How Do You Normalize Eigenvectors for an Observable Matrix?

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on the normalization of eigenvectors for an observable matrix represented by the specific matrix with elements 0, 1/√2, and -1. The eigenvalues identified are 0, -1, and 1, with corresponding eigenvectors (1,0,-1), (1,-√2,1), and (1,√2,1). The key issue raised is the necessity of normalizing these eigenvectors to ensure they have a unit norm, defined by the condition √(x²+y²+z²)=1. The participants agree that while the eigenvectors are correct, they require normalization to meet this criterion.

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Homework Statement



An observable is represented by the matrix

0 [itex]\frac{1}{\sqrt{2}}[/itex] 0
[itex]\frac{1}{\sqrt{2}}[/itex] 0 [itex]\frac{1}{\sqrt{2}}[/itex]
0 [itex]\frac{1}{\sqrt{2}}[/itex] 0

Find the normalized eigenvectors and corresponding eigenvalues.





The Attempt at a Solution



I found the eigenvalues to be 0, -1, and 1

and the eigenvectors to be (1,0,-1), (1,-[itex]\sqrt{2}[/itex],1), and ((1,[itex]\sqrt{2}[/itex],1) (respectively)

I'm pretty sure these are right.


My problem comes with the word "normalized". The only place my lecture notes and book mention normalized eigenvectors is after the matrix is diagonalized, which seems unnecessary.
 
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You want to find eigenvectors (x,y,z) with norm one. So you want eigenvectors (x,y,z) such that [itex]\sqrt{x^2+y^2+z^2}=1[/itex]. That is what normalized means.

The eigenvectors you list are correct, but they are not yet normalized.
 

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