How to Calculate the Amplitude for a Particle in State |x>?

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SUMMARY

The amplitude for a particle in state |x> transitioning to state |-z> is calculated using the expression <-z|+x> + <-z|-x>. The states |+x> and |-x> are defined as linear combinations of |+z> and |-z>, specifically |+x> = [1/sqrt(2)]|+z> + [1/sqrt(2)]|-z> and |-x> = [1/sqrt(2)]|+z> - [1/sqrt(2)]|-z>. To determine the probability, one should compute |<-z|+x>| for the amplitude and use the absolute square for the probability calculation.

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<-z|x> is the amplitude for a particle in state |x> to be in state |-z>.

a particle in state |x> can be in |+x> or |-x>, correct?

|+x> = [1/sqrt(2)]|+z> + [1/sqrt(2)]|-z>

|-x> = [1/sqrt(2)]|+z> - [1/sqrt(2)]|-z>


How would this be calculated?


Would the amplitude be:

<-z|+x> + <-z|-x>?

|<-z|+x>| + |<-z|-x>|?
 
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I've never seen the [itex]|-z\rangle[/itex] notation before. But [itex]-|z\rangle[/itex] is a common one.

Daniel.
 
I've used this notation before, but there was always a differentiation between |+x> and |-x>, I never saw just |x>. Perhaps |x> means |+x>?

If this is the case in order to get the amplitude you want <-z|+x>. Only do |<-z|+x>| for the probablility.
 

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