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The Correspondence Principle
Link | by gendou on 2005-11-04 16:56:44 (edited 2005-11-04 17:00:16)
The correspondence principle asserts that for any (good) theory must agree with classical (or "intuitive") physics asymptotically. In quantum mechanics, particles are treated as "localized wave phenomena". This is used to explain the quantization (discrete number) of energy states of an electron in the atom. It has been shown that in general, this quantum model obeys the correspondence principle for predicting the probability density ("location") of particles quite nicely (1).

However, there is the problem of electro-magnetic radiation (light): Moving charged particles give off electro-magnetic radiation. The stable atom of hydrogen, however, emits no electro-magnetic radiation (unless acted on by some force). Since the electron is "orbiting" around the nucleus, shouldn't it too emit electro-magnetic radiation? Why is light only emitted when the electron changes states?

This is a question that many people do not feel has been satisfactorily answered. I propose the following explanation:

1. The "electron" is not a point particle, nor is it a pure wave. We can see it at one and only one point in an experiment, so it is not a "pure" wave. We can see electron defecation in the famous experiment (2). So, the "electron" is a REAL actual thing, which has both wave-like and particle-like properties. Never shall we discriminate against either.

2. The electron is not in orbit about the nucleus. An atomically bound electron exists as a localized wave phenomena, which describes the position of the particle. This probability density is symmetric about a point, similar to the concept of "center of mass". In the stable atom, this point is at rest over time, so long as it is not disturbed.

3. A magnetic field is not generated by a charge at motion, but by a probability density at motion! This is a simple enough assumption, if you consider what the probability density represents: the average position of the electron at any given time.

4. By moving an electron through a wire, you move the probability density thereby creating light. A stationary probability density produces none!

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Sources 1.

Sources 2.


Re: The Correspondence Principle
Link | by jeh_ik on 2005-11-06 07:48:21
since i had struggling chemistry last year. well.. haha elecron. it is commonly treated as a particle existing somewhere in the orbital of the atom structure. and, for the explanation. electron and light(i guess photon) are considered as neither or either particle (n)or... wave. and.. this is what i have struggled with the concept wave for last three year.. i didn't ponder about it seriously, though.
what's the wave? it is something similar with the vibration. somekind of movement. like..
when you're looking at wave. the water molecules moves up and down and passes the energy or power to the next one. when you look at the S or... P or.. L( idon't remember well.sorry) earthquakes, it shakes the ground up and down then, it spreads out. then, it sould be something that can move.
many people include me, have misunderstood bout the wave. it's not string. wave is NOT a thing we can touch. it's. phenomenon(wow.. i spelled it right.i found it after i look up)

therefore, because there aren't anykind of particle(atimosphere) under the atomic size, wave can't be translated by something else but. the particle.... electron.. ha.aha.. it's kind of what i thought right now.

the understanding about the pure wave will help anyone about the.. the... your writing about correspondence principle

eh... tag. life is hairy.

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