Difference between statistical and dynamical properties

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion focuses on the differences between statistical and dynamical properties in physics, specifically in the context of classical and quantum mechanics. Participants explore examples and approaches related to these properties, including path integral molecular dynamics and the time-dependent Schrödinger's equation.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant asks for clarification on the differences between statistical and dynamical properties, seeking examples from classical and quantum mechanics.
  • Another participant suggests that dynamics is described by amplitude and statistics by relative frequency, referencing Born's rule to illustrate their connection.
  • A follow-up question challenges the assertion that dynamics determines statistics, asking why the reverse is not considered true.
  • A response indicates that the dynamics of multiple additive terms is lost, implying a limitation in the reverse relationship.
  • One participant expresses that the original question is too general and requests specific examples of properties in each category.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the relationship between statistical and dynamical properties, with some asserting a directional influence while others question this perspective. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the nature of this relationship.

Contextual Notes

Some assumptions about the definitions of statistical and dynamical properties may be implicit, and the discussion lacks specific examples that could clarify the distinctions further.

junt
Messages
15
Reaction score
1
Hi All,

What are the main differences between statistical and dynamics properties in physics? Could you please explain the difference for problems in both classical and quantum mechanics. For instance, path integral molecular dynamics is supposed to give statistical properties of a quantum mechanical system. Can I say, time-dependent Schrödinger's equation gives the dynamical properties of a quantum mechanical system? What other examples of approaches can you give me to look for statistical and dynamical properties of a physical system?

Thanks!
 
Physics news on Phys.org
I look at it this way:

The dynamics is described by (is additive in) the amplitude, the statistics by the relative frequency. Born's rule says they are connected since the latter is the square modulus of the former. So the dynamics determines the statistics but the reverse is not true.
 
mikeyork said:
I look at it this way:

The dynamics is described by (is additive in) the amplitude, the statistics by the relative frequency. Born's rule says they are connected since the latter is the square modulus of the former. So the dynamics determines the statistics but the reverse is not true.
Why is the reverse not true?
 
Because the dynamics of multiple additive terms is lost.
 
junt said:
What are the main differences between statistical and dynamics properties in physics?

This question is way too general. Can you give some specific examples of properties in each category?
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 39 ·
2
Replies
39
Views
4K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
1K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
1K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K
  • · Replies 212 ·
8
Replies
212
Views
28K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • · Replies 36 ·
2
Replies
36
Views
5K