32 quantum states of an electron

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the concept of the 32 quantum states of an electron, exploring the validity of this claim in the context of quantum mechanics, quantum computing, and specific systems like quantum dots and hydrogen-like atoms. Participants examine the implications of these states and their relevance to computing technology.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants assert that there is no fixed number of allowable quantum states for electrons, as it depends on the electron's environment.
  • Others argue that a free electron in a vacuum could theoretically have an infinite number of quantum states, though this is challenged by the nonnormalizability of the quantum wave function.
  • A participant mentions that a specific quantum dot may allow for 32 possible states for an electron, but this is not a general rule.
  • One participant references the n=4 state of a hydrogen-like atom, which can have exactly 32 states, but notes that electrons are not limited to this number.
  • Another participant raises the possibility that the mention of 32 states could relate to string theory and its 32-dimensional spinorial representations.
  • Concerns are expressed regarding the validity of a book's claim that 32 states could lead to the creation of a supercomputer, with some participants dismissing this idea as incorrect.
  • There is a suggestion that the book in question may be outdated or misrepresenting the capabilities of quantum computing.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the existence or significance of 32 quantum states for electrons. Multiple competing views are presented regarding the nature of quantum states and their implications for computing.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include the dependence on specific systems (like quantum dots or hydrogen-like atoms) and the unresolved nature of claims regarding the application of these states in quantum computing.

benzun_1999
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what are the 32 quantum states of an electron?
 
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There is no specific number of allowable quantum states for electrons in general. Instead, the electron's environment dictates what energy levels it can have. A free electron moving through a vacuum could actually have any of an infinity of allowed quantum states. An electron in an s-orbital in an atom can be in one of only two states.

- Warren
 
Chroot is right except for one thing. The quantum wave function for a free particle is nonnormalizable meaning that a free particle cannot really exist in a vacuum. So the idea of an infinite number of quantum states is not viable in that reguard.
 
BUT...

a book i read lately said that using the 32 quantum states of an electron you can create a super computer so i thought that 32 states of quantum really existed, so i asked this question.
 
Perhaps in the specific quantum dot the computer used, the electron had 32 possible states. In general, however, there is no specific number -- it depends on the environment the electron is in.

- Warren
 


Originally posted by benzun_1999
a book i read lately said that using the 32 quantum states of an electron you can create a super computer

What book, and what was the surrounding context?

so i thought that 32 states of quantum really existed, so i asked this question.

The n=4 state of a hydrogenlike atom is the only system I can think of that has exactly 32 states. But the electron is by no means limited to 32 (just promote it to n=5!).
 
Originally posted by benzun_1999
what are the 32 quantum states of an electron?

Was string theory mentioned? The reason I ask is that in the 10-dimensional spacetimes of string theory, spacetime spinors (electrons are spinors) fill out spinorial representations of the lorentz group that are 32 dimensional.
 
the right way in the past

That is right in last time , the quantum theory give our the many new particle and new phys fact. some particle in time is so short, it is sorry in the past long time and huge money. but the success in quantum is right.
 
what the book said......

All i read from that book is that you can create a super computer using the 32 states of electron. as most of the computer use only 2 states of an electron, the writer predicted that with the 32 states of an electron you can create a super powerful computer.
 
  • #10
I think your book should be thrown in the fire. Normal computers don't make use of the quantum states of electrons at all, and quantum computers do not necessarily need to provide electrons 32 states.

- Warren
 
  • #11
32 bit (super) computers? Must be an old book.:wink:
 
  • #12


Originally posted by Tom
What book, and what was the surrounding context?


Could it have been Michael Chrichton’s Timeline? The posting sounds like it came straight from the text.
 

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