- #1
Gamble123
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If some one could explain the concept it would be most apreciated.
What Is a Postulate in Quantum Mechanics?
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- Thread starter Gamble123
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SUMMARY
A postulate in quantum mechanics is an assumption made at the foundation of a theory, from which predictions are derived. Key examples include the constancy of the speed of light and the equivalence of gravitational and inertial mass. Quantum mechanics is structured around six axioms, with various formulations such as Dirac's, von Neumann's, and Feynman's. The time evolution postulate can be expressed in three different ways depending on the adopted picture: Schrödinger, Heisenberg, or interaction (Dirac-Tomonaga-Schwinger).
PREREQUISITES- Understanding of quantum mechanics axioms
- Familiarity with Dirac's and von Neumann's formulations
- Knowledge of Schrödinger and Heisenberg pictures
- Basic grasp of matrix mechanics and wave mechanics
- Research the six axioms of quantum mechanics
- Explore the differences between Dirac's and von Neumann's formulations
- Learn about the Schrödinger and Heisenberg pictures in detail
- Study the implications of the time evolution postulate in quantum mechanics
Students and professionals in physics, particularly those studying quantum mechanics, theoretical physicists, and anyone interested in the foundational principles of physical theories.
- #2
chroot
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It is something that is assumed at the "beginning" of a theory. The remainder of the theory's predictions are conclusions derived from its postulates. Postulates can be tested for correctness, but they are assumed, not derived.
Some examples of postulates:
The speed of light is constant for all observers.
Gravitational and inertial mass are the same.
- Warren
Some examples of postulates:
The speed of light is constant for all observers.
Gravitational and inertial mass are the same.
- Warren
- #3
dextercioby
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Each physical theory should be endowed with an axiomatical structure.From my reading and understanding experience,the best of them all is the one of (Nonrelativistic) Quantum Mechanics.Each if its 6 axioms has more fomulations (wording and mathematical expressions) depending upon the formulation of the theory:Dirac's (a.k.a.traditional),von Neumann's,Feynman's,...
There's one postulate (the IV-th,i.e.the time evolution postulate) which,in every formulation aforementioned,can be expressed in 3 different ways,depending upon the picture one adopts:Schrödinger,Heisenberg or interaction (a.k.a.Dirac-Tomonaga-Schwinger).And then of course you have the representations
ccupation number,occupation number-energy,position,momentum.Then of course you have the original formalism of matrix mechanics and wave mechanics,but this is not really a part of the axiomatical structure,as one finds them as particular realizations of the various ways of describing the concept of "physical state".
Daniel.
There's one postulate (the IV-th,i.e.the time evolution postulate) which,in every formulation aforementioned,can be expressed in 3 different ways,depending upon the picture one adopts:Schrödinger,Heisenberg or interaction (a.k.a.Dirac-Tomonaga-Schwinger).And then of course you have the representations
ccupation number,occupation number-energy,position,momentum.Then of course you have the original formalism of matrix mechanics and wave mechanics,but this is not really a part of the axiomatical structure,as one finds them as particular realizations of the various ways of describing the concept of "physical state".Daniel.
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