dorsal/arxiv
View SchemaQuantum mechanics without measurements
| Authors | Robert B. Griffiths |
|---|---|
| Categories | |
| ArXiv ID | quant-ph/0612065 |
| URL | https://arxiv.org/abs/quant-ph/0612065 |
Abstract
Many of the conceptual problems students have in understanding quantum mechanics arise from the way probabilities are introduced in standard (textbook) quantum theory through the use of measurements. Introducing consistent microscopic probabilities in quantum theory requires setting up appropriate sample spaces taking proper account of quantum incompatibility. When this is done the Schrodinger equation can be used to calculate probabilities independent of whether a system is or is not being measured, and the results usually ascribed to wave function collapse are obtained in a less misleading way through conditional probabilities. Toy models that include measurement apparatus as part of the total quantum system make this approach accessible to students. Some comments are made about teaching this material.
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"abstract": "Many of the conceptual problems students have in understanding quantum\nmechanics arise from the way probabilities are introduced in standard\n(textbook) quantum theory through the use of measurements. Introducing\nconsistent microscopic probabilities in quantum theory requires setting up\nappropriate sample spaces taking proper account of quantum incompatibility.\nWhen this is done the Schrodinger equation can be used to calculate\nprobabilities independent of whether a system is or is not being measured, and\nthe results usually ascribed to wave function collapse are obtained in a less\nmisleading way through conditional probabilities. Toy models that include\nmeasurement apparatus as part of the total quantum system make this approach\naccessible to students. Some comments are made about teaching this material.",
"arxiv_id": "quant-ph/0612065",
"authors": [
"Robert B. Griffiths"
],
"categories": [
"quant-ph"
],
"title": "Quantum mechanics without measurements",
"url": "https://arxiv.org/abs/quant-ph/0612065"
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