Ehrenfest Theorem: Enunciate & Implications for Classical/Quantum Mechanics

In summary, the conversation discusses how to pronounce Ehrenfest's theorem and what it implies for the relationship between classical and quantum mechanics. The theorem states that the expectation values of quantum observables follow Newton's laws.
  • #1
mjda
13
0
This may seem rather silly, but how would I go about enunciating Ehrenfest’s theorem?

Also, does anyone know what this theorem implies for the relation between classical and quantum mechanics?

Any suggestions or help is greatly appreciated!
 
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  • #2
What do you mean by "enunciate" Ehrenfest’s theorem?
 
  • #3
mjda said:
This may seem rather silly, but how would I go about enunciating Ehrenfest’s theorem?

Also, does anyone know what this theorem implies for the relation between classical and quantum mechanics?

Any suggestions or help is greatly appreciated!

It's pronounced pretty much as it's spelled, but The first E is a short e as in bed, and the h is silent.

What Ehrenfest's theorem says about the relationship between classical and quantum physics, is that the expectation values (average values) of quantum observables evolve according to Newton's laws:

The time derivative of the average momentum is equal to the average force
The average momentum is equal to the mass times the rate of change of the average position.
 

Related to Ehrenfest Theorem: Enunciate & Implications for Classical/Quantum Mechanics

What is the Ehrenfest Theorem?

The Ehrenfest Theorem is a mathematical principle in quantum mechanics that describes the relationship between the average values of observables and the time evolution of a quantum system.

What is the enunciation of the Ehrenfest Theorem?

The enunciation of the Ehrenfest Theorem is that the time derivative of the expectation value of an observable is equal to the expectation value of the commutator of the observable with the system's Hamiltonian.

What are the implications of the Ehrenfest Theorem for classical mechanics?

The Ehrenfest Theorem has implications for classical mechanics as it shows that classical mechanics is a limiting case of quantum mechanics. It demonstrates that in the classical limit, the average values of observables follow the same equations of motion as in classical mechanics.

What are the implications of the Ehrenfest Theorem for quantum mechanics?

The Ehrenfest Theorem has implications for quantum mechanics as it shows that the time evolution of quantum systems is governed by the Hamiltonian operator, which represents the total energy of the system. It also demonstrates the relationship between the dynamics of a quantum system and the behavior of its observables.

How is the Ehrenfest Theorem used in practical applications?

The Ehrenfest Theorem is used in practical applications to determine the time evolution of quantum systems and to predict the behavior of observables. It is also used in the study of quantum systems, such as in the development of quantum algorithms and in quantum computing.

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