What is Superposition? Explained in Simple Terms

  • Thread starter Thread starter ArielGenesis
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Superposition
Click For Summary
Superposition is a principle in linear algebra stating that if two or more solutions exist for a linear system, any linear combination of these solutions is also a valid solution. This means that if y1 and y2 are solutions, then y = a1y1 + a2y2 (where a1 and a2 are constants) is also a solution. In quantum mechanics, wavefunctions follow this principle, often involving complex numbers. An example of superposition in classical physics is seen in electrostatic fields. Understanding superposition is crucial for grasping concepts in both mathematics and physics.
ArielGenesis
Messages
238
Reaction score
0
what is superposition?
in wikipedia:"In linear algebra, the principle of superposition states that, for a linear system, a linear combination of solutions to the system is also a solution to the same linear system. The superposition principle applies to linear systems of algebraic equations, linear differential equations, or systems of linear differential equations."

can anyone use simpler language to dechiper what it means?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
If you find two or more solutions (y1 and y2, say) to some equation(of a linear system), then you can form another solution that is a combination of y1 and y2, more specifically a linear combination (power of the y's are 1)

y = a1y1 + a2y2

Here, a1 and a2 are constants. In quantum mechanics, where the wavefunctions obey the principle of superposition, they are genreally considered to be complex.

An example from classical physics is the electrostatic field.
 
Insights auto threads is broken atm, so I'm manually creating these for new Insight articles. Towards the end of the first lecture for the Qiskit Global Summer School 2025, Foundations of Quantum Mechanics, Olivia Lanes (Global Lead, Content and Education IBM) stated... Source: https://www.physicsforums.com/insights/quantum-entanglement-is-a-kinematic-fact-not-a-dynamical-effect/ by @RUTA

Similar threads

  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
1K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
1K
  • · Replies 143 ·
5
Replies
143
Views
11K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K
  • · Replies 15 ·
Replies
15
Views
4K
  • · Replies 30 ·
2
Replies
30
Views
4K