How to interpret the infinity of Hilbert Space?

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on the nature of infinite dimensions in Hilbert space, specifically regarding wavefunctions and their representation. It is established that elements of Hilbert space require an infinite number of basis vectors, denoted as u(x), to accurately represent wavefunctions through superposition. The mathematical representation of a wavefunction is given by the equation ψ(x) = ∫ c_s u_s(x) ds = ∑_k^∞ ȧc_k ȧu_k(x), highlighting the necessity of infinite sub-wavefunctions for comprehensive representation. The example of polynomial functions illustrates that even a limited set of functions can yield an infinite basis.

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Archeon
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This is basically just a comprehension question, but what makes elements of the Hilbert space exist in infinite dimensions? I understand that the number of base vectors to write out an element, like a wavefunction, are infinite:
\begin{equation*}
\psi(x) = \int c_s u_s (x) ds = \sum_k^{\infty} \hat{c}_k \hat{u}_k(x)
\end{equation*}
So what are the bases u(x)? Are they just other wavefunctions that build a new wavefunction via superposition? And if so, how does this justify the infinite dimensions of the Hilbert space and why exactly is an infinite number of sub-wavefunctions necessary?

Also apologies if I posted this in the wrong subforum, not really sure what this question classifies as.

Thanks in advance.
 
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Archeon said:
This is basically just a comprehension question, but what makes elements of the Hilbert space exist in infinite dimensions? I understand that the number of base vectors to write out an element, like a wavefunction, are infinite:
\begin{equation*}
\psi(x) = \int c_s u_s (x) ds = \sum_k^{\infty} \hat{c}_k \hat{u}_k(x)
\end{equation*}
So what are the bases u(x)? Are they just other wavefunctions that build a new wavefunction via superposition? And if so, how does this justify the infinite dimensions of the Hilbert space and why exactly is an infinite number of sub-wavefunctions necessary?

Also apologies if I posted this in the wrong subforum, not really sure what this question classifies as.

Thanks in advance.

Even if you limited yourself to, say, all polynomial functions, then you have an infinite number of basis functions: ##1, x, x^2, \dots##
 

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