Interaction of Two Spin 1/2 Particles

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the interaction of two spin 1/2 particles represented by the operator F, defined as F = c + d σ₁·σ₂, where c and d are constants and σ₁ and σ₂ are Pauli matrices. The key conclusion is that the observables F, j², and jₓ can be measured simultaneously if they commute. The participants confirm that checking the commutation relations between these operators is the correct approach to demonstrate simultaneous measurability, even when σ₁ ≠ σ₂.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of quantum mechanics principles, particularly angular momentum.
  • Familiarity with Pauli matrices and their properties.
  • Knowledge of operator algebra in quantum mechanics.
  • Concept of commutation relations and their significance in measurement.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the commutation relations of quantum mechanical operators.
  • Explore the properties of angular momentum operators in quantum mechanics.
  • Learn about the implications of simultaneous measurements in quantum systems.
  • Investigate the role of Pauli matrices in quantum mechanics and their applications.
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Quantum mechanics students, physicists specializing in quantum theory, and researchers exploring spin systems and measurement theory.

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Hi buddies.

I recently finished my quantum mechanics course, however, I would like to know the solution of this exercise because i couldn´t solve it on my last exam, and i would like to take this doubt off.

An operator ##F## describing the interaction of two spin ##\frac{1}{2}## particles has the form:
##F=c+d {\sigma}_{1}\cdot{\sigma}_{2}##
where ##c## and ##d## are constants, ##{\sigma}_{1}## and ##{\sigma}_{2}##are Pauli matrices of the spin.
Prove that ##F## , ##j^2## and ##{j}_{z}## can be meassure simultaneusly.
Where ##j## is the total angular momentum; also you must consider that
##{\sigma}_{1}\neq{\sigma}_{2}##.

I had the idea to check that operators ##F## with ##j^2## and ##F## with ##{j}_{z}## Commute to conclude that the observable can be measured simultaneously. But I'm not sure if that's okay, and i don't know how to do it because ##{\sigma}_{1}\neq{\sigma}_{2}##.

I'll appreciate your help.
 
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-Newton- said:
I had the idea to check that operators ##F## with ##j^2## and ##F## with ##{j}_{z}## Commute to conclude that the observable can be measured simultaneously.
That's the right direction, because if those observables are commute to each other, a measurement of one observable will not alter the measurement result from the previously measured observable. Therefore the three observables can be measured in a single series of measurement without the need to repeat the procedure for measurement of each obseravble.
The individual spin operator is proportional to the corresponding Pauli matrix, therefore you can write for ##F##, ##F = c +d'\mathbf{j}_1 \cdot \mathbf{j}_2## where ##d'## is another constant. Then consider ## j^2 = (\mathbf{j}_1 + \mathbf{j}_2)^2##, from this pull the resulting ##\mathbf{j}_1 \cdot \mathbf{j}_2## to one side alone and plug into ##F##.
 
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