Collapsing the wavefuntion to an Energy Eigenfunction?

In summary, the conversation discusses the challenge of measuring the energy of a single particle after it has collapsed to one of its energy eigenfunctions. The problem is that most experiments involve measuring the position of the particle, which causes it to collapse to its delta function. The question is how can one experimentally measure the energy without measuring the position first. One suggestion is to use a mass spectrometer, but there may be other methods as well.
  • #1
mkarydas
8
0
Is there an experiment that can measure the energy of a single particle so immediately after it has collapsed to one of the energy eigenfunctions?
The problem is that all experiments i can think of are about measuring the position of a the particle so we collapse it to its delta function. But how can someone experimentally measure the energy of a particle ?
 
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  • #2
What's your question?

How someone measures experimentally the energy of a particle? - well its done all the time in particle colliders.

How one measures it immediately after - simply do the same experiment immediately after - of course if the measurement didn't destroy it.

Thanks
Bill
 
Last edited:
  • #3
thats exactly my question..how does one measure the energy of a particle without measuring its position first?
 
  • #4
mkarydas said:
thats exactly my question..how does one measure the energy of a particle without measuring its position first?

Mass spectrometer is one way - probably others as well.

Thanks
Bill
 

FAQ: Collapsing the wavefuntion to an Energy Eigenfunction?

What is the wavefunction and why is it important in quantum mechanics?

The wavefunction is a mathematical description of a quantum system that contains all the information about its potential energy, kinetic energy, and other properties. It is important because it allows us to predict the behavior of quantum particles and understand the underlying principles of quantum mechanics.

What is the process of collapsing the wavefunction to an energy eigenfunction?

Collapsing the wavefunction refers to the act of measuring a quantum system and determining its state. When this measurement is made, the wavefunction "collapses" into an energy eigenfunction, which represents a specific energy state of the system. This process is also known as wavefunction collapse or quantum decoherence.

How is the energy eigenfunction related to the energy of a quantum system?

The energy eigenfunction is a mathematical representation of the energy of a quantum system. It is a solution to the Schrödinger equation, which describes the time evolution of a quantum system. The energy eigenfunction contains all the information about the energy levels and probabilities of a system.

What are the implications of collapsing the wavefunction to an energy eigenfunction?

Collapsing the wavefunction has several implications in quantum mechanics. It allows us to make predictions about the behavior of quantum particles and understand the probabilities of different energy states. It also helps us to explain the phenomenon of quantum superposition, where particles can exist in multiple states simultaneously.

Is it possible to collapse the wavefunction to an energy eigenfunction without measurement?

No, it is not possible to collapse the wavefunction without measurement. In quantum mechanics, the act of measurement is necessary to determine the state of a system and cause the wavefunction to collapse. This is known as the measurement problem and is a fundamental aspect of quantum mechanics.

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