Unraveling the Mystery of Probability Amplitudes

bon
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Homework Statement



What physical phenomenon requires us to work with probability amplitudes rather than just with probabilities, as in other fields of endeavour?


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



Not sure. The wording of the q throws me... phenomenon i.e. singular..?

Is there one phenomenon in particular?
 
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hi bon! :smile:

i think it means, in what circumstances would you have to add the amplitudes? :wink:
 
tiny-tim said:
hi bon! :smile:

i think it means, in what circumstances would you have to add the amplitudes? :wink:

Thanks okay i get this now.

Got another question though...

How do you do part (c) on this question? I'm a bit confused...
 

Attachments

uhh? that's a completely new question :redface:

please start a new thread
 
Thread 'Need help understanding this figure on energy levels'

Thread 'Need help understanding this figure on energy levels'

This figure is from "Introduction to Quantum Mechanics" by Griffiths (3rd edition). It is available to download. It is from page 142. I am hoping the usual people on this site will give me a hand understanding what is going on in the figure. After the equation (4.50) it says "It is customary to introduce the principal quantum number, ##n##, which simply orders the allowed energies, starting with 1 for the ground state. (see the figure)" I still don't understand the figure :( Here is...
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Thread 'Understanding how to "tack on" the time wiggle factor'

Thread 'Understanding how to "tack on" the time wiggle factor'

The last problem I posted on QM made it into advanced homework help, that is why I am putting it here. I am sorry for any hassle imposed on the moderators by myself. Part (a) is quite easy. We get $$\sigma_1 = 2\lambda, \mathbf{v}_1 = \begin{pmatrix} 0 \\ 0 \\ 1 \end{pmatrix} \sigma_2 = \lambda, \mathbf{v}_2 = \begin{pmatrix} 1/\sqrt{2} \\ 1/\sqrt{2} \\ 0 \end{pmatrix} \sigma_3 = -\lambda, \mathbf{v}_3 = \begin{pmatrix} 1/\sqrt{2} \\ -1/\sqrt{2} \\ 0 \end{pmatrix} $$ There are two ways...
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