Physical significance of Eigenvalues and Eigenvector?

In summary, the conversation discusses the concept of eigenvalues and eigenvectors and their physical significance in various contexts, such as quantum or classical systems and signal processing. While the physical significance of these mathematical methods may vary depending on their application, they are generally useful in solving dynamic equations and manipulating data.
  • #1
kgirish
1
0
I want to know what exactly Eigen value imply. What is its Physical significance ? Physical significance of eigen vector? Does eigen value concept apply in signal processing or evalvating frequency response off a system?
 
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  • #2
Quantum or classical? Eigen values and eigen vectors have different meanings in different contexts.
 
  • #3
The "physical significance" of something is a physics question, not a mathematics question.
 
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Likes Dr. Courtney
  • #4
The physical significance of an eigenvector depends on the physical significance of the matrix that it comes from.
 
  • #5
Eigenvalues are very useful in engineering as are differential equations and Lapace transforms, and frequency response. I'll wager you think of frequency response as something physical, but all these things are math methods that make some things easier to visualize and to manipulate.

See https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eigenvalue,_eigenvector_and_eigenspace#Dynamic_equations to see their general usefulness to solving dynamic equations.

As DaleSpam said, the actual physical significance depends on the application, and there are many such.

If you work in signal processing someone might ask you "what is the physical significance of multiplying a signal by a transfer function?" How would you answer?
 

1. What is the physical significance of eigenvalues and eigenvectors?

Eigenvalues and eigenvectors are mathematical concepts that are widely used in the field of physics. In physics, eigenvalues represent the possible outcomes or values of a physical system, while eigenvectors represent the corresponding state or configuration of the system. They are important in understanding the behavior and properties of physical systems, such as atoms, molecules, and quantum particles.

2. How are eigenvalues and eigenvectors used in quantum mechanics?

In quantum mechanics, eigenvalues and eigenvectors play a crucial role in understanding the behavior and properties of quantum systems. They represent the possible energy levels and corresponding states of a quantum system, and are used to solve the Schrödinger equation, which describes the evolution of quantum systems over time.

3. Can eigenvalues and eigenvectors be physically observed?

No, eigenvalues and eigenvectors themselves cannot be physically observed. They are mathematical concepts that are used to describe physical systems and their properties. However, the physical effects and behaviors of a system can be observed and measured, which are related to the eigenvalues and eigenvectors of the system.

4. What is the relationship between eigenvalues and eigenvectors?

Eigenvalues and eigenvectors are related in that a specific eigenvalue corresponds to a specific eigenvector. In other words, an eigenvector is a vector that, when multiplied by a particular eigenvalue, produces the same vector, but scaled by that eigenvalue. This relationship is important in understanding the behavior and properties of physical systems.

5. How do eigenvalues and eigenvectors relate to the stability of a physical system?

In physics, the eigenvalues and eigenvectors of a system can provide information about the stability of the system. If the eigenvalues are all real and negative, the system is considered stable. If there are any positive or complex eigenvalues, the system is considered unstable. This is important in predicting the behavior and evolution of physical systems over time.

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