Ehrenfest Theorem - Does Classical Mechanics Need Big Particles?

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In summary, the law of large numbers states that the statistical average of a large number of particles will tend to follow classical mechanics, but each individual particle will still behave quantum mechanically.
  • #1
geoduck
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Since it's true in quantum mechanics that expectation values obey the classical equations of motion, then if you have a whole bunch of particles, would most of them behave classically?

I thought to get classical mechanics you needed big particles, but Ehrenfest's theorem says lots of small particles would do.
 
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  • #2
No.

All you are talking about is the law of large numbers in that the statistical average tends towards the average as the number increases. Each individual particle is still fully QM weird.

Thanks
Bill
 
  • #3
"would most of them behave classically?"

Ofcourse not, each is treated Quantum mechanically and will be so.

Finally under a statistical average, under many many measurements everything will tend obey the classical theory.

Bhobba please comment
 
  • #4
That looks about right - provided you mean by everything will tend to obey the classical theory you mean the averages do - not individual measurements.

Thanks
Bill
 
  • #5
exactly
 
  • #6
If you have a lot of particles, then their centre of mass will move nearly classically.
 

1. What is Ehrenfest theorem?

Ehrenfest theorem is a fundamental principle in classical mechanics that states that the average values of the position and momentum of a particle in a quantum system will follow the same equations of motion as those in classical mechanics. This means that classical mechanics can be seen as a special case of quantum mechanics.

2. How is Ehrenfest theorem related to big particles?

Ehrenfest theorem is related to big particles because it was originally developed by Paul Ehrenfest to explain the behavior of macroscopic systems, such as large particles, in quantum mechanics. It was proposed as a way to reconcile the differences between classical and quantum mechanics.

3. Why is the Ehrenfest theorem important in classical mechanics?

The Ehrenfest theorem is important in classical mechanics because it provides a link between classical and quantum mechanics, allowing for a better understanding of how classical mechanics emerges from the underlying quantum behavior of particles. It also helps to explain the behavior of large particles in quantum systems.

4. Does classical mechanics need big particles?

No, classical mechanics does not necessarily need big particles. The Ehrenfest theorem shows that classical mechanics can be derived from the underlying quantum behavior of particles, regardless of their size. However, classical mechanics is typically applied to macroscopic systems, which are made up of many particles, so in that sense, it does involve big particles.

5. How does the Ehrenfest theorem affect our understanding of the physical world?

The Ehrenfest theorem has had a significant impact on our understanding of the physical world by showing the connection between classical and quantum mechanics. It has also helped to explain the behavior of macroscopic systems and has allowed for the development of new theories and technologies based on quantum mechanics. It has opened up new avenues of research and continues to be a fundamental principle in modern physics.

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