The eigenvalue equation appears in fundamental physics equations like the Lagrangian equations in classical mechanics and Schrödinger's equation in quantum mechanics.
Applications in Quantum Mechanics
- Eigenvalues represent observable measurements in quantum systems
- Eigenvectors correspond to state functions
- Before measurement, quantum states exist as linear combinations of eigenvectors
Applications in Classical Mechanics
The Lagrangian equation provides an intuitive understanding of motion by treating Newton's equations as an eigenvalue problem. In this context:
- Eigenvalues represent generalized coordinates
- Physical motion is expressed as linear combinations of these coordinates
- By solving the eigenvalue equation and understanding the physical meaning of these coordinates, complex motions can be understood as combinations of simple movements