Quantum Mechanics wavefuction collapse

AI Thread Summary
In the discussion, the focus is on determining the probability that a harmonic oscillator remains in its ground state after a momentum measurement. The initial momentum measurement yields a range, prompting the need to calculate the probability of the energy remaining unchanged. The relevant equation involves the overlap of the ground state wave function with the wave function after measurement. Participants express uncertainty about how to derive the wave function post-measurement and inquire about the general mechanics of wave function collapse. Understanding these concepts is essential for solving the problem accurately.
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Homework Statement


Consider a harmonic oscillator. It is in the ground state. Momentum is
measured and is found to be between 0.2 \sqrt{}m\omega hand 1.5 \sqrt{}m\omega h. (h here is h bar)
Energy is now immediately measured. What is the probability that the energy is
unchanged? You may want to do it numerically.



Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution


I don't know what to start with. Maybe P(E unchange)=|<\varphi0|wave after measurement>|2
 
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That's right. If the energy is unchanged, it's in the ground state, so you want to find the probability the oscillator is in the ground state after the momentum is measured.
 
how to find wave after measurement then?
 
Making a measurement causes the wave function to collapse. How does the collapse work in general?
 
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