Bell's Theorem - why product of (2)spins can be +1 (Griffith's text)

In summary, the conversation discusses Bell's Theorem and Bell's 1964 work, specifically focusing on a table on page 423 that shows the spin of the electron and positron in the singlet state. The table reveals that the product of the two spins can be +1. However, there is confusion about how this is possible, with a suggestion that the detectors may not be fixed. A diagram on page 424 shows that the detectors' orientation is free, but there is a lack of detail on what happens when the detectors rotate past horizontal. The question is raised whether a detector will give a negative result if it is upside down or if its unit vector has a component pointing down.
  • #1
Sparky_
227
5
TL;DR Summary
Table of products of the spin of electron and positron shows the product can be +1
Hello,

Within Griffith's text - chap 12 section 12.2 page 423 - this is a brief summary of Bell's Theorem and description of Bell's 1964 work.

There is a table on page 423 showing the spin of the electron and positron (from pi meson decay) - these would be in the singlet state, one would be spin up and the other spin down

the table has some rows showing both having spin up or both having spin down so the product is +1

I don't see (yet) how you can have the product be +1

I feel like it is because the detectors are not fixed

Figure 12.2 (page 424) shows a diagram of the experiment - where the two detectors' orientation is shown to be free.

There is not enough detail describing the detectors nor what happens when they rotate past horizontal -

will a detector give the negative result if it is upside down - (or it's unit vector has a component pointing down)?

Thanks
-Sparky
 
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  • #2
Sparky_ said:
Summary:: Table of products of the spin of electron and positron shows the product can be +1

Hello,

Within Griffith's text - chap 12 section 12.2 page 423 - this is a brief summary of Bell's Theorem and description of Bell's 1964 work.

There is a table on page 423 showing the spin of the electron and positron (from pi meson decay) - these would be in the singlet state, one would be spin up and the other spin down

the table has some rows showing both having spin up or both having spin down so the product is +1

I don't see (yet) how you can have the product be +1

I feel like it is because the detectors are not fixed

Figure 12.2 (page 424) shows a diagram of the experiment - where the two detectors' orientation is shown to be free.

There is not enough detail describing the detectors nor what happens when they rotate past horizontal -

will a detector give the negative result if it is upside down - (or it's unit vector has a component pointing down)?

Thanks
-Sparky
That table records the two spin measurements about the respective axes. The product is simply the product of two numbers. Nothing more.
 

1. What is Bell's Theorem?

Bell's Theorem is a mathematical proof that shows the incompatibility of local hidden variable theories with the predictions of quantum mechanics. It was developed by physicist John Stewart Bell in 1964.

2. Why is Bell's Theorem important?

Bell's Theorem is important because it provides a way to test the validity of quantum mechanics and the concept of entanglement. It also has implications for our understanding of the nature of reality and the role of locality in physical theories.

3. What is the product of (2) spins in Bell's Theorem?

The product of (2) spins in Bell's Theorem refers to the correlation between two particles that have become entangled. This correlation is measured by the product of their individual spin values, which can be either +1 or -1.

4. How does Bell's Theorem relate to Griffith's text?

Griffith's text is a popular textbook on quantum mechanics that includes a discussion of Bell's Theorem. The text explains the concept of entanglement and how Bell's Theorem provides a way to test the predictions of quantum mechanics.

5. What are the implications of the product of (2) spins being +1 in Bell's Theorem?

The fact that the product of (2) spins can be +1 in Bell's Theorem demonstrates the existence of non-local correlations between entangled particles. This challenges our traditional understanding of causality and locality in physical theories.

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