What Is the Quantum State |l,m> After Angular Momentum Measurement?

In summary, the square angular momentum and z-component of a free particle were measured, resulting in values of L2=6\hbar^2 and Lz=\hbar. The state |l,m> of the system after measurement is |6,1>. The relevant equations are L2|l,m>=\hbar^2l|l,m> and Lz|l,m>=\hbarm|l,m>. The expectation value for Lx can be found using <lm|Lx|lm>.
  • #1
atomicpedals
209
7

Homework Statement



The square angular momentum L2 and the z-component Lz of a free particle are measured. They are found to be L2=6[itex]\hbar^2[/itex] and Lz=[itex]\hbar[/itex]

What is the state |l,m> of the system after measurement?

Homework Equations



L2|l,m>=[itex]\hbar^2[/itex]l|l,m>
Lz|l,m>=[itex]\hbar[/itex]m|l,m>

The Attempt at a Solution



Is this simply:

L2|lm>=[itex]\hbar^2[/itex]l|l,m>=6[itex]\hbar^2[/itex]|6,m>
Lz|l,m>=[itex]\hbar[/itex]m|l,m>=[itex]\hbar[/itex]|l,1>

|l,m> = |6,1> ?
 
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  • #2
I'm getting some contradiction from my notes, the other way I see it the eigenstates could be |2,1>.
 
  • #3
It's [itex]\vert 2 ~ 1 \rangle[/itex]. Your first "relevant equation" is incorrect.
 
  • #4
Cool, means page two of my notes needs a quick correction. Thanks!
 
  • #5
As a follow up to see if I'm slowly catching on; would the expectation value for Lx then be given by <lm|Lx|lm>?
 
  • #6
Yes.
 

Related to What Is the Quantum State |l,m> After Angular Momentum Measurement?

1. What is an Angular Momentum Eigenstate?

An Angular Momentum Eigenstate is a state in quantum mechanics where the angular momentum of a particle has a definite value. This means that the particle's angular momentum can only take on specific values, and it is described by a mathematical function known as an eigenfunction.

2. How is Angular Momentum Eigenstate related to the Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle?

The Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle states that it is impossible to know both the position and momentum of a particle with absolute certainty. In the case of angular momentum, an eigenstate is a state of definite angular momentum, which means that the uncertainty in the angular momentum is zero. However, this also means that the uncertainty in the position of the particle is infinite.

3. How does Angular Momentum Eigenstate affect the energy of a particle?

The energy of a particle in an Angular Momentum Eigenstate is quantized, meaning it can only take on certain discrete values. This is because the angular momentum of a particle is directly related to its energy, and in an eigenstate, the angular momentum has a definite value. The energy of a particle in an eigenstate is given by the formula E = (h/2π) * m * l, where h is Planck's constant, m is the mass of the particle, and l is the angular momentum.

4. Can Angular Momentum Eigenstates exist in three-dimensional space?

Yes, Angular Momentum Eigenstates can exist in three-dimensional space. In fact, in three-dimensional space, the angular momentum can have three components: one for rotation around the x-axis, one for rotation around the y-axis, and one for rotation around the z-axis. Each of these components can have its own eigenstate with a specific value of angular momentum.

5. How are Angular Momentum Eigenstates used in quantum mechanics?

Angular Momentum Eigenstates are used to describe the behavior of particles with angular momentum in quantum mechanics. They are essential in understanding the behavior of subatomic particles, as the angular momentum of these particles plays a crucial role in their interactions with other particles and in determining their energy levels. Eigenstates, in general, are also used to solve many quantum mechanical problems and are an essential tool in the study of quantum mechanics.

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