The absolute value of the frequency in quantum mechanics

In summary, the absolute value of the frequency in quantum mechanics is a measure of the numerical value of the frequency of a quantum system, and it is directly proportional to the energy of the system. It cannot be negative, but it is used in the calculation of probabilities and remains unchanged in superposition.
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mccoy1
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I was reading Bransden's Quantum Mechanics 2nd edition, chapter 2 page 61. There,it says "It should be noted that since E =hv (v for nu), the absolute value of the frequency has no physical significance in Quantum mechanics..."
Why is that? Isn't this a contradiction?
 
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mccoy1 said:
Why is that?

Because the absolute value of the energy has no physical significance in QM (more precisely, in non-relativistic QM or in QFT in flat spacetime, where gravity is absent). Only differences in energy have physical significance.
 
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  • #3
PeterDonis said:
Only differences in energy have physical significance.
I see. I got it now. Thank you PeterDonis.
 

FAQ: The absolute value of the frequency in quantum mechanics

1. What is the absolute value of the frequency in quantum mechanics?

The absolute value of the frequency in quantum mechanics refers to the magnitude or numerical value of the frequency of a quantum system. It is a measure of how many times a wave (such as an electron or photon) oscillates per unit time.

2. How is the absolute value of the frequency related to energy in quantum mechanics?

The absolute value of the frequency is directly proportional to the energy of a quantum system. This means that as the frequency increases, so does the energy, and vice versa. This relationship is described by Planck's equation, E = hν, where E is energy, h is Planck's constant, and ν is frequency.

3. Can the absolute value of the frequency be negative in quantum mechanics?

No, the absolute value of the frequency cannot be negative in quantum mechanics. This is because frequency is a measure of how many times a wave oscillates per unit time, and it is not possible to have a negative number of oscillations. However, the frequency itself can be negative in certain mathematical representations of quantum mechanics, but this does not affect the absolute value.

4. How is the absolute value of the frequency used in the calculation of probabilities in quantum mechanics?

The absolute value of the frequency is used to calculate the probabilities of different outcomes in quantum mechanics. These probabilities are calculated using the wave function, which is a mathematical description of a quantum system. The absolute value of the frequency is a crucial component of the wave function and helps determine the likelihood of a particular outcome.

5. What happens to the absolute value of the frequency when a quantum system is in superposition?

When a quantum system is in superposition, the absolute value of the frequency remains the same. This is because superposition refers to the state of a quantum system being in multiple states at the same time, and the frequency is a characteristic of each individual state. Therefore, the absolute value of the frequency remains unchanged in superposition.

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