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Wavefunction collapse is when a quantum states' wavefunction is disturbed by an observer just by observing it. The position or momentum prior to observation is completely changed

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What is the Alternative to the Quantum Mechanics theory?

There is no reasonable alternative to quantum mechanics, at least not something that can even compare with the predictive power and experimental accuracy as quantum theory. If you want to make predictions about things happening at small scales you cannot do without quantum mechanics. Also note that certain models which are now considered as possible theories of everything (e.g. string theory) all expand upon quantum mechanics, they do not make quantum mechanics invalid or unnecessary.


Why normalization in quantum mechanics?

Take a wavefunction; call it psi.Take another wavefunction; call it psi two.These wavefunctions mus clearly both satisfy some sort of wave equation (say the Schrodinger Wave Equation 1926).It turns out (if you do some maths) that if you addthese wavefunctions, psi+psiTwo is also a solution of the wave equation.HOWEVER: SINCE THE SQUARE OF THE WAVE EQUATION IS THE PROBABILITY, THE TOTAL PROBABLILITY OF FINDING THIS PARTICLE ANYWHERE IN THE UNIVERSE IS NOW 1+1 = 2!!!!! How can the probability be two? It clearly can't. And so the new wave function has to be halved (normalisation) to give: 1/2 (psi+psiTwo) which satisfies this condition that the total probablility of finding the particle must be equal to one.This condition is called the "Normalisation Condition" and is written mathematically thus:Integral( psi^2 ) d(x^3) = 1.


Is there any wave functio in quantum mechanics in 2d where there is no mass term?

Asin(2*pi*x/lambda + d) is the general wavefunction of a standing wave, and includes no mass term. (Were A = amplitude, pi = 3.14159265358979323646, x = position, lambda = wavelength and d = phase at x=0).


What are the different states of quantum state?

Quantum states can be in a superposition, where they exist in multiple states simultaneously until measured. They can also be entangled, where the states of multiple particles become linked regardless of distance. Finally, quantum states can collapse to a single state upon measurement, revealing a definitive value.


What is variational approximation method in quantum mechanics?

When dealing with certain quantum systems, an absolutely quantitative and accurate description of the system is impossible and requires physicists and chemists to make approximations. For example, one may calculate the Hamiltonian of a single hydrogen atom or a molecule of diatomic helium with a single electron (after invoking the Born-Oppenheimer Approximation of course), but cannot solve a multi-electron problem such as benzene. Although we cannot calculate the Hamiltonian for benzene, we can approximate it and receive an answer which is very close (and according to the Variation Principal, higher than) the actual energy (Hamiltonian). One way that computational chemists do this is by using variational approximations. One of these which is most popular is the Hartree-Fock method. Here, chemists say that there exists a ground state wavefunction which describes the benzene system that may be approximated by a single Slater Determinant. We chose a candidate wavefunction which we think suits the system (think e^ikx for SHOs) and which depends on a set of parameters. We then calculate the Hamiltonian for sets of parameters and find the lowest energy. This is a gross oversimplification, but the idea holds. A simpler way to think about this would be: "What is the shape of a rope tied to a bucket of water?" We could answer this question by starting with an equation for the rope in 2 dimensions, calculate the potential energy of the bucket as the rope changes coordinates, and eventually find that it's potential energy is minimized when the rope extends completely along the y axis. Variational approximations work quite the same way for quantum systems where, due to the entangled nature of quantized particles (such as fermions or bosons) we cannot derive an exact answer.

Related Questions

Do we need consciousness to collapse wavefunction?

The collapse of the wavefunction in quantum mechanics does not depend on consciousness. It occurs when a quantum system interacts with its environment, leading to a definite measurement result. The role of consciousness in quantum mechanics is a subject of philosophical debate rather than a necessary component of the physics involved.


What does the wavefunction from quantum mechanics describe?

The wavefunction in quantum mechanics describes the probability of finding a particle in a particular state or location.


What do wavefunctions represent?

A wavefunction is a representation of the state of a quantum system. A quantum state is a vector belonging in an abstract space (the Hilbert space), while a wavefunction is a complex function given in terms of a Hermitian variable (usually position or momentum). When "wavefunction" is used unqualified (as opposed to "wavefunction in momentum space"), it is taken to mean the wavefunction in terms of position. In case of single-particle systems, the modulus squared of the wavefunction at a given position represents the probability density of the particle to be at that position.


What is the significance of the wavefunction of an electron in quantum mechanics?

The wavefunction of an electron in quantum mechanics describes its probability distribution, showing where the electron is likely to be found. This is significant because it allows us to understand and predict the behavior of electrons in atoms and molecules, leading to advancements in technology such as computers and materials science.


How are wavefunctions a representation for the quantum state of a physical system?

Wavefunctions are mathematical functions that describe the quantum state of a physical system. They represent the probability of finding a particle in a certain position or state. By analyzing the wavefunction, scientists can understand the behavior and properties of quantum systems.


How can one determine if a wavefunction is normalized?

To determine if a wavefunction is normalized, you need to calculate the integral of the absolute square of the wavefunction over all space. If the result is equal to 1, then the wavefunction is normalized.


How can we calculate the spread of a wavefunction?

The spread of a wavefunction can be calculated using the standard deviation, which measures how much the values in the wavefunction vary from the average value. A larger standard deviation indicates a greater spread of the wavefunction.


What is the Alternative to the Quantum Mechanics theory?

There is no reasonable alternative to quantum mechanics, at least not something that can even compare with the predictive power and experimental accuracy as quantum theory. If you want to make predictions about things happening at small scales you cannot do without quantum mechanics. Also note that certain models which are now considered as possible theories of everything (e.g. string theory) all expand upon quantum mechanics, they do not make quantum mechanics invalid or unnecessary.


What is the name for a baby bird?

It is speculative, the mathematical formulations of quantum mechanics are abstract. Similarly, the implications are often non-intuitive in terms of classic physics. The centerpiece of the mathematical system is the wavefunction. The wavefunction is a mathematical function providing information about the probability amplitude of position and momentum of a particle. Mathematical manipulations of the wavefunction usually involve the bra-ket notation, which requires an understanding of complex numbers and linear functionals. The wavefunction treats the object as a quantum harmonic oscillator and the mathematics is akin to that of acoustics, resonance. Many of the results of QM do not have models that are easily visualized in terms of classical mechanics; for instance, the ground state in the quantum mechanical model is a non-zero energy state that is the lowest permitted energy state of a system, rather than a more traditional system that is thought of as simply being at rest with zero kinetic energy.


What is the interpretation of quantum mechanics of electrons?

The interpretation of quantum mechanics regarding electrons primarily revolves around their wave-particle duality, meaning they exhibit both particle-like and wave-like behavior. In this context, electrons are described by a wavefunction, which provides probabilities of finding them in various locations rather than definite positions. Different interpretations, such as the Copenhagen interpretation and many-worlds interpretation, offer various perspectives on what this wavefunction represents and the nature of reality, but fundamentally, it highlights the intrinsic uncertainty and probabilistic nature of quantum systems.


How can the ladder operators be used to determine the eigenvalues of the x operator in quantum mechanics?

In quantum mechanics, the ladder operators can be used to determine the eigenvalues of the x operator by applying them to the wavefunction of the system. The ladder operators raise or lower the eigenvalues of the x operator by a fixed amount, allowing us to find the possible values of x for which the wavefunction is an eigenfunction. By repeatedly applying the ladder operators, we can determine the eigenvalues of the x operator for a given system.


Does quantum physics deal with consciousness?

Partial of it does. I think your question is leaning towards wavefunction. It is pretty hard to get but with study you will eventually get it. Since I'm twelve I got the whole day. If i explain it here is would be hard to understand. On google or something else, look up the double slit experiment. It was an experiment created by Thomas Young, that was meant to explain if light was a stream of particles, or waves(today it's a photon a combination of both). It turns out that the the human observation collapse the wavefunction of subatomic particles. All I can tell you is this, wavefunction is basically the chance of the position and momentum of subatomic particles. You can't have a definite answer to both of them. You either know more about the position and less about the momentum and vise versa. Hope this helps.