How Can Uncertainty Product DeltaADeltaB Be Zero in Quantum Mechanics?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a quantum mechanics problem involving the product of uncertainties, deltaA deltaB, and its potential to equal zero. The original poster presents a state |psi> and seeks to determine the angle T that leads to this condition, referencing relevant equations and inequalities from quantum mechanics.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to manipulate the expressions involving the state |psi> and the operator C to find conditions under which the product of uncertainties vanishes. They question the validity of their assumptions regarding the conversion between ket and bra formalism. Another participant suggests an alternative approach that leads to a different expression for T but expresses uncertainty about its correctness.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants exploring different methods to approach the problem. Some guidance has been offered regarding the original poster's work, but there is no explicit consensus on the correctness of the approaches taken so far.

Contextual Notes

There is a noted concern about the signs in the equations presented by the original poster, and the time taken for responses has been mentioned, indicating a desire for further engagement on the topic.

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Homework Statement


Let C|+-> = +-|+->, and consider a state |psi> = cosT|+> + sinT|->. Find T such that the product of uncertainties, deltaAdeltaB, vanishes (i.e. becomes zero).

*Note: +- means plus or minus repectively.

Homework Equations


[A,B] = iC
In a previous question I proved deltaAdeltaB>=1/2|<psi|C|psi>| using the Schwarz inequality and some other stuff.

The Attempt at a Solution


So we want 1/2|<psi|C|psi>| = 0.
i.e. |<psi|CcosT|+> + <psi|CsinT|->| = 0.

Then I assumed <psi| = +|cosT + <-|sinT similarly to the psi ket.

So
|<+|(cosT)^2.C|+> + <-|sinT.C.cosT|+> + <+|cosT.C.sinT|-> + <-|(sinT)^2.C|->| = 0

Then use C|+-> = +-|+-> and similarly I assumed <+-|C = <+-|+- for the C bra.

So
|<+|(cosT)^2|+> + <-|sinTcosT|+> + <+|cosTsinT|-> + <-|(sinT)^2|->| = 0
|(cosT)^2 + sinTcosT<-|+> + sinTcosT<+|-> + (sinT)^2| = 0
|(cosT)^2 - sinTcosT<+|-> + sinTcosT<+|-> + (sinT)^2| = 0
|(cosT)^2 + (sinT)^2| = 0
which is clearly nonsense.

Are my assumptions incorrect? Am I not allowed to convert the ket formalism to the bra formalism in this manner?
 
Last edited:
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I came up with a different way to do the problem using <psi| = -|cosT + <+|sinT which gives me
|2sinTcosT| = 0
|sin2T| = 0 by double angle formula
T = n.Pi/2 , n an integer

But I still don't know if what I'm doing is right (actually I suspect it's wrong).
 
I posted this over three days ago. How long does it usually take? Surely someone can help with a second year QM problem?
 
your work seems fine in your first post, but I doubt the signs of the products in the pre-last
equation, try first to find out what you come up with in this:
<epsi|epsi>=1=...
 

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