justpeeking
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How do spinors affect wave function solutions? Like how is the output different
Spinors significantly influence wave function solutions by introducing multiple spatial components, as demonstrated in the Dirac equation. A single-electron solution of the Dirac equation comprises four components, highlighting the algebraic properties that define a spinor. In contrast, Pauli's early theory utilized two complex components for spinors, which can be integrated with spatial wave functions. Understanding the characterization of wave function solutions as spinors is crucial, as it reveals how these components associate with spatial wave functions without altering their inherent properties.
PREREQUISITESPhysicists, quantum mechanics students, and researchers interested in the mathematical foundations of particle behavior and wave functions.
The wave function of a particle with spin is the composition of a spatial component and a spinor. See the Dirac equation, for example:justpeeking said:How do spinors affect wave function solutions? Like how is the output different
Due to spin, you can have a state with two electrons with the same spatial wave function. It has dramatic consequences for chemistry, see e.g. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Helium_atom.justpeeking said:How do spinors affect wave function solutions? Like how is the output different
PeroK said:The wave function of a particle with spin is the composition of a spatial component and a spinor. See the Dirac equation, for example:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dirac_equation