6k views

### Physical interpretation of complex numbers [duplicate]

Complex numbers are used widely in quantum mechanics and the waveform, is there a physical interpretation of what this means about the structure of the universe? Why is it not used in macro physics? ...
1k views

### In classical mechanics, are complex numbers unphysical? [duplicate]

Possible Duplicate: Physics math without $\sqrt{-1}$ When I produce a complex final solution to a problem that began without complex coefficients at all, I have so far (with my limited expertise) ...
165 views

### Are Imaginary Numbers Really “Imaginary?” [duplicate]

I find the naming convention of “Imaginary” misleading, as it does give a sense that the quantity is merely an abstract construct used to mitigate the difficulties of performing some mathematical ...
719 views

### Complex variables in classical mechanics [duplicate]

In quantum mechanics complex numbers are absolutely essential because of the relation $$[\hat q_i,\hat p_j]=i\hbar\delta_{ij}.$$ But is complex number also essential anywhere in the formalism of ...
405 views

### Dimensional aspects of the imaginary unit $i$ in physics [duplicate]

From a real world perspective each dimension in the 3-D Cartesian System can be represented by an axis that is perpendicular to 2 other axes. I read somewhere else that the effect of ${i}$ is to ...
140 views

### Complex theory in physics [duplicate]

I'm a physics graduate and usually encounter with complex numbers in physics. For example, in electrical engineering, Why do we express capacitive reactance as an imaginary number..? Can't it be ...