What frame of reference is used to measure particle momentum in QM?

In summary, the particle possesses momentum, but we cannot assign a frame of reference to it. We introduce an averaged, imaginary point to describe the state of the particle in a frame of reference. This works almost perfectly for the case of a laboratory frame of reference, but what if we have a universe with only a few electrons?
  • #1
kristobal hunta
7
0
Doing some kinematical calculations we say that particle possesses momentum p. It is definite, so we choose momentum representation to describe the state of particle. However I am curious in what frame of reference we measure particle momentum.
We can not assign frame of reference to any physicial object due to the uncertainty relation. Surely we can introduce something averaged, imaginary point at which we fix the origin of our frame of reference. It will work almost perfectly for the case of laboratory frame of reference (uncertainty relation can be neglected for the macroscopic world) , I guess.
But what if we have universe where there is only 3 or 4 electrons?
 
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  • #2
3 or 4 electrons

... I think the black hole that would create the baby universe would constatly give off new particles through Hawking Radiation.

In empty space PAIRS of particles are constantly being created and then destroyed BY EACH OTHER. The black hole that created the baby universe has an event horizen, which is just a simple circular ring around the hole. When something enters the event horizon it simply does not come back out, the gravitation is too strong. Well, these pairs of particles that normally destroy each other would not because (if close enough to the event horizon) one of the particles would escape the other. Therefor particles would constantly be created.

If I am off, please explain why...
 
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  • #3
Problem+Solve=Reason said:
... I think the black hole that would create the baby universe would constatly give off new particles through Hawking Radiation.

In empty space PAIRS of particles are constantly being created and then destroyed BY EACH OTHER. The black hole that created the baby universe has an event horizen, which is just a simple circular ring around the hole. When something enters the event horizon it simply does not come back out, the gravitation is too strong. Well, these pairs of particles that normally destroy each other would not because (if close enough to the event horizon) one of the particles would escape the other. Therefor particles would constantly be created.

If I am off, please explain why...

well, probably black hole can create a new universe. i just never saw the solution for such scenario.
i just suggested a model where we have only a few electrons in the universe.

Let's make the question simpler: when we measure the momentum of particle by momentum operator, what is the frame of reference we use for it? (don't beat me for this question, so far i deal mainly with classical GR :rofl:. I had QM before but pure math. Never thought about its interpretation)
 
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  • #4
If I work in a frame with time independent coordinates, that is my rest frame, and I find a particle of momentum p, then the particle's wave function is exp(ixp) {up to a constant factor}. If x is a position coordinate in a frame S, then p= -id/dx (let hbar=1) is the momentum operator for the frame S -- what else could it be?. Recall, also, that the same question applies to the Hamilton-Jacobi approach to classical mechanics.
Regards,
Reilly Atkinson
 

What is a frame of reference in quantum mechanics?

A frame of reference in quantum mechanics refers to a specific point of view or perspective from which measurements and observations are made. It helps to define the position, orientation, and motion of objects or particles in a quantum system.

Why is a frame of reference important in quantum mechanics?

A frame of reference is important in quantum mechanics because it allows us to accurately describe and understand the behavior of particles and systems. It helps us to make precise measurements and predictions about the quantum world.

Can different observers have different frames of reference in quantum mechanics?

Yes, different observers can have different frames of reference in quantum mechanics. This is because quantum mechanics is based on the principle of relativity, which states that the laws of physics are the same for all observers regardless of their relative motion.

How does the principle of relativity apply to frames of reference in quantum mechanics?

The principle of relativity applies to frames of reference in quantum mechanics by stating that the laws of physics are the same for all observers, regardless of their frame of reference. This means that the observations and measurements made by different observers will be consistent and in agreement with each other.

What are some common frames of reference used in quantum mechanics?

Some common frames of reference used in quantum mechanics include the laboratory frame, the center-of-mass frame, and the rest frame. These frames are often used to describe the position, motion, and interactions of particles in a quantum system.

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