Generalised uncertainty Principle Can't get rid of the i?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the Generalized Uncertainty Principle and the confusion surrounding the presence of the imaginary unit 'i' in the solution. The correct solution is established as being greater than or equal to (5h(bar)^2)/2, indicating that the complex number should not appear in the final result. The participant, Sam, realizes that the complex modulus notation was misinterpreted, leading to unnecessary complexity in the calculations. This highlights the importance of correctly understanding mathematical notation in quantum mechanics.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of the Generalized Uncertainty Principle in quantum mechanics
  • Familiarity with complex numbers and their properties
  • Knowledge of mathematical notation, specifically complex modulus
  • Basic grasp of quantum mechanics concepts such as Planck's constant (h)
NEXT STEPS
  • Review the properties of complex numbers and their moduli
  • Study the Generalized Uncertainty Principle in detail
  • Learn about the implications of quantum mechanics on measurement and uncertainty
  • Explore mathematical techniques for simplifying complex expressions in physics
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Students and researchers in physics, particularly those studying quantum mechanics, as well as anyone interested in the mathematical foundations of physical theories.

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Homework Statement



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The Attempt at a Solution



As you can see where I have got up to... However I am stuck... In the solution there is no i. In mine there will be. I am unsure how you make the complex number drop out at this stage. I think I'm missing a mathematical trick here...

The solution should be: greater than or equal to (5h(bar)^2)/2. Clearly I am going to have an erroneous complex number in here...

Thanks

Sam
 
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The notation ##|\cdots|## refers to the complex modulus, so you automatically have ##|i|=1##.
 
fzero said:
The notation ##|\cdots|## refers to the complex modulus, so you automatically have ##|i|=1##.

That's a bit embaressing... It is nearly 4am so let me off that one! Was reading it as the normal modulus making everything positive!

thanks - though, I was sititng scratching my head for half an hour at that.
 

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