How Can Uncertainty Product DeltaADeltaB Be Zero in Quantum Mechanics?

AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on finding the angle T such that the product of uncertainties, deltaA deltaB, becomes zero in a quantum mechanics context. The user initially attempts to derive this condition using the relationship between the state |psi> and the operator C, but encounters difficulties in their calculations. They express uncertainty about their assumptions regarding the conversion between ket and bra formalism. An alternative approach leads them to the conclusion that T must equal n.Pi/2, where n is an integer, but they remain unsure about the correctness of their methods. The thread highlights the complexities involved in quantum mechanics calculations and the need for clarification on the application of mathematical principles.
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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?
 
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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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