A generic quantum state and the charge of an electron

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the concept of generic quantum states, particularly in relation to the charge of an electron. Participants explore the implications of representing physical properties, such as charge, within the framework of quantum mechanics.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses confusion regarding the representation of the charge of an electron as a generic quantum state, questioning how a superposition could apply when charge is quantized as a fixed value (e).
  • Another participant requests a verbatim quote from the lecture for clarity on the professor's explanation.
  • A third participant asks for a link to the lecture to better understand the context of the discussion.
  • A fourth participant prefers a textual excerpt over a video link, indicating a desire for precise information.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

There is no consensus on the interpretation of the professor's statement regarding the charge of an electron as a quantum state. Participants express varying levels of understanding and seek further clarification.

Contextual Notes

The discussion highlights a potential limitation in understanding how fixed physical quantities, like charge, can be represented in a quantum framework, particularly in terms of superposition.

eprparadox
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I'm watching a lecture and the professor is talking about generic quantum states as

|\psi>

He's making the point that this state is very generic. It can represent anything. He references some examples like the polarization of a photon and the path of a photon and the spin of an electron. Those (I think) make sense to me as quantum states.

But then he says that the "charge on an electron" could be represented by this generic state, ## |\psi> ##.

This example I didn't understand. How could talking about the charge of an electron by itself by represented by ## |\psi> ##. For one, what would a superposition of states look like in this case? The charge can't be fractional or be 2e or 3e. It's just e. What am I missing?
 
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Can you write exactly what he says, word for word, in context?
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: Dale
eprparadox said:
I'm watching a lecture
Can you post a link?
 
I'd rather he post the text than "here's an hour long video and somewhere in it he says this".
 

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