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kehler
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I just started learning QM. I was wondering, if a wavefunction can only collapse onto a few eigenstates, how come the probability distribution graph is a usually continuous one? :S
kehler said:I just started learning QM. I was wondering, if a wavefunction can only collapse onto a few eigenstates, how come the probability distribution graph is a usually continuous one? :S
A wavefunction is a mathematical function that describes the quantum state of a system. It is used to calculate the probability of finding a particle at a certain position or energy level.
An eigenstate is a state in which a physical quantity, such as position or energy, is well-defined and has a specific value. It is a fundamental concept in quantum mechanics and is often used to describe the state of a particle.
This is a fundamental principle of quantum mechanics known as the "collapse of the wavefunction." When a measurement is made on a system, the wavefunction collapses onto one of its eigenstates, which becomes the observed state of the system. This is due to the probabilistic nature of quantum mechanics.
The other eigenstates still exist, but they are no longer the observed state of the system. They may still play a role in future measurements or interactions with other systems.
No, a wavefunction can only collapse onto one eigenstate at a time. This is because the act of measurement causes the wavefunction to collapse onto a single eigenstate, which becomes the observed state of the system. This is a fundamental principle of quantum mechanics and is supported by experimental evidence.