Meaning of velocity in Bohm interpretation

In summary: Otherwise, the wave function in Bohm interpretation cannot be constructed solely from momentum information. However, this is possible in the Copenhagen interpretation.In summary, the Bohm interpretation of quantum mechanics describes particles with both a definite position and velocity. However, the velocity and momentum in this interpretation are different from those in the Copenhagen interpretation. In a special case where the velocity is measured, it becomes identical to that in the Copenhagen interpretation. The Bohm interpretation also attempts to explain what happens during measurements and when they are not performed. A momentum measuring device in the Bohm interpretation would measure the "classical" Bohm velocity, but would not measure the position of the particle. In general, the momentum in the Bohm interpretation cannot be used to construct
  • #1
Gerenuk
1,034
5
In the Bohm interpretation particles have a definite position and also a velocity?

How is this velocity related to velocities and momenta in the Copenhagen interpretation of QM?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
In general, this velocity/momentum is completely different than that in the Copenhagen interpretation (CI).
However, in a special case in which the velocity/momentum is MEASURED, then it becomes identical to that in CI.
Bohm interpretation describes (or at least attempts to describe) what exactly happens during the measurement, as well as what exactly happens when the measurement is not performed.
 
  • #3
Thanks for the clarification.
Do you mean if I set up a momentum measuring device at one point, it would measure the "classical Bohm" velocity?

How then would you describe the difference between momentum in B and CI? Do you mean I cannot take the momentum from B and construct the wavefunction from it?
 
  • #4
Gerenuk said:
Do you mean if I set up a momentum measuring device at one point, it would measure the "classical Bohm" velocity?
If the measuring device is constructed such that it measures the velocity, then this device measures the "classical" Bohm velocity. However, such a measuring device does not measure the position of the particle, even though the particle has a definite position too.

Gerenuk said:
Do you mean I cannot take the momentum from B and construct the wavefunction from it?
In general, that is correct. The exception is the case in which you have measured the momentum, in which case you can construct the wave function from knowledge of the momentum.
 

FAQ: Meaning of velocity in Bohm interpretation

What is the Bohm interpretation of velocity?

The Bohm interpretation of velocity is a theory proposed by physicist David Bohm that aims to explain the quantum mechanical concept of particle velocity. It suggests that particles have a definite position and velocity at all times, unlike the traditional interpretation which states that particles have a wave-like nature and do not have a defined position or velocity until they are measured.

How is velocity defined in the Bohm interpretation?

In the Bohm interpretation, velocity is defined as the rate of change of the position of a particle with respect to time. It is considered to be a fundamental property of particles and is always well-defined, unlike in other interpretations of quantum mechanics where it is dependent on the act of measurement.

What is the significance of velocity in the Bohm interpretation?

In the Bohm interpretation, velocity plays a crucial role in determining the trajectory of a particle. It is believed that particles move along definite paths, also known as pilot waves, that are influenced by the particle's velocity. This allows for a deterministic description of particle motion, which is not possible in other interpretations of quantum mechanics.

Does the Bohm interpretation of velocity have any practical implications?

The Bohm interpretation of velocity has not yet been experimentally proven and remains a theoretical concept. However, it has been used to develop new mathematical models and simulations that can accurately predict the behavior of quantum systems. This has potential applications in fields such as quantum computing and cryptography.

How does the Bohm interpretation of velocity differ from other interpretations of quantum mechanics?

The Bohm interpretation differs from other interpretations in its fundamental understanding of the nature of particles. It suggests that particles have well-defined positions and velocities at all times, while other interpretations propose that particles have a wave-like nature and do not have a defined position or velocity until they are measured.

Back
Top