Energy Measurements of Particle in Superposition of States

In summary, a superposition of states in particle energy measurements refers to the quantum mechanical phenomenon of a particle existing in multiple states simultaneously. The energy of such particles is measured using quantum mechanics principles and has various applications in fields such as quantum computing and cryptography. The energy of a particle in superposition cannot be predicted or controlled with certainty, and there are challenges in accurately measuring it due to the delicate nature of quantum systems and the uncertainty principle.
  • #1
gysush
26
0
Given that E(n) = (n^2)E, and that our wave function PSI = 1/Sqrt(14)(Psi(1) + 2*Psi(2) + 3*Psi(3), what is the the value for the measurement of the energy?


So, <H> = SUM((c(n)^2)*E(n))

where E(n) = (n^2)*E and c(1)=1/sqrt(14), c(2)=2/sqrt(14), c(3)=3/sqrt(14), which satisfies SUM(c(n)^2) = 1

Thus, <H> =

= 1/14*(E + 4*4*E + 9*9*E) = 7*E

but the answer key says 9*E...what am I doing wrong?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
That should be right, unless we're both missing something obvious (not outside of realm of possibility for me...)
 
  • #3
Looks right to me too.
 

1. What is meant by a "superposition of states" in particle energy measurements?

A superposition of states refers to the quantum mechanical phenomenon in which a particle exists in multiple states simultaneously. This is in contrast to classical mechanics, where a particle can only exist in one state at a time.

2. How is energy measured in particles that are in a superposition of states?

The energy of a particle in a superposition of states is measured using quantum mechanics principles, such as wavefunction collapse and measurement operators. This allows for the measurement of the particle's energy in each of its individual states and the calculation of the overall energy of the superposition.

3. What are the applications of energy measurements in particles in a superposition of states?

The measurement of energy in particles in a superposition of states has various applications in fields such as quantum computing, quantum information processing, and quantum cryptography. It also helps us understand the behavior of particles at the quantum level and can lead to the development of new technologies.

4. Can the energy of a particle in a superposition of states be predicted or controlled?

The energy of a particle in a superposition of states cannot be predicted or controlled with certainty. According to the principles of quantum mechanics, the act of measurement itself can affect the particle's energy state. However, with advanced techniques and technologies, scientists are able to manipulate and control the energy of particles in superposition to some extent.

5. What are some challenges in accurately measuring the energy of particles in a superposition of states?

One of the main challenges in accurately measuring the energy of particles in a superposition of states is the delicate nature of quantum systems. Any external interference or measurement can disrupt the superposition and affect the accuracy of the measurement. Additionally, the uncertainty principle in quantum mechanics states that the more precisely we know the energy of a particle, the less precisely we can know its position, adding another layer of complexity to the measurement process.

Similar threads

  • Advanced Physics Homework Help
Replies
9
Views
1K
  • Advanced Physics Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
91
  • Advanced Physics Homework Help
Replies
29
Views
138
  • Advanced Physics Homework Help
Replies
14
Views
1K
  • Advanced Physics Homework Help
Replies
3
Views
928
  • Advanced Physics Homework Help
Replies
8
Views
1K
  • Advanced Physics Homework Help
Replies
3
Views
888
  • Advanced Physics Homework Help
Replies
0
Views
661
  • Advanced Physics Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
712
Replies
16
Views
549
Back
Top