Chapter 5.3, Problem 22LC

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation: The difference between quantum and classical mechanics needs to be explained.

Concept Introduction: The behavior of macroscopic bodies is explained by classical mechanics. They have a small velocity as compared to the velocity of light. On the other hand, quantum mechanics explains the behavior of microscopic bodies like subatomic particles. Here, classical mechanics is a special case of quantum mechanics.

Explanation of Solution

The detailed difference between quantum and classical mechanics is as follows:

The main difference is classical mechanics explains the nature of macroscopic particles and quantum mechanics explains the nature of microscopic particles. Classical mechanics helps in determining the past and future state of an object if its current state is known. On the other hand, quantum mechanics is based on the principle that energy, momentum, and angular momentum are quantized. Classical mechanics does not explain the wave-particle duality of an electron but quantum theory does. In classical theory, future events can be predicted but this cannot be done in quantum theory. Classical mechanics is continuous and quantum mechanics is discontinuous. An example of classical mechanics is projectile motion and quantum mechanics is electronic transition in atoms.