A Modern Approach to Quantum Mechanics · Problem 8.5

Translational and Rotational Symmetry in the Two-Body Problem — John S. Townsend

Physics — Quantum Mechanics · classical-mechanics-validity

Problem

For which of the following does classical mechanics give an adequate description of the motion? Explain. (a) An electron with a speed v/c=1/137v/c = 1/137, which is typical in the ground state of the hydrogen atom, traversing a distance of 0.50.5 \AA, which is a characteristic size of the atom. (b) An electron with the same speed as in (a) traversing a distance of 1 cm.

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