Introduction to Quantum Mechanics · Problem 4.30

Quantum Mechanics in Three Dimensions — David J. Griffiths

Physics — Quantum Mechanics · spin_expectation_values

Problem

An electron is in the spin state χ=A(3i4)\chi = A \begin{pmatrix} 3i \\ 4 \end{pmatrix}. (a) Determine the normalization constant AA. (b) Find the expectation values of SxS_x, SyS_y, and SzS_z. (c) Find the "uncertainties" σSx\sigma_{S_x}, σSy\sigma_{S_y}, and σSz\sigma_{S_z}. Note: These sigmas are standard deviations, not Pauli matrices! (d) Confirm that your results are consistent with all three uncertainty principles (Equation 4.100 and its cyclic permutations—only with SS in place of LL, of course).

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