Symmetry in Physics: Wave Functions & e^i (Δ)

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the concept of symmetry in physics, particularly in relation to wave functions and the mathematical expression involving the factor e^i (delta). Participants explore the implications of multiplying wave functions by this factor and the significance of the phase factor when considering identical particles.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions the origin of the factor e^i (delta) in the context of wave functions for identical particles and its implications when delta equals pi.
  • Another participant explains that pure states in quantum mechanics are represented by unit rays in Hilbert space, noting that multiplying a wave function by a complex number with a norm of 1 does not change the state.
  • A further elaboration indicates that a complex number with norm 1 can be expressed as e^{iθ}, linking it to the unit circle in the complex plane.
  • It is noted that the expression e^{iθ}(|a⟩ + |b⟩) is not equivalent to |a⟩ + e^{iθ}|b⟩ when e^{iθ} is not equal to 1, emphasizing the importance of relative phase in quantum states.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants present various viewpoints regarding the role of the phase factor in wave functions, with no consensus reached on the implications of the factor e^i (delta) or its specific effects when delta is pi.

Contextual Notes

There is an assumption that the states discussed are normalized, and the discussion relies on the properties of complex numbers and their representation in quantum mechanics, which may not be fully explored.

bjon-07
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well my question was this...I was reading about symmetry in physics...feymann was talking about the wave function...if you have two identcal particles in different places...and find there wave functions...blah blah blah...the he mutiplied one of the wave fuctions by a factor of e^i (delta sign).

where did the e^i (delta) come from?

and what happens if the delta happens to be pi (e^i(pi))=-1



Sorry if this positive doesn't make any sense I am a hurry right now. but I can re-write it late if needed
 
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Pure states in quantum mechanics are described by unit rays in the separable Hilbert space of states (for simplicity,only discrete spectra of observables).[itex]\psi[/itex] and [itex]C\psi[/itex] describe the same pure quantum state,as long as [itex]|C|=1[/itex],with [itex]C\in\mathbb{C}[/itex].

Daniel.
 
dextercioby said:
Pure states in quantum mechanics are described by unit rays in the separable Hilbert space of states (for simplicity,only discrete spectra of observables).[itex]\psi[/itex] and [itex]C\psi[/itex] describe the same pure quantum state,as long as [itex]|C|=1[/itex],with [itex]C\in\mathbb{C}[/itex].

Daniel.

and when a complex number c has norm 1 it lies on the unit circle in the complex plane, which is parametrized by the reals mod pi: [tex]c = e^{i\theta} = cos \theta + i sin \theta[/tex]. Basic result in complex variables.
 
To further expand, you should realize that (assuming the states are normalised)

[tex]e^{i\theta}(|a\rangle +|b\rangle )\neq |a\rangle +e^{i\theta} |b\rangle[/tex]

Where [itex]e^{i\theta}\neq 1[/itex]It's all about relative phase...
 

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