Dirac's Postulations: A Scalar Function or Four-Dimensional Vector?

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In summary, the conversation focused on the topic of Dirac's postulation about non-commutative operators and a scalar function with 4 elements. The main questions revolved around why this function is considered a scalar and whether it could also be a four-dimensional vector. The conversation also delved into the concept of Hilbert spaces and how they relate to Schrödinger's and Dirac's wave functions. Ultimately, it was determined that the scalar function is a vector from the Hilbert space, while Dirac's field is a 4-spinor and an element of a vector space.
  • #1
Raparicio
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Hello Friends,

About Dirac's postulation about non conmutative operators and the scalar function with 4 elements, some questions:

why this function is a scalar function? Couldn't it be a four-dimensional vector? Why?

Best Reggards.
 
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  • #2
Which scalar function with 4 elements are you talking about?Please make a specific reference.I have no idea what you're referring to.

Daniel.
 
  • #3
HIlbert

Hello Dextercioby and forum,

How are u? I'm agreed to re-read u!

The question is this:

In Dirac's [tex] i \frac{\partial \Psi} {\partial t} =[\alfa (p-eA) + \beta m + e \O ] \Psi [/tex] or Schrödinger's [tex] i\frac{\partial\Psi}{\partial t} = \frac{\hbar^{2}}{2m}\frac{\partial^{2}\Psi}{\partial x^{2}} + V\Psi[/tex], the wave function is a Hilbert Space wave, I think. Are they vectors or scalars?
The Hilbert Space is a vectorial, or scalar space?¿?

My best reggards.
 
  • #4
1.A Hilbert space is a complete VECTOR SPACE with scalar product over the field of complex numbers...

2.Schroedinger's wave-function
[tex] \Psi (\vec{r},t) [/tex]
is a vector from the Hilbert space [tex] \mathbb{L}^{2}(\mathbb{R}^{3})\otimes \mathbb{R} [/tex].

3.Dirac's field
[tex] \Psi^{\alpha} (x^{\mu}) [/tex]
is essentially a 4-spinor (Dirac spinor,if u prefer) and is an element of the vector space of the representation [itex] (\frac{1}{2},0) \oplus (0,\frac{1}{2}) [/itex] of the restricted Lorentz group.The algebric structure determined by these spinors is actually a Grassmann algebra with involution over the vector space mentioned earlier...

Once you quantize Dirac's field,the classical spinors become operators and that's another (quite complicated ) story...

Daniel.
 
Last edited:
  • #5
thanks

Thanks you another time! :wink:
 

FAQ: Dirac's Postulations: A Scalar Function or Four-Dimensional Vector?

What are Dirac's postulations and how do they relate to quantum mechanics?

Dirac's postulations, also known as the fundamental postulates of quantum mechanics, are a set of principles that describe the behavior of particles at the quantum level. They are based on the work of Paul Dirac, a physicist who made significant contributions to the development of quantum mechanics. These postulations form the foundation of quantum mechanics and are essential for understanding the behavior of subatomic particles.

What are the four main postulates of quantum mechanics according to Dirac?

The four main postulates of quantum mechanics, as proposed by Dirac, are:

  • Wave function postulate: A particle's state is described by a wave function, which contains all the information about its position, momentum, and energy.
  • Observable postulate: Measurable quantities, such as position and momentum, are represented by operators that act on the wave function.
  • Eigenvalue postulate: When a measurement is made, the result is one of the eigenvalues of the corresponding operator.
  • Time evolution postulate: The wave function evolves over time according to the Schrödinger equation, which describes the dynamics of quantum systems.

How do Dirac's postulations resolve the classical paradoxes of quantum mechanics?

Dirac's postulations provide a consistent and unified framework for understanding the behavior of particles at the quantum level. They resolve classical paradoxes, such as the wave-particle duality and the uncertainty principle, by describing particles as both waves and particles and by acknowledging the inherent uncertainty in measuring certain properties of a particle.

Are Dirac's postulations universally accepted in the scientific community?

Dirac's postulations are widely accepted by the scientific community as they have been extensively tested and consistently shown to accurately describe the behavior of particles at the quantum level. However, there are ongoing debates and discussions about the interpretation and application of these postulations in different contexts.

Can Dirac's postulations be applied to all physical systems?

Dirac's postulations are applicable to all physical systems, including atoms, molecules, and subatomic particles. However, their predictions may not always align with classical mechanics in macroscopic systems, and they are most accurate when applied to small-scale systems.

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