Thoughts about ∣Φ>=∣1>*C1+∣2>*C2

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the representation of quantum states in a two-state system, specifically the expression ∣Φ>=∣1>*C1+∣2>*C2. Participants explore the implications of this representation, questioning whether the state ∣Φ> can be considered a distinct state beyond the two base states and how it relates to concepts in linear algebra and quantum mechanics.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants question whether the state ∣Φ> can only oscillate between the two base states ∣1> and ∣2> or if it represents a new state altogether.
  • Others suggest that the state ∣Φ> can be expressed in different bases, such as ∣Ⅰ> and ∣Ⅱ>, raising questions about the nature of these representations.
  • One participant draws an analogy between quantum states and vectors in linear algebra, emphasizing the existence of states independent of the coordinate system used.
  • Another participant argues that the state ∣Φ> contains all the information about the system and can be analyzed using different representations, such as position or momentum.
  • Concerns are raised about the comfort level with the concept of amplitude in quantum mechanics, suggesting it may not align with classical analysis methods.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the nature of quantum states and their representations. There is no consensus on whether ∣Φ> represents a distinct state or merely oscillates between the two base states, and the discussion remains unresolved.

Contextual Notes

Participants reference concepts from linear algebra and quantum mechanics, indicating a potential dependence on definitions and interpretations of states and amplitudes. The discussion highlights the complexity of analyzing quantum states compared to classical physics.

orange juice
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Hi, we know that in a system with two base states, any state ∣Φ> of the system can always be described as a linear combination of the two base state:∣Φ>=∣1>*C1+∣2>*C2, where C1 is the ampitudes to be in on base state and C2 the other.
My question is, does that mean the state ∣Φ> can only swing (flip) between the two base state ∣1> and∣2>? I mean, is there any other actually new state except the two base states? If not, then why is it that we can choose two other new base state ∣Ⅰ>and∣Ⅱ>and rewrite the ∣Φ> in the new form :∣Φ>=∣Ⅰ>*CⅠ+∣Ⅱ>*CⅡ ?
Thank you in advance :)
 
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orange juice said:
Hi, we know that in a system with two base states, any state ∣Φ> of the system can always be described as a linear combination of the two base state:∣Φ>=∣1>*C1+∣2>*C2, where C1 is the ampitudes to be in on base state and C2 the other.
My question is, does that mean the state ∣Φ> can only swing (flip) between the two base state ∣1> and∣2>? I mean, is there any other actually new state except the two base states? If not, then why is it that we can choose two other new base state ∣Ⅰ>and∣Ⅱ>and rewrite the ∣Φ> in the new form :∣Φ>=∣Ⅰ>*CⅠ+∣Ⅱ>*CⅡ ?
Thank you in advance :)

if you have studied the linear algebra, you should know the rank of this space is 2
 
unica said:
if you have studied the linear algebra, you should know the rank of this space is 2

Yeah, I studied that and I think a n-state system in QM can be analogous to a n-rank space, right?

But my question is not this, Let me put my it this way: since ∣Φ>=∣1>*C1+∣2>*C2, which means that the state ∣Φ> has the amplitude C1 to be in the base state ∣1> and the amplitude C2 to be in the base state ∣2>.Then what’s the state ∣Φ> exactly? As we know, any vector in a coordinate can be analyzed into two base unit vector (e.g. e1 for x-direction and e2 for y-direction) and in fact this vector does indeed exist and stay the same no matter what coordinate we choose to represent it. I know in QM any state ∣Φ> is analogy to a “vector”, but the amplitude doesn’t sound very comfortable(we can’t analyze the state, but just talk about the amplitudes and they are not exactly the same as projection). I mean, is the state ∣Φ> actually indeed a definite state that exists and stays unchanged like a vector in coordinate? What exact is it? 
 
orange juice said:
Yeah, I studied that and I think a n-state system in QM can be analogous to a n-rank space, right?

But my question is not this, Let me put my it this way: since ∣Φ>=∣1>*C1+∣2>*C2, which means that the state ∣Φ> has the amplitude C1 to be in the base state ∣1> and the amplitude C2 to be in the base state ∣2>.Then what’s the state ∣Φ> exactly? As we know, any vector in a coordinate can be analyzed into two base unit vector (e.g. e1 for x-direction and e2 for y-direction) and in fact this vector does indeed exist and stay the same no matter what coordinate we choose to represent it. I know in QM any state ∣Φ> is analogy to a “vector”, but the amplitude doesn’t sound very comfortable(we can’t analyze the state, but just talk about the amplitudes and they are not exactly the same as projection). I mean, is the state ∣Φ> actually indeed a definite state that exists and stays unchanged like a vector in coordinate? What exact is it? 


why can't we analyze the state,we can analyze this state in the position representation or monentum representation or so.in my opinion,the state,which involves all the information of a system,exists really in a system.and if you want to know the position distribution of the system,you can use the position representation to reach it,or you can get the momentum distribution using the momentum representation.maybe i still don't understand your literally mean,but i indeed think the state does indeed just like the vector and exist really.
 
unica said:
why can't we analyze the state,we can analyze this state in the position representation or monentum representation or so.in my opinion,the state,which involves all the information of a system,exists really in a system.and if you want to know the position distribution of the system,you can use the position representation to reach it,or you can get the momentum distribution using the momentum representation.maybe i still don't understand your literally mean,but i indeed think the state does indeed just like the vector and exist really.

In QM, we only measure a state using the definition of amplitude, not simply analyze it like what we do in classical physics.
 

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