Does the Minus Sign Affect Sz Measurement Outcomes in EPR Argument?

In summary, the minus sign in the wave function does not affect the possible outcomes of the measurement of Sz for the two electrons, which would be Sz(A) = +h/2, Sz(B) = -h/2 and Sz(A) = -h/2, Sz(B) = +h/2. It is simply a mathematical representation and does not have any physical significance. Further understanding of quantum mechanics and spin states of particles can be found through textbooks or online resources.
  • #1
benedwards2020
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Determine the possible outcomes of the measurement Sz for the two electrons

[tex]\psi = \frac{1}{2} (\psi_{+}(A)\psi_{-}(B)-\psi_{+}(A)\psi_{-}(B))[/tex]


The Attempt at a Solution



Now I know how to work out the outcomes for each of the pairs, but what I'm not sure about is how to handle the minus sign in between the two pairs.

Do I use the minus sign as I would in any other calculation to give me possible outcomes of

Sz(A) = +h/2, Sz(B) = -h/2
Sz(A) = -h/2, Sz(B) = +h/2

Or do I ignore the minus sign to give me

Sz(A) = +h/2, Sz(B) = -h/2
Sz(A) = +h/2, Sz(B) = -h/2

I'm having difficulty finding examples on the internet for this sort of problem so any helpful links would also be appreciated

many thanks
 
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  • #2

I would like to clarify that the minus sign in the wave function does not affect the possible outcomes of the measurement of Sz for the two electrons. The minus sign is simply a mathematical representation of the wave function and does not have any physical significance in this context.

Therefore, the possible outcomes of the measurement of Sz for the two electrons would be:

Sz(A) = +h/2, Sz(B) = -h/2
Sz(A) = -h/2, Sz(B) = +h/2.

I hope this clarifies your doubt. As for helpful links, I would suggest looking into the basics of quantum mechanics and spin states of particles. You can also refer to textbooks or online resources for more detailed explanations and examples. Thank you.
 

FAQ: Does the Minus Sign Affect Sz Measurement Outcomes in EPR Argument?

What is the EPR argument?

The EPR (Einstein-Podolsky-Rosen) argument is a thought experiment proposed by Albert Einstein, Boris Podolsky, and Nathan Rosen in 1935 to challenge the completeness and accuracy of quantum mechanics.

What are the possible outcomes of the EPR argument?

The possible outcomes of the EPR argument are that either quantum mechanics is incomplete and there are hidden variables at play, or that there are no hidden variables and quantum mechanics is a complete and accurate description of reality.

How does the EPR argument relate to entanglement?

The EPR argument is often used to explain the phenomenon of quantum entanglement, where two or more particles become intertwined and share a connection even when separated by large distances. The argument suggests that entanglement may be evidence of hidden variables at play.

What experiments have been conducted to test the EPR argument?

Several experiments, such as the Bell test experiments, have been conducted to test the predictions of the EPR argument. These experiments have generally supported the idea that quantum mechanics is a complete and accurate description of reality.

What implications does the EPR argument have for our understanding of quantum mechanics?

The EPR argument has significant implications for our understanding of quantum mechanics, as it challenges the idea of locality and non-locality in the quantum world. It also raises questions about the fundamental nature of reality and whether there are hidden variables at play in quantum systems.

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