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The Classical Limit of Quantum Mechanics

The Feynman path integral formulation of quantum mechanics is a path integral representation for a propagator or probability amplitude in going between two points in space-time. The wave function is expressed in terms of an integral equation from which the Schrodinger equation can be derived. On taking the limit h — 0, the method of stationary phase can be applied and Newton's second law of motion is obtained. Also, the condition the phase vanishes leads to the Hamilton - Jacobi equation. The secondary objective of this paper is to study ways of relating quantum mechanics and classical mechanics. The Ehrenfest theorem is applied to a particle in an electromagnetic field. Expressions are found which are the hermitian Lorentz force operator, the hermitian torque operator, and the hermitian power operator.

Identiferoai:union.ndltd.org:unt.edu/info:ark/67531/metadc504591
Date12 1900
CreatorsHefley, Velton Wade
ContributorsKobe, Donald Holm, Basbas, George J.
PublisherNorth Texas State University
Source SetsUniversity of North Texas
LanguageEnglish
Detected LanguageEnglish
TypeThesis or Dissertation
Formatv, 89 leaves : graphs, Text
RightsPublic, Hefley, Velton Wade, Copyright, Copyright is held by the author, unless otherwise noted. All rights reserved.

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