Does it matter which eigenvectors

In summary, the conversation discusses the importance of eigenstates and eigenvalues in solving the Schrödinger equation. It is mentioned that choosing a specific eigenstate does not matter, as long as it is normalized, and the overall complex phase is not physically measurable. The conversation also touches upon the First Postulate of Quantum Mechanics, stating that the state is the most important thing and contains all the information that can be known, while eigenvalues only give the probability. It is clarified that eigenvalues are what can be measured in experiments, and they correspond to the probability of a particular eigenstate. Expansion coefficients are also briefly mentioned as not being equivalent to eigenvalues.
  • #1
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If you solve the Schrödinger equation time independent and find a number of stationary position states they are eigenstates. So say uou find the eigen state ψ then c*ψ is also an eigenstate, Does it matter which of these I pick as the eigenstate or is it only the eigenvalue that matters?
 
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  • #2
We generally require our states to be normalized. This still let's you choose the overall complex phase of the state. You can take this phase to be anything you want, because the overall phase is not physical (i.e., not measurable).
 
  • #3
By the First postulte of Quantum Mechanics, state is the most important thing, it contains all the information that can be known, eigen value will give you just the probablity, state is what we really intend to look for!
 
  • #4
sugeet said:
By the First postulte of Quantum Mechanics, state is the most important thing, it contains all the information that can be known, eigen value will give you just the probablity, state is what we really intend to look for!
Eigenvalues are what one can measure in experiments.
 
  • #5
eigen value of a particular eigen state, its the probablity of the state!
 
  • #6
sugeet said:
eigen value of a particular eigen state, its the probablity of the state!
Are you thinking of expansion coefficients? The eigenvalues are not probabilities.
 

1. What is the significance of eigenvectors in scientific research?

Eigenvectors are important mathematical tools used in various scientific fields, such as physics, engineering, and data analysis. They represent the direction and magnitude of the most important features of a dataset or system, and are often used to simplify complex calculations and systems.

2. How do eigenvectors affect the outcome of a scientific experiment?

The eigenvectors of a system can determine the behavior and stability of that system. In scientific experiments, they can be used to identify patterns and relationships within data, and can also help to predict future outcomes.

3. Is it important to choose the correct eigenvectors for analysis?

Yes, it is crucial to choose the correct eigenvectors for analysis. The choice of eigenvectors can greatly impact the results and interpretations of a study. Using incorrect or irrelevant eigenvectors can lead to inaccurate conclusions.

4. Can eigenvectors be used to compare different datasets?

Yes, eigenvectors can be used to compare different datasets. By analyzing the eigenvectors of each dataset, similarities and differences between the datasets can be identified, providing insight into the underlying patterns and structures of the data.

5. How do eigenvectors help in dimensionality reduction?

Eigenvectors are commonly used in dimensionality reduction techniques, such as Principal Component Analysis (PCA). By selecting the eigenvectors with the highest eigenvalues, the most important features of a dataset can be retained while reducing the overall dimensionality of the data. This can help to simplify data analysis and visualization, and improve the efficiency of machine learning algorithms.

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