Mathematical transition from classical to quantum

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the mathematical transition from classical physics to quantum mechanics, specifically through the lens of Wien's Law and Rayleigh-Jeans Law as presented in D. Bohm's 1951 text, "Quantum Theory." The key formula discussed is hv/kT, where h is Planck's constant and k is Boltzmann's constant, which illustrates the equilibrium distribution of electromagnetic radiation in a hollow cavity. The participants conclude that the transition occurs when hv equals kT, highlighting the empirical support for quantum mechanics over classical theories.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Wien's Law and its parameters
  • Familiarity with Rayleigh-Jeans Law
  • Knowledge of Planck's constant and Boltzmann's constant
  • Basic concepts of quantum mechanics and classical physics
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the paper "Classical statistical thermodynamics and EM zero point radiation" by T.H. Boyer, Physical Review, vol 186, number 5 (1969)
  • Research stochastic electrodynamics (SED) as an alternative to quantum mechanics
  • Explore the implications of the Wien's Law formula in modern physics
  • Investigate the empirical data supporting quantum mechanics versus classical theories
USEFUL FOR

Physicists, students of quantum mechanics, researchers in statistical thermodynamics, and anyone interested in the foundational principles of quantum theory and its contrast to classical physics.

Rade
I have a question--in D. Bohm 1951 text Quantum Theory, on p. 6 he discusses what he calls Wien's Law formula, which contains two parameters hv/kT; where h is Planck's constant and k is Boltzmann's constant. He argues that the Wien formula fits empirical [experimental] data and thus supports theory of quantum mechanics, in contrast to the Rayleigh-Jeans Law, which does not fit empirical data.

Now my question--if we view Wien's Law formula as an approximation for QM as explains equilibrium distribution of electromagnetic radiation in a hollow cavity, and Rayleigh-Jeans Law as an approximation for classical explanation, would it be correct to say that the "mathematical transition" between QM and classical occurs when hv = kT.
 
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Rade said:
I have a question--in D. Bohm 1951 text Quantum Theory, on p. 6 he discusses what he calls Wien's Law formula, which contains two parameters hv/kT; where h is Planck's constant and k is Boltzmann's constant. He argues that the Wien formula fits empirical [experimental] data and thus supports theory of quantum mechanics, in contrast to the Rayleigh-Jeans Law, which does not fit empirical data.

Now my question--if we view Wien's Law formula as an approximation for QM as explains equilibrium distribution of electromagnetic radiation in a hollow cavity, and Rayleigh-Jeans Law as an approximation for classical explanation, would it be correct to say that the "mathematical transition" between QM and classical occurs when hv = kT.

You might want to study the thoughtful paper:
``Classical statistical thermodynamics and EM zero point radiation''
by T.H. Boyer, Physical review, vol 186, number 5 (1969)
 
Careful said:
You might want to study the thoughtful paper:
``Classical statistical thermodynamics and EM zero point radiation''
by T.H. Boyer, Physical review, vol 186, number 5 (1969)
Thank you. Here is an update to Boyer paper concerning stochastic electrodynamics (SED) as alternative to QM:
http://www.bu.edu/simulation/publications/dcole/PDF/DCColePhysicsLettA.pdf
 

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