Question about Planck's constant

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SUMMARY

Planck's constant is a fundamental quantity in quantum mechanics that helps distinguish between classical and quantum systems. It is essential for understanding when quantum mechanical models apply, particularly for atomic phenomena. The discussion highlights a misconception regarding the role of Planck's constant, emphasizing that it is not merely a constant but a critical threshold for determining the applicability of quantum mechanics. The conversation also points out the ambiguity in relating Planck scale to atomic scale phenomena.

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  • Understanding of quantum mechanics and classical mechanics
  • Familiarity with Planck's constant and its significance
  • Knowledge of atomic phenomena and their characteristics
  • Basic grasp of the concept of scales in physics
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  • Study the differences between classical and quantum mechanics
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mathlete
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I was talking to my friend (who's a physics major) about the difference between quantum and classic mechanics. Planck's constant came up somehow and my friend said that you could use it to determine with a system can be described by classical or quantum mechanics. I thought he was crazy since it's just a constant, how can it determine anything? That's like saying the speed of light can determine how fast a system is moving... it doesn't make sense. Anyone have any comments? Is he right or making everything up?
 
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Methinks your friend meant that quantum mechanical models are for atomic phenomena & are to be applied when the action is of the order of Planck's constant. Regards,
Einstone.
 
einstone said:
Methinks your friend meant that quantum mechanical models are for atomic phenomena & are to be applied when the action is of the order of Planck's constant. Regards,
Einstone.

Even that can't explain it since Planck scale is many OOM from the atomic scale. It seems too ambiguous to determine what the OP meant...
 

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