How Do You Normalize Quantum States and Calculate Spin Expectation Values?

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on normalizing quantum states and calculating spin expectation values for an electron's spin described by a vector spinor. The user seeks assistance in normalizing the state represented by the column vector (1, 1) and calculating the expectation values for the spin operators Sx, Sy, and Sz. The normalization process involves ensuring that the inner product of the state vector with itself equals one, expressed mathematically as u†u = 1. The expectation values are computed using matrix multiplication with the provided spin operator matrices.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of quantum mechanics concepts, particularly spin states.
  • Familiarity with vector spinors and their representation in quantum mechanics.
  • Knowledge of matrix operations, specifically for 2x2 matrices.
  • Basic grasp of normalization conditions in quantum states.
NEXT STEPS
  • Learn about quantum state normalization techniques in detail.
  • Study the mathematical formulation of spin operators in quantum mechanics.
  • Explore the calculation of expectation values using quantum mechanical operators.
  • Investigate the properties of Hermitian operators in quantum mechanics.
USEFUL FOR

Students and professionals in quantum mechanics, physicists working with quantum states, and anyone interested in the mathematical foundations of spin systems.

foranlogan2
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The spin of an electron is described by a vector
spinor and the spin operator
^S = ^ Sxi + ^ Syj + ^ Szk with components


how would i go about normalizing a state like the one below,i am miles away to what is going on here

c) (i) Normalise the state (1 1) *this is meant to be a column vector*

ii) calculate expectation values for <Sx> ,<Sy> and <Sz>


Sx = h/2(0 1) Sy = h/2(0 -i ) Sz = h/2(1 0)
(1 0) ( i 0 ) (0 -1)

any help on this would be greatly appreciated.because being honest i am lost
thanks:bugeye:
 
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You need a better text or some tutoring.
You need more help than you can get here.
Normalize means just make u^{dagger}u=1.
Exp. value=u^{dagger}[s_x[u, using matrlix multiplication,
with [s_x] a 2X2 matrix.
 

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