Possible similarity between Classical and Quantum photon definition

In summary: This is an important distinction to keep in mind when discussing the relationship between classical and quantum physics.References: None provided.
  • #1
DaTario
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Hi All

Suppose an electron is orbiting (in classical sense) a proton at a given distance (compatible with, i.e., less than the experimentally determined value for atomic radius of Hydrogen). Let's call this initial distance R3. From classical view point this orbit has a well defined frequency (F3) and a well defined energy (E3). Also from classical arguments follows that this orbit will decrease its radius in time due to loss from accelerated charge emissions of radiation. So after a given time T this electron will reach another radius R2< R3. I know that, at this new distance R2, the frequency of the orbit has another value (say, F2) and the energy has changed to, say, E2.

Now suppose that R3 is the mean radius of some quantum state with E = E3 and R2 corresponds to the quantum mean value of radius for a given state with E = E2.

My questions are:

1) Classically, the EM pattern of emission of radiation referred above can be completelly described. So, how does this EM pattern relates with quantum photon generated in the transition from state 1 (with E = E3) to state 2 (with E = E2) ?

2) How F3 and F2 relates with the frequency f = (E3 - E2)/h of the experimentally detected photon from the referred transition ?

3) How does the classical time T of transition relates to the coherence time of the experimentally detected photon of this same transition ?

4) Which are the pitfalls in this discussion ?

5) references ?


Thank you


DaTario
 
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  • #2
DaTario said:
how does this EM pattern relates with quantum photon generated in the transition from state 1 (with E = E3) to state 2 (with E = E2) ?

DaTario said:
How F3 and F2 relates with the frequency f = (E3 - E2)/h of the experimentally detected photon from the referred transition ?

DaTario said:
How does the classical time T of transition relates to the coherence time of the experimentally detected photon of this same transition ?

The answer to all of these questions is the same: Not at all. Classical physics does not match reality at all in this regime. Quantum physics does.

DaTario said:
Which are the pitfalls in this discussion ?

That classical physics does not match reality at all in this regime, while quantum physics does.
 

Related to Possible similarity between Classical and Quantum photon definition

1) What is the difference between classical and quantum photon definitions?

The main difference between classical and quantum photon definitions is the way in which they describe the behavior of light. In classical physics, light is described as a wave, while in quantum mechanics, light is described as a particle or packet of energy known as a photon.

2) Are there any similarities between classical and quantum photon definitions?

Yes, there are some similarities between the two definitions. Both describe light as having both wave-like and particle-like properties, and both can be used to explain various phenomena such as reflection, refraction, and interference.

3) How do classical and quantum photon definitions affect our understanding of light?

Both classical and quantum photon definitions have greatly contributed to our understanding of light. Classical physics helps us to understand the macroscopic behavior of light, while quantum mechanics allows us to explain phenomena at the microscopic level.

4) Can classical and quantum photon definitions be used together?

Yes, classical and quantum photon definitions can be used together in some cases. For example, classical optics can be used to explain the behavior of light in certain situations, while quantum mechanics is needed to explain other phenomena, such as the photoelectric effect.

5) Is there ongoing research on the possible similarities between classical and quantum photon definitions?

Yes, there is ongoing research in this area as scientists continue to explore the fundamental nature of light. Some studies have suggested that classical and quantum descriptions of light may converge at certain energy levels, but more research is needed to fully understand the relationship between the two definitions.

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