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8.1 Key postulates

1.
Every single system has a wave function $ \psi$(x, t).
2.
Every observable is represented by a Hermitean operator $ \hat{O}$.
3.
The expectation value (average outcome of a measurement) is given by $ \int$$ \phi$(x)*$ \left[\vphantom{ \hat O \phi(x) }\right.$$ \hat{O}$$ \phi$(x)$ \left.\vphantom{ \hat O \phi(x) }\right]$dx
4.
The outcome of an individual experiment can be any of the eigenvalues of $ \hat{O}$.
Let me take each of these in turn.



 

© 1998 Niels Walet, UMIST
Email Niels.Walet@umist.ac.uk