What happens when a detector does not find a particle in state |4>?

In summary, wave function collapse is a phenomenon in quantum mechanics where a particle's probability distribution collapses into a definite state upon measurement or observation. It occurs when a quantum system interacts with a measuring device or observer and demonstrates the probabilistic nature of quantum mechanics. This process is irreversible and has led to various interpretations such as the Copenhagen interpretation and the many-worlds interpretation.
  • #1
giants86
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Homework Statement


A particle is in the state
1/2 |1> - 1/2 |2> + 1/2 |3> - 1/2 |4>

A detector is placed to measure state |4>. What the particle's wave function collapses into, if the detector does not find a particle

Homework Equations



<i|j> = delta (i, j)

The Attempt at a Solution



1/sqrt(3) ( |1> - |2> + |3>) - normalized perpendicular component
 
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  • #2
looks good to me, man. nice work :)
 

What is wave function collapse?

Wave function collapse is a phenomenon in quantum mechanics where the probability distribution of a particle's location or velocity collapses into a definite position or velocity upon measurement or observation.

How does wave function collapse occur?

Wave function collapse occurs when a quantum system interacts with a measuring device or observer. The act of measurement or observation forces the system to "choose" a specific state from all the possible superposed states it was in prior to measurement.

What is the significance of wave function collapse?

The significance of wave function collapse is that it demonstrates the probabilistic nature of quantum mechanics, where the outcome of a measurement cannot be predicted with certainty. It also supports the idea of the observer effect, where the act of observation affects the behavior of the observed system.

Can wave function collapse be reversed?

No, wave function collapse is an irreversible process. Once a measurement or observation is made, the system's wave function collapses and the result becomes definite. This is known as the "collapse of the wave function".

What are the different interpretations of wave function collapse?

There are several different interpretations of wave function collapse, including the Copenhagen interpretation, the many-worlds interpretation, and the pilot-wave theory. These interpretations attempt to explain the underlying meaning and implications of wave function collapse in different ways.

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