How come you can express the up and down spins

  • Context: Graduate 
  • Thread starter Thread starter dudy
  • Start date Start date
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the representation of quantum spin states, specifically how up and down spins can be expressed in any direction using the |+> and |-> notation in the z direction. Participants highlight the necessity of using two vectors, |+> and |->, to describe a quantum quantity that can only take values of 1 or -1. Leonard Susskind's lectures on YouTube are recommended as a valuable resource for deeper understanding of these concepts.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of quantum mechanics principles
  • Familiarity with quantum state notation (Dirac notation)
  • Basic knowledge of vector representation in quantum physics
  • Exposure to Leonard Susskind's lectures or similar educational content
NEXT STEPS
  • Watch Leonard Susskind's Lectures on Quantum Mechanics on YouTube
  • Research quantum spin and its mathematical representation
  • Explore the concept of superposition in quantum states
  • Learn about the implications of spin in quantum computing
USEFUL FOR

Students of quantum mechanics, physicists interested in quantum spin, and anyone seeking to understand the mathematical representation of quantum states.

dudy
Messages
18
Reaction score
0
I don't understand the following regarding spin:
1. How come you can express the up and down spins in any given direction, using the |+>,|-> in the z direction?
2. Why do I need two vectors (|->,|+>) to express a quantity that can only be either (1) or (-1) ?
 
Physics news on Phys.org

Similar threads

Graduate Coleman: "Spin is a concept that applies only to particles with mass"
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
2K
Undergrad Can I find a particle in two states simultaneously?
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Undergrad Question about Stern-Gerlach experiment
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
3K
Graduate John Bell 1964 toy model for spin
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
1K
Graduate Another thought experiment about spin 1/2
  • · Replies 15 ·
Replies
15
Views
2K
Undergrad Understanding Spin States in 2D Vector Spaces
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
3K
High School What does it mean that a spin 1/2 particle needs two full rotations?
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
3K
Undergrad Why Does Spin Down Have Lower Energy Than Spin Up in a Magnetic Field?
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Undergrad Quantum entanglement. -- Spin up, spin down, isn't it the same?
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
3K
Undergrad Precession of spin in a magnetic field
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
4K