Postulate of only time dependence on |ψ⟩

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the postulate in standard quantum mechanics that the quantum state |ψ⟩ in a Hilbert space is solely a function of time, as expressed in Schrödinger's equation. Participants assert that the only variable affecting the quantum state is time, with no other dependencies. The conversation explores the implications of this postulate, emphasizing that all other factors, such as socio-political and economic conditions, are encapsulated within the state function E(t). Thus, time evolution remains the singular variable for analyzing the quantum state.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of quantum mechanics principles
  • Familiarity with Hilbert spaces
  • Knowledge of Schrödinger's equation
  • Basic grasp of time evolution in quantum systems
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the implications of time dependence in quantum mechanics
  • Explore advanced topics in Hilbert space theory
  • Research the role of external variables in quantum state functions
  • Investigate the relationship between socio-political factors and quantum state analysis
USEFUL FOR

Quantum physicists, students of quantum mechanics, and researchers interested in the foundational aspects of quantum state evolution.

LightPhoton
Messages
42
Reaction score
3
Answers to questions like this assume that the quantum state in a Hilbert space is only a function of time, that is ##\partial_i\vert\psi(t)\rangle\neq0## only when the variable ##i## is ##t##.

Is this a postulate of standard quantum mechanics, that in Schrödinger's equation the state in abstract only depends on time?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
LightPhoton said:
Is this a postulate of standard quantum mechanics, that in Schrödinger's equation the state in abstract only depends on time?
What else could it depend on? What else could anything depend on?
 
PeroK said:
What else could it depend on? What else could anything depend on?
To explain what I mean by this. Let's take some function ##E##, say, that describes the global socio-political-economic state. That state will change over time: ##E(t)##. What else could it be a function of? Everything else is bundled into that function - population, political and economic policies etc.

The state tells you everything about a system at a point in time. The only free variable, if I can use that term, is time. You may be able to analyse the state at a point in time in many ways. But, if the state itself is complete, then time evolution is the only remaining variable.
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: bhobba and LightPhoton

Similar threads

  • · Replies 61 ·
3
Replies
61
Views
5K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • · Replies 39 ·
2
Replies
39
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
578
  • · Replies 16 ·
Replies
16
Views
2K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
2K
  • · Replies 27 ·
Replies
27
Views
3K