Recent content by Sam_Goldberg

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

anyone?

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...

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...

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...

Never mind, there has to be friction pointing inward. I got it.

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...

Anyone?