Schwarz inequality with bra-ket notation

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the Schwarz inequality in the context of bra-ket notation, focusing on the calculation of inner products and their properties in a quantum mechanics framework.

Discussion Character

  • Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are verifying their calculations of inner products, questioning the accuracy of their results, and discussing the implications for the Schwarz inequality. There is an emphasis on ensuring the correct interpretation of complex vectors and inner products.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided calculations and are seeking confirmation of their results. There is a mix of agreement and questioning regarding the accuracy of the computed inner products and their implications for the inequality being discussed.

Contextual Notes

Participants are navigating potential misunderstandings about the nature of inner products as scalar quantities rather than vectors, and there are indications of confusion regarding the steps leading to the final results.

gfd43tg
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Homework Statement


upload_2015-3-13_22-6-26.png


Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution


Hello,

I just want to make sure I am doing this right
$$<a|b> = a_{x}^{*}b_{x} + a_{y}^{*}b_{y} + a_{z}^{*}b_{z}$$
$$= [(1-i)|x>][-i|x>] + (2 |y>)(-3 |y>) + (0|z>)(|z>)$$
$$=(-i + i^{2})|x> - 6 |y> + 0|z>$$
$$=(-1-i)|x> - 6 |y> $$

Then to find ##\mid<a|b> \mid^{2}##, I need to take the complex conjugate since this is a complex vector
$$\mid<a|b> \mid^{2} = [(-1-i)|x> - 6|y> + 0|z>][(-1+i)|x> - 6|y> + 0|z>]$$
$$= 2|x> + 36 |y> + 0|z>$$

Now I want to make sure that this is even right before I spend time evaluating the other inner products to determine if Schwarz inequality is true.
 
Last edited:
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Maylis said:

Homework Statement


View attachment 80297

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution


Hello,

I just want to make sure I am doing this right
$$<a|b> = a_{x}^{*}b_{x} + a_{y}^{*}b_{y} + a_{z}^{*}b_{z}$$
$$= [(1-i)|x>][-i|x>] + (2 |y>)(-3 |y>) + (0|z>)(|z>)$$
$$=(-i + i^{2})|x> - 6 |y> + 0|z>$$
$$=(-1-i)|x> - 6 |y> $$

Then to find ##\mid<a|b> \mid^{2}##, I need to take the complex conjugate since this is a complex vector
$$\mid<a|b> \mid^{2} = [(-1-i)|x> - 6|y> + 0|z>][(-1+i)|x> - 6|y> + 0|z>]$$
$$= 2|x> + 36 |y> + 0|z>$$

Now I want to make sure that this is even right before I spend time evaluating the other inner products to determine if Schwarz inequality is true.

The inner product is just a number not a vector. Try that again. In your formula ##a_x## is just the coefficient of ##(1+i)|x>##, i.e. ##(1+i)##.
 
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ok, so then
$$<a|b> = 1 - i^{2} - 6 = -4$$
$$<a|a> = 1 + 1 + 4 = 6$$
$$<b|b> = 1 + 9 + 1 = 11$$

So clearly ##16 \le 6(11)##

Thanks
 
Maylis said:
ok, so then
$$<a|b> = 1 - i^{2} - 6 = -4$$
$$<a|a> = 1 + 1 + 4 = 6$$
$$<b|b> = 1 + 9 + 1 = 11$$

So clearly ##16 \le 6(11)##

Thanks

Better slow down a bit. I don't think <a|b> comes out to -4. Want to show the steps that lead to that?
 
Sure,

$$(1-i)(-i) + 2(-3) + 0(1)$$
$$=-i+i^{2} - 6$$
$$=-i-7$$
So then the absolute value squared is ##(-i - 7)(i - 7) = -i^{2} + 49 = 50##

So ##50 \le 66##
 
Maylis said:
Sure,

$$(1-i)(-i) + 2(-3) + 0(1)$$
$$=-i+i^{2} - 6$$
$$=-i-7$$
So then the absolute value squared is ##(-i - 7)(i - 7) = -i^{2} + 49 = 50##

So ##50 \le 66##

That's better.
 

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