Physical parameters for spin 1/2 particles

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around understanding "physically relevant real parameters" in the context of quantum systems, specifically for spin 1/2 particles such as electrons. Participants explore how these parameters relate to the specification of quantum states and the implications for systems with multiple particles.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses confusion about the meaning of "physically relevant real parameters" and speculates that it may relate to the local phase of spin, suggesting that for k half-spin electrons, there could be 2^k parameters.
  • Another participant requests clarification on what is meant by parameters, asking for examples involving 2 or 3 electrons and whether the discussion pertains to the dimension of the Hilbert space of spin states.
  • A participant mentions the concepts of global phase and local phase, seeking to understand their relationship to physical parameters and the description of k half-spin electron systems.
  • There is a request for more context regarding the source material being referenced, as it is not a published book but rather instructor-provided material.
  • Another participant reiterates their confusion about the term "physically relevant real parameters" and expresses difficulty in providing help without direct access to the referenced material.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not appear to reach a consensus on the meaning of "physically relevant real parameters" or how they apply to the quantum states of spin 1/2 particles. Multiple viewpoints and requests for clarification remain unresolved.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include a lack of specific definitions for "physically relevant real parameters," and the discussion is dependent on the context of the instructor's material, which is not publicly available.

lazayama
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I am having trouble to understand what it means by "physically relevant real parameters" and how does it help us to specify a quantum system.

Let say, we have a state of k half spin electrons? My guess is about the local phase of the spin, and this would make it 2^k parameters since each electron has 2 parameters?

What am I missing?
 
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:welcome:

Could you give an example of what you mean by parameters here? Perhaps for a system of 2 or 3 electrons.

Are you talking about the dimension of the Hilbert space of spin states?
 
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Thanks for helping!
The book I am looking has mentioned something like global phase / local phase but I don't quite understand, and how does it related to physical REAL parameter and also describe the state of k half spin electron quantum system?
 
lazayama said:
The book I am looking
Which book? You will get way better and more helpful answers if we have more context here.
 
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This is not a published book but a material our instructor gave us, and there is a problem asking us about this, so I am quite confused.
Sorry about the confusion as well!
 
lazayama said:
I am having trouble to understand what it means by "physically relevant real parameters"

If we are unable to look at what "it" says directly, I have no idea how to help with this. Are the materials you refer to online? Or can you at least quote more context from them?
 
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