The quantum-classical boundary and the moments of inertia of physical objects

TL;DR

This paper proposes a threshold based on the moments of inertia to distinguish classical from quantum behavior in physical objects, offering a new parameter for analyzing the quantum-classical boundary.

Contribution

It introduces a critical moments of inertia threshold as a criterion for classical versus quantum behavior, reinterpreting previous size and mass-based thresholds.

Findings

Threshold moments of inertia can classify objects as quantum or classical.

Comparison with observed data supports the moments of inertia as a useful parameter.

The approach offers a new perspective on the quantum-classical transition in mesoscale objects.

Abstract

During the last few years, several studies have proposed the existence of a threshold separating classical from quantum behavior of objects that is dependent on the size and mass of an object as well as being dependent on certain properties usually associated with the universe as a whole. Here, we reexamine the results of these studies and recast the threshold criteria in terms of a critical threshold value for the moments of inertia of physical objects. Physical objects having moments of inertia above this critical threshold value would be expected to behave necessarily in a classical manner in terms of their center of mass motion as entire objects, while physical objects having moments of inertia lower than this threshold value could exhibit quantum behavior unless brought into classicality by other effects. A comparison with observed values of moments of inertia is presented, and the moment of inertia is suggested as a classifying parameter for examination of the quantum versus classical behavior of objects in the mesoscale domain.