Modeling Quantum State Evolution with Schrodinger's Equation

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The discussion centers on solving the Schrödinger equation using a state representation of the form ψ = α|a₀⟩ + β|a₁⟩. The original approach led to a system of differential equations, but there was confusion regarding the treatment of α and β as constants and the initial conditions. Corrections indicate that the Hamiltonian should be applied correctly, and the initial conditions must be properly set to derive a valid solution. The conversation highlights the importance of using the Schrödinger differential equations (SDE) for coupled first-order equations to find the solution. Overall, clarifying these points is essential for accurately modeling quantum state evolution.
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Homework Statement
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Relevant Equations
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I am a little confused about how to solve it, probably it is easy but i didn't get it.

1610876763933.png


I thought that would be a good idea to work with ##\psi = \alpha |a_{0}\rangle + \beta |a_{1}\rangle## in the Schrodinger equation with time involved, so that we get a system of differential equations. $$d\alpha/dt = \alpha*a + \beta*b$$$$d\beta/dt = \alpha*r$$$$ \beta(0) = 0$$
(simplifying the notation, throwing the i and h to the other side, a b r constants)

But i am not sure if this is the best way, and if this is right. And the wolframalpha's solution of the system was not an easy one to manipulate, so i think i am wrong.
 

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I would try ##| \psi(t)> = e^{-i\frac H h t}|a_0>## then play around with some Taylor expansion for the exponential and the trigonometric functions. Not sure it's the easiest way. It looks promising to me because you gat all this nested terms like ##H|a_0>##, ##HH|a_0> = H(\alpha|a_0> + \beta |a_1)## ecc...
 
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LCSphysicist said:
Homework Statement:: .
Relevant Equations:: .

I am a little confused about how to solve it, probably it is easy but i didn't get it.

View attachment 276389

I thought that would be a good idea to work with ##\psi = \alpha |a_{0}\rangle + \beta |a_{1}\rangle## in the Schrodinger equation with time involved, so that we get a system of differential equations. $$d\alpha/dt = \alpha*a + \beta*b$$$$d\beta/dt = \alpha*r$$$$ \beta(0) = 0$$
(simplifying the notation, throwing the i and h to the other side, a b r constants)

But i am not sure if this is the best way, and if this is right. And the wolframalpha's solution of the system was not an easy one to manipulate, so i think i am wrong.
First, ##\alpha, \beta## are already given as constants, so you can't use them as ##\psi(t)##.

Second, are you using ##\hbar = 1## in this text?

Third, let's see the SDE for this system.

PS There's a typo in the question. It should be ##H|a_1 \rangle = \beta |a_0 \rangle + \alpha | a_1 \rangle##
 
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With the above corrections, it all works out: using the SDE gives coupled first-order differential equations, solve (e.g. using second-order equations), apply initial conditions, gives the quoted solution.
 
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