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Understanding Time Reversal in Quantum Mechanics: A Full Derivation

Gao, Shan (2022) Understanding Time Reversal in Quantum Mechanics: A Full Derivation. [Preprint]

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Abstract

Why does time reversal involve two operations, a temporal reflection and the operation of complex conjugation in quantum mechanics? Why is it that time reversal preserves position and reverses momentum and spin? This puzzle of time reversal in quantum mechanics has been with us since Wigner's first presentation. In this paper, I show that the standard account of time reversal in quantum mechanics can be derived from the natural requirement that time reversal reverses velocities by analyzing the continuity equation.

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Item Type: Preprint
Creators:
CreatorsEmailORCID
Gao, Shansgao7319@uni.sydney.edu.au
Keywords: quantum mechanics; time reversal; complex conjugation; spin; velocities; continuity equation
Subjects: Specific Sciences > Physics > Quantum Mechanics
Specific Sciences > Physics > Symmetries/Invariances
Depositing User: Dr. Shan Gao
Date Deposited: 21 Apr 2022 04:09
Last Modified: 21 Apr 2022 04:09
Item ID: 20483
Subjects: Specific Sciences > Physics > Quantum Mechanics
Specific Sciences > Physics > Symmetries/Invariances
Date: 19 April 2022
URI: https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/id/eprint/20483

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