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

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on Bell's Theorem as presented in Griffith's text, specifically in Chapter 12, Section 12.2, page 423. It highlights a table that illustrates the spin states of an electron and positron from pi meson decay, indicating that both can yield a product of +1 when both spins are either up or down. The conversation raises questions about the implications of detector orientation on measurement outcomes, particularly when detectors are not fixed, as depicted in Figure 12.2 on page 424. The lack of detail regarding detector behavior when rotated is also noted as a point of confusion.

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  • Understanding of Bell's Theorem and its implications in quantum mechanics
  • Familiarity with spin states in quantum physics, particularly singlet states
  • Knowledge of experimental setups involving particle detection
  • Basic grasp of vector components and their influence on measurement outcomes
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  • Review Griffith's text, Chapter 12, Section 12.2 for detailed insights on Bell's Theorem
  • Study the implications of detector orientation in quantum experiments
  • Explore the concept of singlet states and their significance in quantum mechanics
  • Investigate the mathematical formulation of spin measurements and their products
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Sparky_
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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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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.
 

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