Spin 1/2 systemin Sakurai quantum mechanics

AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on understanding equations 1.4.8 and 1.4.9 from Sakurai's Modern Quantum Mechanics, specifically regarding the spin-1/2 system. It is clarified that the probability of measuring the z spin from the |S_x;+\rangle state is 1/2 for both up and down z spin, indicating equal projections to the eigenstates |+⟩ and |−⟩. The magnitude of these projections is determined to be 1/√2. Additionally, the complex exponential in the expansion coefficient accounts for the phase factor, which does not affect measurement outcomes. This highlights the importance of understanding state projections and their implications in quantum mechanics.
BREAD
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Homework Statement


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Homework Equations



This is a passage from Modern Quantum Mechanics by Sakurai ( page 26~27)

The Attempt at a Solution



I wonder how i can get 1.4.8 , 1.4.9 equations . and what do they mean?
 
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BREAD said:
I wonder how i can get 1.4.8 , 1.4.9 equations . and what do they mean?
They follow from the immediately preceding paragraph. It's mentioned that the probability for a measurement on the ##z## spin from a ##|S_x;+\rangle## state is equal to 1/2 for both up and down ##z## spin. This means the magnitude of the projections from the state ##|S_x;+\rangle## to the eigenstates of ##z## spin, ##|+\rangle## and ##|-\rangle##, must be equal to ##1/\sqrt{2}##.
 
Then what is ei*delta
 
The expansion coefficient is in general complex, and that complex exponential is set there to account for this fact, neglecting the overall phase factor as this is not influential for a measurement.
 
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