How does a spinor affect a wave function?

In summary: A more illuminating answer to the question would be: What are the algebraic properties of a spinor that make it a spinor?
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justpeeking
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How do spinors affect wave function solutions? Like how is the output different
 
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justpeeking said:
How do spinors affect wave function solutions? Like how is the output different
The wave function of a particle with spin is the composition of a spatial component and a spinor. See the Dirac equation, for example:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dirac_equation
 
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justpeeking said:
How do spinors affect wave function solutions? Like how is the output different
Due to spin, you can have a state with two electrons with the same spatial wave function. It has dramatic consequences for chemistry, see e.g. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Helium_atom.
 
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PeroK said:
The wave function of a particle with spin is the composition of a spatial component and a spinor. See the Dirac equation, for example:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dirac_equation

Respecting your expertise and appreciating Demystifier's enlightening answer, nevertheless might a slightly more illluminating answer* to the question be:

A spinor wave function has multiple spatial components (four for a single-electron solution of the Dirac equation).

It is the algebraic properties of this multicomponent object that makes it a spinor.

In the case of Pauli's early phenomenological theory of spin, he developed spinors that had 2-complex components (just two complex numbers). These can be combined with spatial wave functions, as your own answer states, in a manner that is very clearly illustrated in Richard Fitzpatrick's article https://farside.ph.utexas.edu/teaching/qm/lectures/node51.html

So rather than ask "How ... spinors affect wave function solutions" it might be better to ask "what characterises a wave function solution as a spinor" (i.e. being components of a spinors doesn't change (affect) the spatial wave functions themselves, but rather associates them in such a way that the whole mathematical object is - has the properties of - a spinor.)

* OK - pedantic if you prefer
 
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FAQ: How does a spinor affect a wave function?

What is a spinor?

A spinor is a mathematical object that represents the intrinsic angular momentum (spin) of a particle in quantum mechanics. It is a complex vector that describes the state of a particle and how it behaves under rotations.

How does a spinor affect a wave function?

A spinor is used to describe the spin state of a particle in a wave function. It is a component of the overall wave function and affects the probability of finding the particle in a particular spin state when measured.

Can a spinor change the shape of a wave function?

Yes, a spinor can change the shape of a wave function. The spinor component of the wave function adds an extra degree of freedom, which can alter the overall shape and behavior of the wave function.

How do spinors relate to quantum mechanics?

Spinors are an essential part of quantum mechanics. They are used to describe the spin state of particles and are crucial in understanding the behavior of particles on a quantum level.

How do spinors differ from other mathematical objects in quantum mechanics?

Spinors are unique in that they are used to describe the spin state of particles, while other mathematical objects in quantum mechanics, such as wave functions and operators, describe other properties of particles. Spinors are also complex vectors, while other objects may be scalars or matrices.

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