Challenges
Datasets
Workspaces
Papers
Discussions
Leaderboard
Log inSign up
Challenges
Datasets
Workspaces
Papers
Discussions
Leaderboard
Blog
Job Board
Q3AS

© 2026 Aqora Quantum S.A.S.

TermsPrivacyLegal Notice

arXiv:1209.4584 · Journal of Physics A Mathematical and Theoretical

A geometric approach to a generalized virial theorem

José F. Cariñena, Fernando Falceto, Manuel F. Rañada

Published Sep 13, 2012• 17 citations
arXivHTMLPDF

Abstract

The virial theorem, introduced by Clausius in the field of statistical mechanics and later applied in both classical mechanics and quantum mechanics, is studied by making use of symplectic formalism as an approach, in the case of both the Hamiltonian and Lagrangian systems. The possibility of establishing virial-like theorems from one-parameter groups of non-strictly canonical transformations is analysed; the case of systems with a position-dependent mass is also discussed. Using the modern symplectic approach to quantum mechanics, we arrive at the quantum virial theorem in full analogy with the classical case.

DOI
10.1088/1751-8113/45/39/395210

Related papers

Virial theorem in quantum statistical mechanics for a charged particle in an electromagnetic field

Donald H. Kobe

The virial theorem is derived in quantum statistical mechanics for a time-dependent Hamiltonian that describes a charged particle in a time-dependent electromagnetic field. The time derivative of the expectation value of the Clausius operator satisfies an equation which is the same form as the classical equation for the Clausius function (r⋅mv). By taking a time average, the virial theorem of quantum mechanics for time-dependent states is obtained. By taking a statistical average and a time average, the virial theorem of quantum statistical mechanics is obtained.

American Journal of Physics•Feb 1, 1995•3 citations

Virial Theorem and its Generalizations in Scattering Theory

Peter D. Robinson, Joseph O. Hirschfelder

Heretofore, the hypervirial theorems recently introduced by Hirschfelder have only been applied to bound-state systems. In this paper it is shown that, with certain modifications, these theorems can also be applied to free systems, and, in particular, to scattering problems. The new form of the general hypervirial theorem is derived, and the theory is illustrated with the problem of a particle scattered by a central field. The ordinary virial theorem is deduced, together with other results of physical interest. Both classical and quantum-mechanical formalisms are considered, and in some cases the semiclassical approximation links corresponding results.

Physical Review•Feb 1, 1963•33 citations

Williamson theorem in classical, quantum, and statistical physics

F. Nicacio

In this work, we present (and encourage the use of) the Williamson theorem and its consequences in several contexts in physics. We demonstrate this theorem using only basic concepts of linear algebra and symplectic matrices. As an immediate application in the context of small oscillations, we show that applying this theorem reveals the normal-mode coordinates and frequencies of the system in the Hamiltonian scenario. A modest introduction of the symplectic formalism in quantum mechanics is presented, using the theorem to study quantum normal modes and canonical distributions of thermodynamically stable systems described by quadratic Hamiltonians. As a last example, a more advanced topic concerning uncertainty relations is developed to show once more its utility in a distinct and modern perspective.

arXiv:2106.11965•American Journal of Physics•Nov 22, 2021•15 citations

Quantum complexity and the virial theorem

Ning Bao, Junyu Liu

Abstract It is conjectured that in the geometric formulation of quantum computing, one can study quantum complexity through classical entropy of statistical ensembles established non-relativistically in the group manifold of unitary operators. The kinetic and positional decompositions of statistical entropy are conjectured to correspond to the Kolmogorov complexity and computational complexity, respectively, of corresponding quantum circuits. In this paper, we claim that by applying the virial theorem to the group manifold, one can derive a generic relation between Kolmogorov complexity and computational complexity in the thermal equilibrium.

arXiv:1804.03242•Journal of High Energy Physics•Aug 1, 2018•9 citations

Quantum Many-Body Virial Theorem And Matsubara Green’s Function

大輔 安間

We discuss the quantum field theoretical formulation of the virial theorem on the basis of the canonical field theory of the generalized coordinate transformation and show the equation of motion of a charged Fermion system coupled to an electromagnetic field. Possible application to Fermion‐Boson mixtures is also discussed.

AIP conference proceedings•Jan 1, 2004•0 citations

On the virial theorem for a particle in a box: Accounting for Cauchy's boundary condition

R. Cabrera‐Trujillo, Oriol Vendrell

Most introductory books on quantum mechanics discuss the particle-in-a-box problem through solutions of the Schrödinger equation, at least, in the one-dimensional case. When introducing the virial theorem, however, its discussion in the context of this simple model is not considered and students ponder the question of the validity of the virial theorem for a system with, apparently, no forces. In this work, we address this issue by solving the particle in a finite box and show that the virial theorem is fulfilled when the appropriate Cauchy boundary conditions are taken into account. We also illustrate how, in the limit of the infinite potential box, the virial theorem holds as well. As a consequence, it is possible to determine the averaged force exerted by the walls on the particle. Finally, a discussion of these results in the classical limit is provided.

American Journal of Physics•Nov 19, 2020•4 citations
The virial theorem, introduced by Clausius in the field of statistical mechanics and later applied in both classical mechanics and quantum mechanics, is studied by making use of symplectic formalism as an approach, in the case of both the Hamiltonian and Lagrangian systems. The possibility of establishing virial-like theorems from one-parameter groups of non-strictly canonical transformations is analysed; the case of systems with a position-dependent mass is also discussed. Using the modern symplectic approach to quantum mechanics, we arrive at the quantum virial theorem in full analogy with the classical case.
The virial theorem is derived in quantum statistical mechanics for a time-dependent Hamiltonian that describes a charged particle in a time-dependent electromagnetic field. The time derivative of the expectation value of the Clausius operator satisfies an equation which is the same form as the classical equation for the Clausius function (r⋅mv). By taking a time average, the virial theorem of quantum mechanics for time-dependent states is obtained. By taking a statistical average and a time average, the virial theorem of quantum statistical mechanics is obtained.
Heretofore, the hypervirial theorems recently introduced by Hirschfelder have only been applied to bound-state systems. In this paper it is shown that, with certain modifications, these theorems can also be applied to free systems, and, in particular, to scattering problems. The new form of the general hypervirial theorem is derived, and the theory is illustrated with the problem of a particle scattered by a central field. The ordinary virial theorem is deduced, together with other results of physical interest. Both classical and quantum-mechanical formalisms are considered, and in some cases the semiclassical approximation links corresponding results.
In this work, we present (and encourage the use of) the Williamson theorem and its consequences in several contexts in physics. We demonstrate this theorem using only basic concepts of linear algebra and symplectic matrices. As an immediate application in the context of small oscillations, we show that applying this theorem reveals the normal-mode coordinates and frequencies of the system in the Hamiltonian scenario. A modest introduction of the symplectic formalism in quantum mechanics is presented, using the theorem to study quantum normal modes and canonical distributions of thermodynamically stable systems described by quadratic Hamiltonians. As a last example, a more advanced topic concerning uncertainty relations is developed to show once more its utility in a distinct and modern perspective.
Abstract It is conjectured that in the geometric formulation of quantum computing, one can study quantum complexity through classical entropy of statistical ensembles established non-relativistically in the group manifold of unitary operators. The kinetic and positional decompositions of statistical entropy are conjectured to correspond to the Kolmogorov complexity and computational complexity, respectively, of corresponding quantum circuits. In this paper, we claim that by applying the virial theorem to the group manifold, one can derive a generic relation between Kolmogorov complexity and computational complexity in the thermal equilibrium.
Most introductory books on quantum mechanics discuss the particle-in-a-box problem through solutions of the Schrödinger equation, at least, in the one-dimensional case. When introducing the virial theorem, however, its discussion in the context of this simple model is not considered and students ponder the question of the validity of the virial theorem for a system with, apparently, no forces. In this work, we address this issue by solving the particle in a finite box and show that the virial theorem is fulfilled when the appropriate Cauchy boundary conditions are taken into account. We also illustrate how, in the limit of the infinite potential box, the virial theorem holds as well. As a consequence, it is possible to determine the averaged force exerted by the walls on the particle. Finally, a discussion of these results in the classical limit is provided.