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:	Creators Email ORCID Gao, Shan sgao7319@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:	03 May 2022 04:30
Last Modified:	03 May 2022 04:30
Item ID:	20535
Subjects:	Specific Sciences > Physics > Quantum Mechanics Specific Sciences > Physics > Symmetries/Invariances
Date:	19 April 2022
URI:	https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/id/eprint/20535

Available Versions of this Item

• Understanding Time Reversal in Quantum Mechanics: A Full Derivation. (deposited 21 Apr 2022 04:09)
  • Understanding Time Reversal in Quantum Mechanics: A Full Derivation. (deposited 03 May 2022 04:30) [Currently Displayed]
    • Understanding Time Reversal in Quantum Mechanics: A Full Derivation. (deposited 03 Aug 2022 04:02)
      • Understanding Time Reversal in Quantum Mechanics: A New Derivation. (deposited 07 Mar 2023 15:03)

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