Possible similarity between Classical and Quantum photon definition

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SUMMARY

This discussion centers on the relationship between classical and quantum definitions of photons, particularly in the context of electron transitions between energy states. The classical model suggests that an electron orbits a proton at a distance (R3) with a defined frequency (F3) and energy (E3), which changes as the electron moves to a new radius (R2) with different frequency (F2) and energy (E2). However, it is established that classical physics fails to accurately describe these phenomena, as quantum mechanics provides the correct framework for understanding photon emissions during these transitions.

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  • Understanding of classical electromagnetism, particularly electron orbits and radiation emission.
  • Familiarity with quantum mechanics concepts, including energy states and photon emissions.
  • Knowledge of the relationship between energy, frequency, and Planck's constant (h).
  • Comprehension of coherence time in quantum systems.
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  • Study the concept of coherence time in quantum optics and its implications for photon behavior.
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Physicists, students of quantum mechanics, and anyone interested in the fundamental differences between classical and quantum physics, particularly in the context of photon behavior and electron transitions.

DaTario
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Hi All

Suppose an electron is orbiting (in classical sense) a proton at a given distance (compatible with, i.e., less than the experimentally determined value for atomic radius of Hydrogen). Let's call this initial distance R3. From classical view point this orbit has a well defined frequency (F3) and a well defined energy (E3). Also from classical arguments follows that this orbit will decrease its radius in time due to loss from accelerated charge emissions of radiation. So after a given time T this electron will reach another radius R2< R3. I know that, at this new distance R2, the frequency of the orbit has another value (say, F2) and the energy has changed to, say, E2.

Now suppose that R3 is the mean radius of some quantum state with E = E3 and R2 corresponds to the quantum mean value of radius for a given state with E = E2.

My questions are:

1) Classically, the EM pattern of emission of radiation referred above can be completelly described. So, how does this EM pattern relates with quantum photon generated in the transition from state 1 (with E = E3) to state 2 (with E = E2) ?

2) How F3 and F2 relates with the frequency f = (E3 - E2)/h of the experimentally detected photon from the referred transition ?

3) How does the classical time T of transition relates to the coherence time of the experimentally detected photon of this same transition ?

4) Which are the pitfalls in this discussion ?

5) references ?


Thank you


DaTario
 
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DaTario said:
how does this EM pattern relates with quantum photon generated in the transition from state 1 (with E = E3) to state 2 (with E = E2) ?

DaTario said:
How F3 and F2 relates with the frequency f = (E3 - E2)/h of the experimentally detected photon from the referred transition ?

DaTario said:
How does the classical time T of transition relates to the coherence time of the experimentally detected photon of this same transition ?

The answer to all of these questions is the same: Not at all. Classical physics does not match reality at all in this regime. Quantum physics does.

DaTario said:
Which are the pitfalls in this discussion ?

That classical physics does not match reality at all in this regime, while quantum physics does.
 

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