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Questions tagged [superposition]

A basic principle of solutions of linear differential (often wave) equations, ensuring that the sum ("superposition") of two solutions is automatically a solution as well. Conversely, solutions (amounting to quantum states in quantum mechanics, since the Schrödinger equation is linear) can be represented as a sum of two or more other distinct solutions, and so can be Fourier/eigenstate resolved to enhance mathematical tractability.

A basic principle of solutions of linear differential (often wave) equations, ensuring that the sum ("superposition") of two solutions is automatically a solution as well. Conversely, solutions (amounting to quantum states in quantum mechanics, since the Schrödinger equation is linear) can be represented as a sum of two or more other distinct solutions, and so can be Fourier/eigenstate resolved to enhance mathematical tractability.

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Is superposition principle equally valid for both scalar and vector quantities?

I was wondering if superposition is even applicable to scalar quantities because scalars should simply add up to give final result as there is no sense of direction. Do we have any example of a vector quantity that does not follow superposition…
Swami
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If we solved the observer effect/problem, doesn't this mean Quantum superposition isn't actually real?

I am nowhere close to a physicist so please correct me anywhere I am wrong From what I understand about the observer effect, when we measure one intrinsic property of an electron such as position, the mere act of observation instantly alters…
Ietpt123
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Superpositions: forcing particles into a state

According to a MinutePhysics video ("How to See Light") physicists won a Nobel Prize for showing that creating a certain superposition state for a particle and observing the particle state after it interacted with light, may allow us to prove the…
Arc676
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Do quantum superposition occur at sound waves also like at Electromagnetic waves?

Like at the electromagnetic waves we see that they interfers the way like two different wave with frequencies can exist in the same place.
Bálint Tatai
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Super-String and Anti-Particle

I'm afraid this is quite basic question . What I learned from the String theory is that the theory unify the Path-integral, Superposition Principle, and commutation relation . In that context , I wondered whether the Anti-Particle can be described…
user44629
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Is super-position actually an elementary-particle's third state?

Could it be said (as my question implies) that elementary particles (can) exist in three quite different states: wave, point-particle and superposition? So, a wave or a point-particle could be 2 manifestations of an elementary particle in…
sabiland
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