Remeasuring observable A after measuring compatible vs incompatible B

Join the discussion
Registration is free. Ask a follow-up in this thread, or start your own.
1 reply · 2K views
wavingerwin
Messages
93
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement



On an arbitrary state, the observable [tex]\hat{A}[/tex] is measured returning the result [tex]a[/tex]. A compatible observable [tex]\hat{B}[/tex] is then measured returning [tex]b[/tex].

If [tex]\hat{A}[/tex] is then measured again, is the same result [tex]a[/tex] obtained?
How about if [tex]\hat{A}[/tex] and [tex]\hat{B}[/tex] are not compatible observables?

Homework Equations



The Attempt at a Solution



To my understanding: for the compatible case, the second measurement of [tex]\hat{A}[/tex] would return [tex]a[/tex] since the state has collapsed to a (fully) defined state of a (complete) set of compatible observables; [tex]\hat{A}[/tex] and [tex]\hat{B}[/tex].

However, if [tex]\hat{A}[/tex] and [tex]\hat{B}[/tex] are not compatible, upon measuring [tex]\hat{B}[/tex], the information of [tex]\hat{A}[/tex] is lost, and so the second measurement of [tex]\hat{A}[/tex] can return values other than [tex]a[/tex].

Is this correct?
Thanks in advance..
 
Physics news on Phys.org