How to Calculate the Amplitude for a Particle in State |x>?

In summary, the amplitude for a particle in state |x> to be in state |-z> can be calculated using the formula <-z|+x> + <-z|-x>, and the notation |-z> is commonly used in quantum mechanics.
  • #1
Agnostic
110
0
<-z|x> is the amplitude for a particle in state |x> to be in state |-z>.

a particle in state |x> can be in |+x> or |-x>, correct?

|+x> = [1/sqrt(2)]|+z> + [1/sqrt(2)]|-z>

|-x> = [1/sqrt(2)]|+z> - [1/sqrt(2)]|-z>


How would this be calculated?


Would the amplitude be:

<-z|+x> + <-z|-x>?

|<-z|+x>| + |<-z|-x>|?
 
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  • #2
I've never seen the [itex] |-z\rangle [/itex] notation before. But [itex] -|z\rangle [/itex] is a common one.

Daniel.
 
  • #3
I've used this notation before, but there was always a differentiation between |+x> and |-x>, I never saw just |x>. Perhaps |x> means |+x>?

If this is the case in order to get the amplitude you want <-z|+x>. Only do |<-z|+x>| for the probablility.
 

FAQ: How to Calculate the Amplitude for a Particle in State |x>?

1) What is the amplitude for a particle in a specific state?

The amplitude for a particle in a specific state is a complex number that represents the probability of measuring the particle in that state. It is denoted by the symbol "ψ" and is calculated using the Schrödinger equation.

2) How is the amplitude related to the wave function?

The amplitude is closely related to the wave function, which is a mathematical representation of the state of a particle. The square of the amplitude is equal to the probability density, which describes the likelihood of finding the particle at a specific location in space.

3) Can the amplitude be negative?

Yes, the amplitude can be negative as it is a complex number. The negative sign indicates the phase of the wave function, which is important for understanding interference and superposition in quantum mechanics.

4) How does the amplitude change over time?

The amplitude can change over time as the particle is in a superposition of states and its wave function evolves according to the Schrödinger equation. Measurement of the particle's state collapses the wave function and the amplitude becomes 0 for all other states.

5) How is the amplitude used in quantum mechanics?

The amplitude is a fundamental concept in quantum mechanics and is used to calculate probabilities of various measurements. It is also used to understand phenomena such as superposition, entanglement, and quantum tunneling.

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