Define what it means for an operator Q to be hermitian and briefly explain the significance of this definition in quantum mechanics.
Define the uncertainty (ΔQ)ψ of Q in a state ψ. If P is also a hermitian operator, show by considering the state (Q+iλP)ψ, where λ is a real number, that
⟨Q2⟩ψ⟨P2⟩ψ⩾41∣⟨i[Q,P]⟩ψ∣2
Hence deduce that
(ΔQ)ψ(ΔP)ψ⩾21∣⟨i[Q,P]⟩ψ∣
Give a physical interpretation of this result.