# Normalization of states

1. Aug 30, 2014

### bowlbase

1. The problem statement, all variables and given/known data
These are rather simple questions but the rules for all of this are not quite clear to me yet. I'm to determine whether or not the following states are "legal" and if not I should normalize them.

a. $\frac{1}{√385} ∑_{x=1}^{10}x^2 |x>$

b. $\frac{1}{√2} |u_x>+\frac{1}{√2} |u_z>$

c.$e^{0.32i}(0.01|0>+0.25|1>+0.16|2>$

2. Relevant equations

3. The attempt at a solution

For a I believe I am correct in in simply squaring the fraction and the sum giving me a number much greater than 1 (≈385). So, in that case, the normalization factor 'N' would just be $\frac{1}{385}$ in order to make it 1.

For b my lack of understanding is obvious. At first glance I can see that the equation is normalized but the bases are not the same. In class we switch bases in this case but I don't know if I can say the equation is normalized as it is. Is this a legal description of the state that I can say is normalized or is it necessary to switch to common bases and introduce a normalization factor?

Lastly c, I believe is fine as it is. However, I just want to get confirmation on what the exponential actually is. So far in class we have ignored exponentials and the complex 'i'. Are these just some sort of phase constants?

2. Aug 30, 2014

### nrqed

What is the inner product between those kets? I assume it is $\langle i|j\rangle = \delta_{ij}$? We need that info to help you.
Is is exactly equal to 385? Did you take into account the factor $1/\sqrt{385}$ in front?

We need the inner product between these kets.

It is just a complex phase, as in complex analysis. EDIT: what do you get for the inner product?

3. Aug 30, 2014

### bowlbase

I guess I just assumed these were common.

$\langle u_z|u_x\rangle$
$|u_x\rangle=\frac{1}{√2} |u_z\rangle + \frac{1}{√2} |d_z\rangle$
$\frac{1}{√2}(\langle u_z|u_z\rangle) + \frac{1}{√2}((\langle u_z|d_z\rangle)$
$\frac{1}{√2}(1) + \frac{1}{√2}(0)$

So $\langle u_z|u_x\rangle = \frac{1}{√2}$

For a the quantity of the sum times the sqrt = \frac{385}{√385}. Squared that is 385. So
$N(385)=1$

Sorry, for the last one I wasn't thinking. Going to look at it for a minute.

4. Aug 30, 2014

### nrqed

Ah, they are spin components. ok. Then you have everything to calculate if it is normalized

Ok, no problem!

5. Aug 30, 2014

### bowlbase

So for the spin question, the bases do matter then? I just need to switch to a common base?

6. Aug 30, 2014

### nrqed

Yes, the basis matters because the U's along different axes are not orthonormal. You have two choices: you may re-express everything in terms of one coordinate or, much faster, calculate directly the norm of your state. Since you worked out the inner product between $| u_x \rangle$ and $| u_z \rangle$, the calculation is only two lines.

7. Aug 30, 2014

### bowlbase

okay, thanks. I think I understand now. I appreciate the help.

8. Aug 30, 2014

### nrqed

You are welcome!

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