Recent content by Sam_Goldberg

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    Is quantum field theory really lorentz invariant?

    Professor Nikolic, I have just one more question. In your papers you emphasize that the relativistic wavefunction is a function on the 4n dimensional configuration space. However, in nonrelativistic mechanics, it appears as if the wavefunction lives in 3n dimensional configuration space and...
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    Is quantum field theory really lorentz invariant?

    Is this really true? I have read in the Bohm and Hiley book why the probability density approaches |psi|^2 in nonrelativistic quantum mechanics, and it is due to the chaotic dynamics in most physical situations. I would really like to see a proof the statement you just made for relativistic...
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    Is quantum field theory really lorentz invariant?

    Hi Demystifier, I read your suggested article on Bohmian relativistic QM and I'm still not convinced. Nicolic defines a parameter s for the world lines of all the particles in the system, but the question of how to make the parametrization seems ambiguous. It is clear that different...
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    Is quantum field theory really lorentz invariant?

    Hi guys, Before responding to my post, please note that I am only familiar with the mathematics of nonrelativistic quantum mechanics, and don't know any quantum field theory. All I have is this vague idea that quantum field theory is the union of special relativity and quantum mechanics...
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    When does the wavefunction collapse?

    Thanks for the book suggestion. Unfortunately I'm on break before my school starts, so I don't have access to a library with tons of good physics books. I will look at the book when I get back, however. Nevertheless, if it is possible, I'm interested in hearing what the statistical...
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    When does the wavefunction collapse?

    Hm... no replies. Perhaps if I suitably redefine the M operator, I can get the wavefunction to collapse and people will answer my question. Oh wait! The M operator is defined in the context of the O' system, and my viewpoint is from the O system, so actually, I can't do a thing about it. In...
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    When does the wavefunction collapse?

    Hi guys, Quantum mechanics gives well-defined probabilistic predictions for the value we get when we measure position or momentum; one simply takes the absolute square of the wavefunction in either the x-basis or the p-basis. However, I am not so clear on how we would predict at what time we...
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    Accuracy of Kirchhoff diffraction theory

    Thanks for the advice and the suggestions for sources to start with. I will definitely look at them. I have one more question, relating to the reliability of the general idea of the project. You mentioned that you were doubtful that setting up a linear system would give intelligible results...
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    Accuracy of Kirchhoff diffraction theory

    It appears as if I have gotten over 50 views without any responses. If anything (or perhaps everything) about my original post was unclear, please let me know and I will reexplain it. I've given the dimensions of the system, and would like to know how accurate Kirchoff diffraction theory would...
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    Accuracy of Kirchhoff diffraction theory

    Hi guys, My research project involves a paraboloidal telescope with a primary diameter of 25 meters, and a focal length of 10 meters. My goal is to come up with the mathematics and numerics to determine the surface profile error of the primary mirror. We will take a point source of 2mm...
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    Mathematica Simulating Normal Distribution in Mathematica: Histogram and PDF Plotting

    Hi guys, On my homework, I'm simulating a normal distribution on Mathematica by adding up a bunch of RandomReal[] , that is, uniform(0,1) random variables, and using the central limit theorem. I would like to plot both the histogram and the actual Gaussian probability density function on the...
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    How Does a Coin Roll in a Circle Without Falling?

    Never mind, there has to be friction pointing inward. I got it.
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    How Does a Coin Roll in a Circle Without Falling?

    Hi guys, I have an extremely simple conceptual question. According to my textbook (in a problem), "if you start a coin rolling on a table with care, you can make it roll in a circle... the coin leans inward, with its axis tilted." I ask: how is this possible? The center of mass of the coin...
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