Why ##S_z|+\rangle=\frac{\hbar}{2}|+\rangle##

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In summary, the author defines eigenthings in the context of the eigenvalue equation and explains that the ket corresponding to the chosen eigenvalue of the operator appears on both sides of the equation because it is unchanged by the operator. This leads to the conclusion that ##S_z|+\rangle=\frac{\hbar}{2}|+\rangle##, as it is the vector that satisfies the equation. The speaker agrees with this explanation and plans to reread the chapter.
  • #1
Kashmir
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I've just started Quantum mechanics from McIntyre, and I've got a doubt.
Here is the relevant passage
IMG_20220126_185948.JPG

IMG_20220126_190008.JPG


How does the author say using the preceding section that
##S_z|+\rangle=\frac{\hbar}{2}
|+\rangle##?
 
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  • #2
Kashmir said:
I've just started Quantum mechanics from McIntyre, and I've got a doubt.
Here is the relevant passage
View attachment 296047
View attachment 296046

How does the author say using the preceding section that
##S_z|+\rangle=\frac{\hbar}{2}
|+\rangle##?
That holds by definition. ##| + \rangle## is the vector with precisely that property.
 
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  • #3
PeroK said:
That holds by definition. ##| + \rangle## is the vector with precisely that property.
Thank you for your response.

The author says "In the eigenvalue equation, the observable is represented by an
operator, the eigenvalue is one of the possible measurement results of the observable, and the eigenvector is the ket corresponding to the chosen eigenvalue of the operator. The eigenvector appears on
both sides of the equation because it is unchanged by the operator"

So this is the definition?
 
  • #4
Kashmir said:
Thank you for your response.

The author says "In the eigenvalue equation, the observable is represented by an
operator, the eigenvalue is one of the possible measurement results of the observable, and the eigenvector is the ket corresponding to the chosen eigenvalue of the operator. The eigenvector appears on
both sides of the equation because it is unchanged by the operator"

So this is the definition?
That's the definition of eigenthings. The definition of ##|+\rangle## is that it is the vector that satisfies that equation.
 
  • #5
PeroK said:
That's the definition of eigenthings. The definition of ##|+\rangle## is that it is the vector that satisfies that equation.
I reread the passage and think that
##S_z|+\rangle=\frac{\hbar}{2}

|+\rangle## follows from the passage I've quoted above. I'll try to explain it.

Keeping in mind Stern Gerlach experiment measuring spin along z direction we know that we've two measurements ##\pm \frac{\hbar}{2}## corresponding respectively to
##|\pm\rangle##.

Then the authors quote
"In the eigenvalue equation, the observable is represented by an
operator, the eigenvalue is one of the possible measurement results of the observable, and the eigenvector is the ket corresponding to the chosen eigenvalue of the operator. The eigenvector appears on
both sides of the equation because it is unchanged by the operator" implies then
##S_z|+\rangle=\frac{\hbar}{2}

|+\rangle##
 
  • #6
I can't argue with that!
 
  • #7
PeroK said:
I can't argue with that!
Am I wrong sir? Then I'll reread the chapter again.
 

FAQ: Why ##S_z|+\rangle=\frac{\hbar}{2}|+\rangle##

Why is the z-component of spin for a particle in the state |+⟩ equal to ℏ/2?

The z-component of spin, denoted as Sz, is a quantum mechanical property that describes the angular momentum of a particle in the z-direction. For a particle in the state |+⟩, which represents a spin-up state, the z-component of spin is defined as ℏ/2. This value is a consequence of the mathematical formalism of quantum mechanics and is a fundamental property of spin.

How is the z-component of spin related to the spin state |+⟩?

The z-component of spin is one of the three possible values that a spin state can take on. For a particle in the state |+⟩, the z-component of spin is equal to ℏ/2. This means that the particle has a spin that is aligned with the z-axis and is pointing in the positive direction. In general, the z-component of spin for a particle in a spin state |ψ⟩ can be calculated using the formula Sz = ℏ/2 * cos(θ), where θ is the angle between the spin axis and the z-axis.

What does the z-component of spin tell us about the spin of a particle?

The z-component of spin is a measure of the orientation of a particle's spin in the z-direction. It tells us whether the particle's spin is pointing in the positive or negative z-direction, and the magnitude of this component is equal to ℏ/2. This value is important in understanding the behavior of particles in quantum systems and is used in calculations for various quantum mechanical phenomena.

How is the z-component of spin measured in experiments?

The z-component of spin cannot be measured directly in experiments, as it is a quantum mechanical property that does not have a classical analog. However, it can be indirectly measured through the effects it has on other observables, such as the magnetic moment of a particle. By measuring the magnetic moment, scientists can infer the z-component of spin and use it to make predictions about the behavior of particles in a quantum system.

Can the z-component of spin for a particle in the state |+⟩ change over time?

No, the z-component of spin for a particle in the state |+⟩ is a constant value of ℏ/2. This is because the state |+⟩ represents a spin-up state, and the z-component of spin is defined as ℏ/2 for this state. However, the overall spin state of a particle can change over time due to interactions with other particles or external forces, which can alter the z-component of spin.

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