Is Quantum Mechanics Incompatible with Newton's First Law

TL;DR

This paper explores the fundamental incompatibility between quantum mechanics and Newton's First Law, highlighting violations in the quantum domain and discrepancies in the classical limit, with discussions on alternative formulations and historical critiques.

Contribution

It demonstrates that quantum mechanics violates Newton's First Law even in simple cases and discusses potential alternative theories to resolve this inconsistency.

Findings

Quantum mechanics violates Newton's First Law in force-free regions.

Discrepancies exist between quantum and classical predictions in the classical limit.

Alternative formulations to the Schrödinger equation are considered.

Abstract

Quantum mechanics (QM) clearly violates Newton's First Law of Motion (NFLM) in the quantum domain for one of the simplest problems, yielding an effect in a force-free region much like the Aharonov-Bohm effect. In addition, there is an incompatibility between the predictions of QM in the classical limit, and that of classical mechanics (CM) with respect to NFLM. A general argument is made that such a disparity may be found commonly for a wide variety of quantum predictions in the classical limit. Alternatives to the Schrodinger equation are considered that might avoid this problem. The meaning of the classical limit is examined. Critical views regarding QM by Schrodinger, Bohm, Bell, Clauser, and others are presented to provide a more complete perspective.