correspondence principle

correspondence principle
the principle that the laws of quantum mechanics and of any new theory that may be developed reduce to the laws of Newtonian mechanics and electromagnetic theory when applied to systems in which Planck's constant can be regarded as negligible, wavelengths are comparatively small, dimensions are relatively large, etc. Also called principle of correspondence.
[1920-25]

* * *

      philosophical guideline for the selection of new theories in physical science, requiring that they explain all the phenomena for which a preceding theory was valid. Formulated in 1923 by the Danish physicist Niels Bohr, this principle is a distillation of the thought that had led him in the development of his atomic theory, an early form of quantum mechanics.

      Early in the 20th century, atomic physics was in turmoil. The results of experimentation presented a seemingly irrefutable picture of the atom: tiny electrically charged particles called electrons continuously moving in circles around an oppositely charged and extraordinarily dense nucleus. This picture was, however, impossible in terms of the known laws of classical physics, which predicted that such circulating electrons should radiate energy and spiral into the nucleus. Atoms, however, do not gradually lose energy and collapse. Bohr and others who tried to encompass the paradoxes of atomic phenomena in a new physical theory noted that the old physics had met all challenges until physicists began to examine the atom itself. Bohr reasoned that any new theory had to do more than describe atomic phenomena correctly; it must be applicable to conventional phenomena, too, in such a way that it would reproduce the old physics: this is the correspondence principle.

      The correspondence principle applies to other theories besides quantum theory. Thus the mathematical formulations for the behaviour of objects moving at exceedingly high speeds, described by relativity physics, reduce for low values of speed to the correct descriptions of the motions of daily experience.

* * *


Universalium. 2010.

Игры ⚽ Поможем написать реферат

Look at other dictionaries:

  • Correspondence principle — This article discusses quantum theory and relativity. For other uses, see Correspondence principle (disambiguation). In physics, the correspondence principle states that the behavior of systems described by the theory of quantum mechanics (or by… …   Wikipedia

  • correspondence principle — atitikties principas statusas T sritis fizika atitikmenys: angl. correspondence principle vok. Korrespondenzprinzip, n rus. принцип соответствия, m pranc. principe de correspondance, m …   Fizikos terminų žodynas

  • Correspondence principle (sociology) — The correspondence principle or correspondence thesis is a sociological theory that posits a close relationship between social standing and the educational system. Writers in this vein (notably Samuel Bowles and Herbert Gintis) are in particular… …   Wikipedia

  • Correspondence principle (disambiguation) — The Correspondence principle in quantum theory and relativity, which states that the predictions of quantum mechanics and relativistic mechanics must pass smoothly into those of classical mechanics for large macroscopic systems and speeds much… …   Wikipedia

  • correspondence principle — noun : a principle of spectroscopy: the characteristics of spectral series are in approximate agreement with both the classical electromagnetic theory and the quantum theory of electron transitions, the correspondence becoming closer as the… …   Useful english dictionary

  • correspondence principle — noun Physics the principle that states that for very large quantum numbers the laws of quantum theory merge with those of classical physics …   English new terms dictionary

  • correspondence principle — precept that laws of quantum mechanics and other laws of physics must be reduceable to the laws of Newtonian mechanics and electromagnetic theory under certain conditions (Physics) …   English contemporary dictionary

  • Correspondence — may refer to: In general usage, non concurrent, remote communication between people, including letters, email, newsgroups, Internet forums, blogs Correspondence theory of truth (philosophy), a theory in epistemology Correspondence principle… …   Wikipedia

  • principle of correspondence — Physics. See correspondence principle. * * * …   Universalium

  • principle of correspondence — Physics. See correspondence principle …   Useful english dictionary

Share the article and excerpts

Direct link
Do a right-click on the link above
and select “Copy Link”