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Old 17-09-2011, 09:53 PM
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sjastro
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A classical physics system doesn't provide the nuts and bolts description of a quantum mechanical system.

Classical physics primarily involves the use of phenomenological theories.
By phenomenological it means that classical physics is built on explaining observation and experimental data without necessarily providing a mechanism.

For example the apple falling from a tree is explained by gravity, yet Newton's theory of gravitation provides no clues as to what causes gravity.

A classical physics system is an approximation of a quantum mechanical system.

Physicists empirically determined the Balmer series for the spectral lines of the hydrogen spectrum in the 19th century and explained it as atomic emissions.
This is classical phenomenological physics at work.

Quantum mechanics developed in the early 20th century on the other hand provided the explanation for the atomic emissions.

Regards

Steven
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