68202b54   
   XPost: sci.physics, sci.math, sci.physics.particle   
   From: david250@videotron.ca   
      
   On 05/29/2012 05:13 PM, RichD wrote:   
   > I know complex algebra is useful in quantum mechanics,   
   > to model interference among evolving states.   
   >   
   > However, sometimes I see a note like: "The system was   
   > initialized in the state 3 - j".  What does that mean?   
   >   
   > --   
   > Rich   
      
   The wave-function psi is complex-valued.  Multiplying psi   
   by its complex conjugate function psi* where   
   psi*(X) = complex conjugate of psi(X) gives:   
      
   psi(X) psi*(X) >= 0 , a non-negative real number.   
      
   psi(X) evolves with time.  A measurement is represented   
   by an unbounded hermitian operator A .  If psi is the   
   wave-function, psi will jump to new-psi, where   
   A.new-psi = lambda * new-psi, lambda a real number.   
      
   The state is like the initial configuration in   
   classical mechanics.  Classical mechanics evolves   
   deterministically.  Quantum systems, when measured,   
   are found to be in states "Up", "Down"  for no reason,   
   simply following the laws of chance.   
      
   That's the way things appear to be, AFAIK .   
      
   David Bernier   
      
   --- SoupGate-Win32 v1.05   
    * Origin: you cannot sedate... all the things you hate (1:229/2)