Probability of Measuring Spin-1 Particle in State |1,-1> at Time t?

In summary, the conversation discusses determining the probability of a spin-1 particle in the state |1,-1> at time t, given an initial spin up in the z direction and a spin Hamiltonian of H=\omega_0 S_x. The speaker considers using the S_x matrix in the z basis and finding the eigenvector to obtain amplitudes in the x basis, or directly expressing the spin in z-direction in the x basis using a rotation matrix.
  • #1
cragar
2,552
3

Homework Statement


A spin-1 particle is placed in a constatn external B field
with [itex] B_0 [/itex] in the x direction. the intial spin of the particle
is spin up in the z direction.
Take the spin Hamiltonian to be [itex] H=\omega_0 S_x [/itex]
determine the probability that the particle is in the state |1,-1> at time t.

The Attempt at a Solution


Would I start with using the [itex] S_x [/itex] matrix in the z basis and then
set this equal to spin 1 and then find the eigenvector for this equation and that
will give me the amplitudes for spin-1, spin-0 and spin minus 1 and these will be amplitudes
in the x basis then I will just time evovle that intial state.
So I will have [itex] S_xQ=1Q [/itex]
where Q is a generic column vector and 1 is the eigenvalue because we are
spin up in the z direction. Or do I need everything in the x basis.
But it seems like I first have to work in the z basis because we know it is spin up in the z direction.
 
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  • #2
If you can express "spin in z-direction" in the basis of spin in x-direction, you don't have to work with a basis of z-spin.
The basis is just a mathematical tool - you can choose any basis you like (even y-direction or weird linear combinations of those, but that would be impractical).
 
  • #3
so i just need to write spin up in the z in the x basis.
I am not really sure how to do that with spin-1.
Do I use a rotation matrix.
 

FAQ: Probability of Measuring Spin-1 Particle in State |1,-1> at Time t?

What is the concept of "spin" in physics?

The concept of spin in physics refers to the intrinsic angular momentum of a particle. It is a quantum mechanical property that describes the rotation of a particle on its own axis. Spin is one of the fundamental properties of particles, along with mass and charge.

2. How is the spin of a particle measured?

The spin of a particle can be measured using a technique called Stern-Gerlach experiment. In this experiment, a beam of particles is passed through a magnetic field and the deflection of the particles is measured. The direction of deflection indicates the spin of the particle.

3. What is the probability of measuring a specific spin value for a particle?

The probability of measuring a specific spin value for a particle depends on the quantum state of the particle. In quantum mechanics, the spin of a particle is described by a wave function, which gives the probability of finding the particle in a particular spin state. The probability is given by the square of the amplitude of the wave function.

4. How does the probability of measuring spin change in different scenarios?

The probability of measuring spin can change in different scenarios, such as when the particle is in a magnetic field or when it interacts with other particles. The wave function of the particle will change accordingly, and the probability of measuring spin will also change. In some cases, the spin of a particle may also be entangled with the spin of another particle, affecting the measurement probability.

5. Why is the probability of measuring spin important in quantum mechanics?

The probability of measuring spin is important in quantum mechanics because it is a fundamental property of particles that can have different values. It plays a crucial role in determining the behavior and interactions of particles, and it is essential for understanding various phenomena in quantum mechanics, such as superposition and entanglement.

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