Quantum and classical symmetries

TL;DR

This paper explores the analogies between classical and quantum symmetries, challenging the notion that quantum phenomena are entirely distinct from classical physics by illustrating deep similarities through simple models.

Contribution

It presents a non-standard perspective on quantum phenomena by highlighting classical-quantum analogies using accessible models, aimed at educational purposes.

Findings

Classical models exhibit quantum-like symmetries and paradoxes.

Analogies help clarify quantum concepts for students.

The approach aids in teaching quantum mechanics fundamentals.

Abstract

We suggest a somewhat non-standard view on a set of curious, paradoxical from the standpoint of simple classical physics and everyday experience phenomena. There are the quantisation (discrete set of values) of the observables (e.g., energy, momentum, angular momentum); forbidden simultaneous measurements of the observables in the most cases (e.g., of a coordinate and momentum, of angular momentum projections on difference axis); counter-intuitive relations on the simultaneously measurable quantities (e.g., the famous expression for the square momentum $l(l+1)$ with the maximal projection $l$). These and other paradoxes are traditionally related to "purely quantum" phenomenon, i.e., having no analogue in the "classical world" ones. However, there are deep analogies between classical and "quantum" worlds, as soon as the quantum technique is applied to the classical phenomenon. We follow these analogies with the examples of relatively simple and well known models of classical physics, such as a simplified model of light transition through the media, a system of electric charges close to each other and far from the observer; the specific of motion in the Coulomb/Newtonian field. This text can be considered as a mini-course addressed to higher school and undergraduate students who are interested in basics of quantum mechanics, but are not yet ready for systematic study of standard courses. The text may be also useful to those who supervise such students.