# Unphysical initial state for some quantum system

Let's say that I have some quantum system defined by Hamiltonian $$\hat{H}$$. The energy eigenstates of this Hamiltonian form a complete basis for the Hilbert space of all possible states corresponding to this quantum system.

Now, if I have some initial state $$|\Psi(0)\rangle$$, I can solve for $$|\Psi(t)\rangle$$ by finding the complex coefficients in the expansion of $$|\Psi(0)\rangle$$ in the energy basis, then add the usual time-dependence and append each of the coefficients to their corresponding eigenstate in a linear combination.

My question is, what if $$|\Psi(0)\rangle$$ is an unphysical state of our quantum system (does not obey the Schrödinger equation for this particular Hamiltonian)? Am I allowed to choose this as my initial state? If so, how do I know I can expand it in terms of energy eigenstates, as to my understanding, these form a complete basis for the Hilbert space of possible states for a given system?

Even more generally, is the Hilbert space of states for a given system restricted by the Hamiltonian itself?

• The Schroedinger equation is $i\hbar\partial_t |\psi(t)\rangle = H|\psi(t)\rangle$. It describes the time evolution of the state. It does not restrict the state at a single point in time, $\psi(0)\rangle$, in any way -- what do you mean by "unphysical state"? Oct 1 '19 at 3:11

The (time dependent) Schrodinger equation determines the time evolution of a state, so any single state ($$| \Psi(0) \rangle$$ for instance) can neither be said to obey or disobey the Schrodinger equation.
A function that takes in a time $$t$$ and outputs a state $$| \Psi(t) \rangle$$ can be said to obey the Schrodinger equation if $$i \hbar \frac{d}{dt} |\Psi(t)\rangle = \hat{H} |\Psi(t)\rangle$$