Complex conjugate of wave function

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the complex conjugate of a wave function in quantum mechanics, exploring its significance and relationship to the original wave function. Participants examine whether the complex conjugate represents the same physical state or if it holds purely mathematical significance, as well as its implications in the context of time reversal.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions the physical significance of the complex conjugate of a wave function, asking if it represents the same state as the original wave function or if it is merely a mathematical construct.
  • Another participant asserts that the complex conjugate is the same thing as the original wave function.
  • A different participant clarifies that the complex conjugate wave function describes the time-reversed wave function, indicating a distinction between the two.
  • Following this, a participant connects the discussion to the time reversal operator, suggesting that it is an anti-unitary operator that preserves fundamental commutation relations.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the relationship between the wave function and its complex conjugate, with some asserting they are the same and others arguing they are not. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the physical implications of the complex conjugate.

Contextual Notes

There are unresolved assumptions regarding the definitions of the wave function and its complex conjugate, as well as the implications of time reversal in quantum mechanics.

Amith2006
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A wave function(psi) is a mathematical quantity which gives complete information about the state of a system at a particular instant of time. But what information does the complex conjugate of a wave function(psi*) give? Does it represent the same state as psi? Or does it just have a mathematical significance and no physical significance?
 
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it's the same thing
 
thanx.
 
Amith2006 said:
thanx.


It's not exactly the "same thing". The c.c. wavefunction describes the time-reversed wavefunction (travelling backward in time).
 
Maaneli said:
It's not exactly the "same thing". The c.c. wavefunction describes the time-reversed wavefunction (travelling backward in time).

Thats great! After u mentioned about time reversal, I had a look at time reversal operator and noticed the same thing. Also, time reversal operator being an anti-unitary operator preserves fundamental commutation relations, isn't it?
 

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