Understanding Bra Ket Correspondence and Proving (1.8) Transformation

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the understanding and proof of a transformation in quantum mechanics, specifically related to Dirac notation and the properties of inner products. Participants are trying to clarify the relationship between bra and ket transformations and the implications of linearity in this context.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants express confusion about how certain transformations lead to a specific equation (1.8) and question the validity of the assumptions regarding bra transformations.
  • One participant asserts that the relationship between bra transformations is not an assumption but a necessary aspect of understanding quantum mechanics and linear algebra.
  • Another participant attempts to clarify the relationship between the inner product and the transformations, providing equations to illustrate their point.
  • Concerns are raised about mixing linear algebra notation with Dirac notation, suggesting that consistency in terminology is crucial for understanding.
  • There is a mention of the need for a solid foundation in linear algebra to grasp the concepts being discussed, particularly regarding the roles of scalars and kets.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the assumptions underlying the transformations. There are competing views regarding the validity of certain mathematical constructions and the necessity of linear algebra knowledge for understanding quantum mechanics.

Contextual Notes

Participants highlight limitations in their understanding of the formal properties of inner products and the implications of conjugate linearity. There is also a noted confusion regarding the roles of scalars in the context of bras and kets.

Kashmir
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I can't follow how the above argument leads to (1.8).

I am able to prove it only if I can show ##\langle a \mid c\rangle\langle b+c\rangle=(\langle a|+\langle b|) c\rangle## but I don't understand why the bra transformations <P| ,<Q| obey
(<P|+ <Q|)x = <P|x + <Q|x .
Is it an assumption?

Please help me
 
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Kashmir said:
View attachment 290057

I can't follow how the above argument leads to (1.8).

I am able to prove it only if I can show ##\langle a \mid c\rangle+\langle b+c\rangle=(\langle a|+\langle b|) c\rangle## but I don't understand why the bra transformations <P| ,<Q| obey
(<P|+ <Q|)x = <P|x + <Q|x .
Is it an assumption?

Please help me
It's not an assumption. In order to make progress with QM - and especially Dirac notation - you are going to have to learn some formal linear algebra and, in particularm how to use defined properties to construct proofs.

(1.8) follows directly from the conjugate linearity of the inner product.
 
PeroK said:
It's not an assumption. In order to make progress with QM - and especially Dirac notation - you are going to have to learn some formal linear algebra and, in particularm how to use defined properties to construct proofs.

(1.8) follows directly from the conjugate linearity of the inner product.
Perhaps you mean this:

##(a+b, c)=(|a+b\rangle,|c\rangle)=\langle a+b \mid c\rangle -(1)##Also
##(a+b, c)=(a, c)+(b, c)=\langle a \mid c\rangle+\langle b \mid c\rangle-(2)##

From equations 1,2 we have

##\langle a+b \mid c\rangle=\langle a \mid c\rangle+\langle b \mid c\rangle## and not ##\langle a+b \mid c\rangle=(\langle a|+\langle b|) c\rangle## which is my doubt.
 
Kashmir said:
Perhaps you mean this:

##(a+b, c)=(|a+b\rangle,|c\rangle)=\langle a+b \mid c\rangle -(1)##Also
##(a+b, c)=(a, c)+(b, c)=\langle a \mid c\rangle+\langle b \mid c\rangle-(2)##

From equations 1,2 we have

##\langle a+b \mid c\rangle=\langle a \mid c\rangle+\langle b \mid c\rangle## and not ##\langle a+b \mid c\rangle=(\langle a|+\langle b|) c\rangle## which is my doubt.
These constructions are invalid: you can't mix orthodox linear algebra notation with bras and kets. It's one or the other. Note how careful the author of the section you posted was to keep the terminology consistent.

In any case, I thought the question was how to prove that:$$\langle u|\alpha^* \ \leftrightarrow \ \alpha |u\rangle$$What that means is: if ##\langle u|## is the bra corresponding to the ket ##|u \rangle##, then the bra ##\langle u|\alpha^*##corresponds to the ket ##\alpha |u\rangle##.

Note that ##\alpha## is a scalar - you also seem to be confused by the roles of scalars and kets. You may need a course in linear algebra before you can proceed any further with QM.
 
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