Questions tagged [superposition]
A basic principle of solutions of *linear* differential (often wave) equations, ensuring that the sum ("superposition") of two solutions is automatically a solution as well. Conversely, solutions (amounting to quantum states in quantum mechanics, since the Schrödinger equation is linear) can be represented as a sum of two or more other distinct solutions, and so can be Fourier/eigenstate resolved to enhance mathematical tractability.
943
questions
0
votes
1
answer
51
views
What is the frequency of a standing wave? [closed]
I understand that constructive interference of waves results in standing waves. And for a wire with both ends fixed the frequency should match the fundamental frequency of the wire to produce standing ...
- 91
1
vote
1
answer
88
views
Do Helium-4 atoms behave like photons?
I know that the Helium-4 atom is a boson. Does this mean that, like photons, many Helium-4 atoms can be placed at the same point in space?
How its possible? It includes fermions (Protons, Neutrons, ...
- 209
9
votes
3
answers
1k
views
Quantum: why linear combination of vectors (superposition) is described as "both at the same time"?
I want to get a better understanding of quantum phenomena and out world in general. Before long I've thought of Schrödinger cat as being both alive and dead (or spin both up and down). Now after some ...
- 516
0
votes
1
answer
59
views
Why does entropy obey the superposition principle?
I was deriving the Boltzmann's entropy formula
$${\displaystyle S=k_{\mathrm {B} }\ln \Omega}$$
We start with two prepositions:
Let's consider two systems and we know the entropy of the first is $S_1$...
- 443
1
vote
1
answer
154
views
Superposition of photons entering human eyes
Based on the Double Slit Experiment and the Mach-Zehnder Interferometer is it reasonable that a single photon enter both eyes of one person?
- 19
2
votes
1
answer
92
views
Example of a classical correlation and a quantum correlation
I'm trying to understand the fundamental differences between classical and quantum correlations through examples of a quantum entangled state and a classically correlated state.
I know that this is an ...
- 39
3
votes
2
answers
341
views
Why are forces superimposable in Classical Mechanics? Does this also apply in higher theories like General Relativity and Quantum Mechanics?
In classical mechanics, forces are treated as vectors and are added linearly. Is this principle to be treated as an axiom or is there some underlying principle from which this is derived? And given ...
- 91
0
votes
2
answers
71
views
Loss of coherence in the double-slit experiment
Let's suppose we perform the double-slit experiment, using two detectors to detect which slit the particle has passed through. I describe the detectors using quantum mechanics, so they are represented ...
- 39
5
votes
0
answers
76
views
Does one electron in superposition repel itself?
Consider Quantum Electrodynamics, and consider the electron field to be in a state which is a superposition of two wavepackets, each located in a different spatial position. Explicitly:
$$|\psi\rangle ...
- 1,056
1
vote
2
answers
86
views
Is spontaneous symmetry breaking possible without wave function collapse?
This is just a basic question to check my understanding (as a non-physicist).
An example to explain spontaneous symmetry breaking is given as follows: There is a particle that lies on the top of a ...
- 1,772
0
votes
1
answer
84
views
Decomposition of $(x \pm i y) \, Y_{l m}$ and $z \, Y_{l m}$ on spherical harmonics
Using the various algebraic properties of the associated Legendre polynomials $P_l^m(u)$ and of the spherical harmonics $Y_{l m}(\theta, \varphi)$, I was able to decompose the following expressions, ...
- 7,592
0
votes
1
answer
31
views
Total blackbody spectrum from two objects at different temperatures
I was wondering what the intensity spectrum would look like when collecting the light emitted by two objects (same material properties, emissivity etc.) at two different temperatures. Or alternatively,...
1
vote
3
answers
85
views
Mach-Zehnder interferometer and superposition
I've a doubt on interpretation of superposition in the interferometer
Is it correct to say that in the Mach-Zehnder interferometer, the photon exists in a state of quantum superposition of the two ...
- 39
1
vote
1
answer
81
views
Amplitude superposition for different kinds of particles
We have seen that the probability of finding a particle at a particular point is the square of its wave function. In the double slit experiment, we notice that wave functions add up and the resultant ...
- 426
4
votes
1
answer
73
views
Question about amplitude of wave [closed]
Is it always true that:
$$\text{Incident Amplitude} = \text{Transmitted Amplitude} - \text{Reflected Amplitude}?$$
