Deduce the condition for minimum uncertainty inSx andSy(that is, equality in the expression role="math" localid="1658378301742" σSxσSy(ħ/2)|<Sz>|, for a particle of spin 1/2 in the generic state (Equation 4.139). Answer: With no loss of generality we can pick to be real; then the condition for minimum uncertainty is that bis either pure real or else pure imaginary.

Short Answer

Expert verified

The condition for minimum uncertainty in Sxand Sy(that is, equality in the expression σSxσSy(ħ/2)|<Sz>| , for a particle of spin 1/2 in the generic state is deduced

Step by step solution

01

Definition of spinor

Spinors are complex vector space elements that may be linked to Euclidean space.Spinors, like geometric vectors and more generic tensors, change linearly when the Euclidean space is rotated slightly.

02

Deduction of the condition for minimum uncertainty inSx andSyfor a particle of spin 1/2 in the generic state

The most generalized spinor is defined as:

X=ab

Normalization of this state gives,

a2+b2=1

The expectation values of Sx, Sy, and Szare:

Sz=ħ2a2-a2Sx=ħReab*

And

Sy=-ħ/mab*

Also,

Sx2=Sy2=ħ24

Write a and b in exponential form as:

a=aeiϕab=beiϕb

Now,

ab*=abeiϕa-ϕb=abeiθ

Where θ=ϕa-ϕbis the phase difference between a and b.

Now consider,

localid="1658379536890" Sx=ħReab*=ħabcosθ

And

Sy=-ħabsinθ

Now,

localid="1658380148912" δSx2=Sx2-Sx2=ħ24-ħ2a2b2cos2θδSy2=Sy2-Sy2==ħ24-ħ2a2b2sin2θ

ForδSx2δS,2=ħ24Sz

ħ241-4a2b2cos2θħ241-4a2b2sin2θħ24ħ24a2-b221-4a2b2cosθ-4a2b2sinθ+16a4b4cos2θsin2a4+b4-2a4b41-4a2b2+16a4b4cos2θsin2θ=a4+b4-2a4b4a4+b4=1+16a4b4cos2θsin2θ-2a2b2a4+b4+2a2b2=1+16a4b4cos2θsin2θa2+b2=1+16a4b4cos2θsin2θ

However,a2+b2=11=1+16a4b4cos2θsin2θa4b4cos2θsin2θ=0

Or

a2b2cosθsinθ=0

If the angle θ=0or π, then a and b are relatively real.

If the θ=±π2, then a and b are relatively imaginary, and a and b being equal to 0 is a trivial case.

Thus, it is proved that σsxσs,ħ2Sz.

Unlock Step-by-Step Solutions & Ace Your Exams!

  • Full Textbook Solutions

    Get detailed explanations and key concepts

  • Unlimited Al creation

    Al flashcards, explanations, exams and more...

  • Ads-free access

    To over 500 millions flashcards

  • Money-back guarantee

    We refund you if you fail your exam.

Over 30 million students worldwide already upgrade their learning with Vaia!

One App. One Place for Learning.

All the tools & learning materials you need for study success - in one app.

Get started for free

Most popular questions from this chapter

See all solutions

Recommended explanations on Physics Textbooks

View all explanations

What do you think about this solution?

We value your feedback to improve our textbook solutions.

Study anywhere. Anytime. Across all devices.

Sign-up for free