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aveline de grandpre
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Does saying "states of definite mass" is the same as saying "mass eigenstates"?
Orodruin said:Usually yes, but it would be good form to reference the text you are reading to provide us with enough information to answer your question.
I read this from WikipediaOrodruin said:Usually yes, but it would be good form to reference the text you are reading to provide us with enough information to answer your question.
Mass eigenstates are quantum states in which the mass of a particle is well-defined. In other words, a particle in a mass eigenstate has a definite mass and cannot be described as a mixture of different masses.
Unlike other quantum states, mass eigenstates are not subject to superposition, meaning they cannot exist as a combination of different states. They are also not affected by external forces, allowing them to maintain their definite mass.
Mass eigenstates play a crucial role in particle physics as they provide a consistent way to describe the masses of particles. They also help to explain the phenomenon of mass generation in the Standard Model of particle physics.
Mass eigenstates are a fundamental concept in quantum mechanics, as they represent the most basic and well-defined states of particles. They are described by the wave function, which is a central concept in quantum mechanics.
In experiments, mass eigenstates are measured indirectly through their interactions with other particles. This can include measuring the energy and momentum of the particles or observing their decay products. The data collected from these experiments can then be used to determine the mass of the particle in its corresponding mass eigenstate.