Visualizing Complex Time Dependence for Spin 1/2 System

Highlights of the activity

1. This kinesthetic activity is designed to help students visualize complex time dependence of the Spin 1/2 system.
2. In pairs, students use their arms to represent the different time dependencies of eigenstates and superposition states of the Spin 1/2 system.
3. The whole class discussion focuses on how different states vary with time.

Reasons to spend class time on the activity

This activity provides a concrete and physical way of representing spin-1/2 states which have complex coefficients. By providing a geometric representation of states at particular times as well as time evolved states, students may begin to understand the importance of relative phases in quantum mechanics.

Reflections

• Reflections from the original implementation.

• Reflections from "official" adapters/adopters.

• Reflections from the general public.

Instructor's Guide

• Wiki version