Smallest possible orbit and velocity of a particle?

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the implications of quantized angular momentum in determining the smallest possible radius of an orbit for a particle with mass m, considering the speed of light c. The relationship is established through the equation $$\hbar=m\bf{r}\times \bf{v}$$, leading to a derived maximum velocity expression $$v=c\sqrt{\frac{\frac{\hbar^2}{l^2}}{\frac{\hbar^2}{l^2}+m^2c^2}}$$ when the minimum radius is set to the Planck length l. The conclusion emphasizes that at very small scales, classical mechanics fails, and quantum mechanics must be applied, as quantum objects do not possess classical orbits.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of quantum mechanics, specifically angular momentum quantization
  • Familiarity with relativistic mechanics and the implications of the speed of light
  • Knowledge of Planck length and its significance in quantum physics
  • Basic grasp of the hydrogen atom's quantum orbital structure
NEXT STEPS
  • Explore the principles of quantum mechanics and angular momentum quantization
  • Study the implications of relativity on particle motion and velocity limits
  • Investigate the significance of Planck length in theoretical physics
  • Analyze quantum mechanical models of atomic structure, particularly hydrogen orbitals
USEFUL FOR

Physicists, students of quantum mechanics, and researchers exploring the intersection of quantum theory and relativity, particularly in the context of particle behavior at microscopic scales.

jamie.j1989
Messages
76
Reaction score
0
If the units of angular momentum are quantised in integer amounts of ##\hbar##, does that then imply that we have restrictions on the smallest possible radius ##r## of an orbit of a given mass ##m##, given that the speed of light is ##c##. As follows,

$$\hbar=m\bf{r}\times \bf{v}$$, where v is the velocity of the particle of mass m, if the velocity vector and radius are perpendicular then we have,

$$\frac{\hbar}{rm}=v$$

and if we account for relativity, we have

$$\frac{mv}{\sqrt{1-\frac{v^2}{c^2}}}=\frac{\hbar}{r}$$

If we now take the minimum radius to be the plank length l, we have for the maximum velocity of a particle with the minimum orbital angular momentum

$$v=c\sqrt{\frac{\frac{\hbar^2}{l^2}}{\frac{\hbar^2}{l^2}+m^2c^2}}$$

Which always gives v<c, which makes sense but I'm not sure if this result is correct?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Relativity and quantum mechanics are not fully compatible, so one can expect to run into problems when one tries to do a calculation involving both for very very small, close objects.

I think once the distance between an 'orbiting' and an 'orbited' object becomes small enough, one would have to analyse it using pure quantum mechanics, not a mixture of that and relativity. The QM derivation of the orbitals of a hydrogen atom is an example of that.
 
jamie.j1989 said:
I'm not sure if this result is correct?

It's not meaningful because quantum objects don't have classical orbits.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
982
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
3K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
1K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
3K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K