenly change the potential of the particle, can it change to a new state (e.g. excited state)?

How could one work out the probability of it changing state after the disturbance?

Thanks, I'd be grateful if you can contribute to all or just part of my question.
 
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  • #2
After wave function collapse, the time evolution of the wave function is again deterministic and governed by the Hamiltonian via the Schoredinger equation. So if you change the Hamiltonian, you will affect the evolution.
 

FAQ: Can a Wavefunction Change State After Collapse with Disturbance?

What is the collapse of wavefunction?

The collapse of wavefunction, also known as wavefunction collapse, is a fundamental concept in quantum mechanics. It refers to the phenomenon where a system in a superposition of multiple states is observed or measured, causing the wavefunction to "collapse" into a single state.

How does the collapse of wavefunction occur?

The exact mechanism of wavefunction collapse is still a subject of debate among physicists. One theory is that the act of observation or measurement causes the collapse, while another suggests that the interaction of the system with its environment is responsible.

What is the role of the observer in the collapse of wavefunction?

According to the Copenhagen interpretation of quantum mechanics, the observer plays a crucial role in the collapse of wavefunction. The act of observation causes the wavefunction to collapse into a single state, and the observer's interaction with the system is what determines the outcome of the measurement.

Does the collapse of wavefunction violate the laws of physics?

No, the collapse of wavefunction does not violate any known laws of physics. It is a fundamental aspect of quantum mechanics and has been supported by numerous experiments. However, it does challenge our classical understanding of reality.

Can the collapse of wavefunction be reversed?

According to current theories, the collapse of wavefunction is irreversible. Once a measurement is made and the wavefunction collapses, it cannot be undone. This is one of the fundamental differences between classical and quantum systems.

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