Probability is square of amplitude or it's product with complex conjugate?

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The probability in quantum mechanics is determined by the absolute value squared of the probability amplitude, not by simply squaring the amplitude itself. The discussion clarifies that the product of a complex number with its complex conjugate yields a real number, specifically |(a+ib)|^2 = a^2 + b^2. This distinction is crucial as squaring the amplitude directly results in a complex number, which does not represent probability. The source of confusion often arises from misinterpreting the term "squared" in relation to complex numbers.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of complex numbers and their properties
  • Familiarity with quantum mechanics terminology
  • Knowledge of probability theory
  • Basic mathematical skills in algebra
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the concept of probability amplitudes in quantum mechanics
  • Learn about the mathematical properties of complex conjugates
  • Explore the implications of absolute values in complex analysis
  • Review quantum mechanics resources, such as HyperPhysics and Wikipedia, for deeper insights
USEFUL FOR

Students of quantum mechanics, physicists, mathematicians, and anyone interested in the mathematical foundations of probability in quantum theory.

zonde
Gold Member
Messages
2,960
Reaction score
224
I have seen discussion about it here but it is still not clear to me whether probability is square of probability amplitude or is it product of amplitude with it's complex conjugate.
I looked in HyperPhysics http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/Hbase/quantum/qm.html#c5" and it says it's product with complex conjugate but I'm still not sure.

Because square and product with complex conjugate give different results.
(a+ib)^2=a^2-b^2+2iab
but (a+ib)(a-ib)=a^2+b^2
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Physics news on Phys.org
zonde said:
I have seen discussion about it here but it is still not clear to me whether probability is square of probability amplitude or is it product of amplitude with it's complex conjugate.
I looked in HyperPhysics http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/Hbase/quantum/qm.html#c5" and it says it's product with complex conjugate but I'm still not sure.

Because square and product with complex conjugate give different results.
(a+ib)^2=a^2-b^2+2iab
but (a+ib)(a-ib)=a^2+b^2

I think that probability is a real number number. If you take the square of a complex number, (a+ib)^2 you obtain a new complex number a^2-b^2+2iab. However, the product
(a+ib)(a-ib)=a^2+b^2, produces a real number.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Aganju3009,
that should be so.
And I think I start to understand from where comes my confusion about amplitude squared thing.
In wikipedia it says: "In quantum mechanics, a probability amplitude is a complex number whose absolute value squared represents a probability or probability density."
So it's not probability amplitude squared but absolute value of probability amplitude i.e. |(a+ib)|^2. And absolute value of complex number would be length of the vector in complex plane i.e. square root from (a^2+b^2).
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 80 ·
3
Replies
80
Views
33K
  • · Replies 15 ·
Replies
15
Views
14K
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
3K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 22 ·
Replies
22
Views
5K