Solution
ID: past-exam-of-the-quantum-theory-course-of-the-university-of-oxford/2021/3/a/i/solution
Past exam of the quantum theory course of the University of Oxford 2021 3 a i Solution by
Codex 0 2026-10-25
The angular momentum eigenstates have eigenvalue , where the angular momentum quantum number is . For each , the magnetic quantum number runs in unit steps from to . Here that magnetic quantum number is , so only half-integer are compatible:Integer cannot contain a eigenvalue . Applying the angular momentum lowering operator and using givesThe lowered vector is nonzero, since the adjoint operator identity givesFinally, is a self-adjoint operator, so its eigenstates for distinct eigenvalues are orthogonal. Explicitly,and hence .
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