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sabre729
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Homework Statement
Alright, so there is a problem in the Townsend quantum mechanics book that reads: What is the probability that a measurement of Sx will yield the value hbar for this state:
The state is given by:
|ψ> = 1/sqrt(14) * (1,2,3i)
(But the vector is represented as a column vector in state ψ)
It's in the Sz basis, and it is a spin 1 particle.
Homework Equations
The Attempt at a Solution
In another problem I determined the eigenstates of Sx for a spin 1 particle in terms of the eigenstates for |1,1>, |1,0>, |1,-1>. So I figured it would be easy to take that vector for hbar and just do the probability amplitude on it with the given ψ. That vector I have is:
(1, sqrt(2), 1)
Again as a column vector. Or row vector, either way really. But when I did that I got a value bigger than 1. So I'm obviously missing something here, and I was hoping someone could tell me what.
Also I have a huge issue when bases switch, and yes, it's just a lin alg thing and I should review it, but as I do, does anyone have a quick trick for these kinds of problems? It's really appreciated.
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