Chemistry
Chemistry
10th Edition
ISBN: 9781305957404
Author: Steven S. Zumdahl, Susan A. Zumdahl, Donald J. DeCoste
Publisher: Cengage Learning
Bartleby Related Questions Icon

Related questions

bartleby

Concept explainers

Question

Say that the probability amplitude for a photon to arrive at a detector is 1/(1+i). What is the probability that the detector records a photon? Similarly, what would be the probability of detecting a photon if the probability amplitude equals i?

(Hint: See attatched image for more on finding the probability amplitude)

**Probability Amplitude Concepts in Quantum Mechanics**

1. **Detection Probability:**
   The likelihood of detecting a particle is expressed as \( z^*z \), where \( z \) represents the probability amplitude, and \( z^* \) is its complex conjugate.

2. **Sequential Processes:**
   To find the probability amplitude for a process occurring in multiple steps—such as the movement of a photon from a light source to a beam splitter, then through the beam splitter, and finally to a photodetector—we calculate it by multiplying the probability amplitudes of each step:
   \[
   z = z_a z_b \ldots
   \]

3. **Multiple Pathways:**
   When a particle has various potential paths between the source and the detector, the probability amplitude for detecting the particle is derived from the sum of the individual probability amplitudes for each possible path:
   \[
   z = z_1 + z_2 + \ldots
   \] 

These principles are foundational in understanding how quantum particles behave and how probabilities are calculated in different scenarios.
expand button
Transcribed Image Text:**Probability Amplitude Concepts in Quantum Mechanics** 1. **Detection Probability:** The likelihood of detecting a particle is expressed as \( z^*z \), where \( z \) represents the probability amplitude, and \( z^* \) is its complex conjugate. 2. **Sequential Processes:** To find the probability amplitude for a process occurring in multiple steps—such as the movement of a photon from a light source to a beam splitter, then through the beam splitter, and finally to a photodetector—we calculate it by multiplying the probability amplitudes of each step: \[ z = z_a z_b \ldots \] 3. **Multiple Pathways:** When a particle has various potential paths between the source and the detector, the probability amplitude for detecting the particle is derived from the sum of the individual probability amplitudes for each possible path: \[ z = z_1 + z_2 + \ldots \] These principles are foundational in understanding how quantum particles behave and how probabilities are calculated in different scenarios.
Expert Solution
Check Mark
Step 1

Chemistry homework question answer, step 1, image 1

Knowledge Booster
Background pattern image
Chemistry
Learn more about
Need a deep-dive on the concept behind this application? Look no further. Learn more about this topic, chemistry and related others by exploring similar questions and additional content below.
Similar questions
Recommended textbooks for you
Text book image
Chemistry
Chemistry
ISBN:9781305957404
Author:Steven S. Zumdahl, Susan A. Zumdahl, Donald J. DeCoste
Publisher:Cengage Learning
Text book image
Chemistry
Chemistry
ISBN:9781259911156
Author:Raymond Chang Dr., Jason Overby Professor
Publisher:McGraw-Hill Education
Text book image
Principles of Instrumental Analysis
Chemistry
ISBN:9781305577213
Author:Douglas A. Skoog, F. James Holler, Stanley R. Crouch
Publisher:Cengage Learning
Text book image
Organic Chemistry
Chemistry
ISBN:9780078021558
Author:Janice Gorzynski Smith Dr.
Publisher:McGraw-Hill Education
Text book image
Chemistry: Principles and Reactions
Chemistry
ISBN:9781305079373
Author:William L. Masterton, Cecile N. Hurley
Publisher:Cengage Learning
Text book image
Elementary Principles of Chemical Processes, Bind...
Chemistry
ISBN:9781118431221
Author:Richard M. Felder, Ronald W. Rousseau, Lisa G. Bullard
Publisher:WILEY