Learn about the 5 most common types of superposition states in quantum mechanics, including position, momentum, energy, spin, and polarization.

5 Most Common Types of Superposition States

Quantum mechanics has a fundamental concept called superposition that describes how a particle can exist in multiple states at once. A particle can be in a superposition of two or more states, each with its probability amplitude. When we measure the particle, it collapses to one of the states with a specific probability. This article discusses the five most common types of superposition states in quantum mechanics.

1. Position Superposition State

A position superposition state is the simplest type of superposition state. It involves a particle in two or more positions simultaneously. The wave function of the particle is the sum of the wave functions of the individual positions. For example, a particle could be in a superposition of two positions, x1 and x2, with probability amplitudes α1 and α2, respectively. The wave function of the particle would be Ψ = α1ψ1(x) + α2ψ2(x), where ψ1(x) and ψ2(x) are the wave functions of the individual positions.

2. Momentum Superposition State

A momentum superposition state involves a particle with two or more momenta simultaneously. The wave function of the particle is the sum of the wave functions of the individual momenta. For example, a particle could be in a superposition of two momenta, p1 and p2, with probability amplitudes β1 and β2, respectively. The wave function of the particle would be Ψ = β1ψ1(p) + β2ψ2(p), where ψ1(p) and ψ2(p) are the wave functions of the individual momenta.

3. Energy Superposition State

An energy superposition state involves a particle with two or more energies simultaneously. The wave function of the particle is the sum of the wave functions of the individual energies.