What does the notation in measuring the spins of two electrons mean?

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In summary, the conversation is about the multiple-worlds interpretation (MWI) and the path of a single electron. The equations and notation discussed represent the evolution of a system involving two entangled electrons and the results of multiple measurements. Each measurement creates another entanglement, resulting in a final state containing four terms representing all possible combinations of the measurement results. The variables, a1, b1, a2, b2, u1, u2, d1, d2, R, and O, have specific meanings in this context. The type of math being used is not specified, but it involves probabilities and spin conditions.
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mieral
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(posted in General Math in case this would be transferred elsewhere)

In the thread, https://www.physicsforums.com/threads/mwi-and-path-of-single-electron.900851/page-4 someone posted:

"This should be obvious; just do the same thing for subsequent measurements as we did for the initial measurements.

For example, suppose we measure the spins of two electrons (call them electrons 1 and 2) in succession, both in the up/down direction. The total evolution looks like this (hopefully the notation is clear):

## \Psi_0 = \left( a_1 \vert u_1 \rangle + b_1 \vert d_1 \rangle \right) \left( a_2 \vert u_2 \rangle + b_2 \vert d_2 \rangle \right) \vert R_1, R_2 \rangle \vert O_{R1}, O_{R2} \rangle##

##\rightarrow \Psi_1 = \left( a_2 \vert u_2 \rangle + b_2 \vert d_2 \rangle \right) \left( a_1 \vert u_1 \rangle \vert U_1, R_2 \rangle \vert O_{U1}, O_{R2} \rangle + b_1 \vert d_1 \rangle \vert D_1, R_2 \rangle \vert O_{D1}, O_{R2} \rangle \right)##

##
\rightarrow \Psi_2 = a_1 a_2 \vert u_1 \rangle \vert u_2 \rangle \vert U_1, U_2 \rangle \vert O_{U1}, O_{U2} \rangle + a_1 b_2 \vert u_1 \rangle \vert d_2 \rangle \vert U_1, D_2 \rangle \vert O_{U1}, O_{D2} \rangle \\ + b_1 a_2 \vert d_1 \rangle \vert u_2 \rangle \vert D_1, U_2 \rangle \vert O_{D1}, O_{U2} \rangle + b_1 b_2 \vert d_1 \rangle \vert d_2 \rangle \vert D_1, D_2 \rangle \vert O_{D1}, O_{D2} \rangle##

In other words, each time a measurement happens, it creates another entanglement. So after two measurements, we have an entangled state containing four terms, one corresponding to each possible combination of the results of the two measurements."

What does the notation or equations means? suppose initially we measure the spins of two electrons (call them electrons 1 and 2) in succession, both in the up/down direction.. what does the final evolution means.. what are the contents of the 4 terms?

Thank you.
 
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  • #2
btw.. a1, b1, a2, b2 are the probabilities
u1, u2 d1, d2 are the actual spin conditions
R is Ready
O is Observer

I guess I'm getting it after reading it over and over again.. what kind of math is this? differential equations?
 

1. What is notation meaning?

Notation meaning refers to the symbols, signs, and other representations used to represent mathematical or scientific concepts, equations, and data. It allows scientists to communicate complex ideas and information in a standardized and concise manner.

2. Why is notation meaning important in science?

Notation meaning is crucial in science because it allows for clear and efficient communication between scientists. It also helps to avoid confusion and errors in data analysis and experimentation.

3. What are some common examples of notation meaning?

Some common examples of notation meaning include mathematical symbols such as +, -, x, and ÷, chemical formulas for elements and compounds, and scientific units of measurement such as m/s for velocity and g/cm3 for density.

4. How is notation meaning different from language?

Notation meaning is a specialized form of language that is used to represent scientific concepts and data. It is more precise and concise than traditional language, allowing for complex ideas to be communicated effectively.

5. Can notation meaning vary between different scientific fields?

Yes, notation meaning can vary between different scientific fields. For example, the notation used in physics may differ from that used in chemistry or biology. However, there are also some universal notations and symbols that are used across multiple scientific disciplines.

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