How to take a complex conjugate of a 5*5 matrices?

In summary, the conversation is about solving a problem involving taking the Sz operator of a spin 2 particle, which is represented by a 5x5 matrix. The question is whether the values should be complex conjugated without changing their positions within the matrix. The response is that for any matrix, each element should be replaced with its complex conjugate. If the notation <psi|Sz|psi> refers to a 1x1 matrix, then it is just a number. However, if it refers to <psi_i|Sz|psi_j>, where i and j range from 1 to 5, then it is a complex matrix with entries that have nonzero imaginary parts, unless psi_i are eigenvectors of the selfadj
  • #1
qqchico
28
0
I'm doing a take home final and wanted reassurance that I'm doing the problem right. the question involves taking <Sz>of |psi>. I know it's
<psi|Sz|psi>. I've never done it for a spin 2 particle which is a 5*5 matrix.Do i just take the complex conjugate of the values without switching their position within the matrices.
 
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  • #2
Ok, I don't really know what your notation means, but for any matrix, yeah, you just replace each element with its complex conjugate.
 
  • #3
"<psi|Sz|psi>" is not a 5*5 matrix,is just a number=matrix 1*1.If you mean

[tex] \langle\psi_{i}|\hat{S}_{z}|\psi_{j}\rangle \ , \ i,j=\overline{1,5} [/tex]

,then yes,it's a complex matrix;unless [itex] |\psi_{i}\rangle [/itex] are eigenvectors of the selfadjoint operator [itex] \hat{S}_{z} [/itex],the entries in the matrix are complex #-s with nonzero imaginary part.

Daniel.
 

1. What is a complex conjugate of a 5*5 matrix?

A complex conjugate of a 5*5 matrix is a matrix where each element is replaced by its complex conjugate. This means that the elements in the imaginary part of the matrix are multiplied by -1.

2. How do I take a complex conjugate of a 5*5 matrix?

To take the complex conjugate of a 5*5 matrix, you need to replace each element in the imaginary part of the matrix with its negative counterpart. The elements in the real part remain unchanged.

3. Why is it important to take the complex conjugate of a 5*5 matrix?

Taking the complex conjugate of a 5*5 matrix is important in many applications, particularly in quantum mechanics and signal processing. It allows us to simplify complex calculations and obtain more meaningful results.

4. Can I take the complex conjugate of a 5*5 matrix in any order?

No, the order in which you take the complex conjugate of a 5*5 matrix matters. If you take the complex conjugate in the wrong order, you may end up with incorrect results. It is important to follow the proper steps to ensure accuracy.

5. Are there any properties of complex conjugates that apply to 5*5 matrices?

Yes, there are a few properties that apply specifically to complex conjugates of 5*5 matrices. One of these properties is that the complex conjugate of a product of two matrices is equal to the product of the complex conjugates of each individual matrix.

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