Common features of set theory and wave functions?

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SUMMARY

This discussion explores the connections between set theory and wave functions in quantum theory (QT). It highlights that both wave functions and sets lack trajectories and can distribute over areas. The analogy extends to the decomposition of wave functions, similar to how sets can be viewed as collections of elements, such as subatomic particles within an atom. Leonard Susskind's lecture emphasizes that while classical mechanics states are points in a set, quantum mechanics states are vectors in vector spaces over complex numbers, indicating a fundamental difference in their mathematical representation.

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  • Understanding of set theory concepts
  • Familiarity with quantum mechanics and wave functions
  • Knowledge of vector spaces and their properties
  • Basic grasp of mathematical functions and their definitions
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  • Explore the relationship between classical mechanics and quantum mechanics
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This discussion is beneficial for physicists, mathematicians, and students of quantum mechanics and set theory, particularly those interested in the foundational aspects of these fields and their interconnections.

Hallucinogen
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I would like to know if any of you think there's any sort of connection, analogy, or common features between, sets in set theory and wave functions in QT?

Wave functions lack trajectories, so do sets. Wave functions also distribute over areas, as sets can do. To my understanding, wave functions are also subject to decomposition; for example, an atom has an associated wave function, and this can decompose into the associated wave functions of the particles atoms are believed to be composed of. In exactly the same way, we can view the atom as a set, containing subatomic particles as its elements.

As such sets of objects may correspond to unique superpositions.

I would like to know if I am correct in my analysis and if anyone knows of any explicit common features or properties of mathematical sets and wave functions?
 
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The only common feature is that you can define any function by sets. I think your comparison is too far-fetched to make any sense.
 
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Hallucinogen said:
I would like to know if any of you think there's any sort of connection, analogy, or common features between, sets in set theory and wave functions in QT?
In this lecture at 1:17:20 and forwards (Lecture 1 | Modern Physics: Quantum Mechanics (Stanford)) Leonard Susskind describes the differences between the states in classical mechanics and quantum mechanics. Basically, states in classical mechanics are points in a set (phase space). In quantum mechanics states do not form sets. Instead, states are vectors in vector spaces over the complex numbers.
 
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A vector space is a set of elements together with a field (like the real or complex numbers) called vectors with some algebraic operations defined on these sets. Today nearly everything in math is based on set theory.
 
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DennisN said:
In this lecture at 1:17:20 and forwards (Lecture 1 | Modern Physics: Quantum Mechanics (Stanford)) Leonard Susskind describes the differences between the states in classical mechanics and quantum mechanics. Basically, states in classical mechanics are points in a set (phase space). In quantum mechanics states do not form sets. Instead, states are vectors in vector spaces over the complex numbers.

thanks
 

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