Solve Eigenstates Doubt: Prof. Leonard Susskind's Quantum Mechanics

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around a specific expression related to eigenstates in quantum mechanics as presented in Prof. Leonard Susskind's lecture on spin in arbitrary directions. Participants seek clarification on the derivation and meaning of the expression $$n_zα+n_−β=α$$ in the context of measuring spin and eigenvalues.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation, Conceptual clarification, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses confusion regarding the expression $$n_zα+n_−β=α$$ and seeks help in understanding its derivation.
  • Another participant notes that there are two equations for the coefficients ##\alpha## and ##\beta## given by the eigenvalue equation, indicating that the expression in question is related to one of these equations.
  • A different participant mentions that the process involves diagonalizing the matrix ##\vec{n} \cdot \vec{\sigma}##, suggesting that this is a key step in understanding the problem.
  • One participant clarifies that the equation follows from the top row of the matrix when applying ##\sigma_n## to the vector ##(\alpha,\beta)##.
  • A later reply indicates that the initial misunderstanding has been resolved, and the participant now finds the concept straightforward.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

While some participants provide clarifications and insights, there is no explicit consensus on the derivation of the expression $$n_zα+n_−β=α$$, and confusion remains regarding its implications.

Contextual Notes

Participants reference the eigenvalue equation and the diagonalization of matrices, but the specific assumptions or steps leading to the expression remain unresolved.

Muthumanimaran
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I am currently reading Prof.Leonard Susskind's Lecture on Quantum Mechanics. In the Chapter: Spin in the arbitrary directions, in the subdivision Eigenstates
In case $$\lambda=1$$
Prof states that measuring spin in arbitrary +n state gives me +1 as eigenvalue, what I don't understand is the next expression $$n_zα+n_−β=α$$
I have no idea how this expression comes here, please help me. The link to the lecture is given below:
http://www.lecture-notes.co.uk/suss...ments/lecture-4/spin-in-arbitrary-directions/
 
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There are two equations for ##\alpha## and ##\beta## given by the eigenvalue equation. This is the one for ##\alpha##. The other is for ##\beta##.
 
I don't see any obvious mistakes (I've not followed everything thoroughly). All that Suskind in fact does is to diagonalize the matrix ##\vec{n} \cdot \vec{\sigma}##. Where's your specific problem?
 
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Paul Colby said:
There are two equations for ##\alpha## and ##\beta## given by the eigenvalue equation. This is the one for ##\alpha##. The other is for ##\beta##.
I don't how that's lead to the expression $$n_zα+n_−β=α$$
 
##\sigma_n## times the vector ##(\alpha,\beta)## gives the same vector multiplied by 1. The equation follows from the top row of the matrix.
 
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ok, thank you, now I understand how it comes. Initially I misunderstood the Lecture. Its pretty straightforward.
 

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