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

American Journal of Physics

Invariance Principles in Classical and Quantum Mechanics

Bernard Chern, Arnold Tubis

Published Mar 1, 1967• 6 citations
Publisher

Abstract

A simple, unified discussion of invariance principles in nonrelativistic classical and quantum mechanics is presented. In particular, space-translation, space-rotation, space-inversion, Galilean, and time-reversal invariance are discussed from the point of view of possible physical motions. In addition, there is a discussion of the classical connection between space inversion, time reversal, and what may be considered a type of “charge conjugation.”

DOI
10.1119/1.1974023

Related papers

Communication Relations of Quantum Mechanics

Joseph V. Lepore

The mathematical and physical meaning of the commutation relations of nonrelativistic quantum mechanics is discussed in terms of the representation of translations, Galilean transformations, and rotations of the coordinate system by unitary transformations acting on the unitary vector space of quantum states.

Physical Review•Jul 15, 1960•6 citations

Symmetries and conservation laws

Gennaro Auletta, Mauro Fortunato, Giorgio Parisi A

A symmetry is an equivalence of different physical situations, and is therefore strictly associated with the concept of invariance . One of the main aims of physics is the search in nature for symmetries and, therefore, for observables that are invariant under certain classes of transformation. In this context, it becomes particularly interesting to look for the conditions under which a certain symmetry is eventually broken. We have already discussed some symmetries of quantum mechanics: time translations (Ch. 3), space translations (Ch. 2) and rotations (Ch. 6). Another example of invariance is represented by the indistinguishability of identical particles, which we discussed in the previous chapter. Symmetries are induced by physical transformations that generate some invariant properties (see Sec. 8.1). In Sec. 8.2, the continuous transformations induced by rotations and space translations are analyzed, whereas in Sec. 8.3, space reflection and time reversal ( discrete symmetries) are discussed. As we shall see in the next chapter, time reversibility is lost in the measurement process. The rigorous mathematical framework of a theory of transformations and of their invariance is called group theory (the subject of Sec. 8.4). Quantum transformations and symmetries Active and passive transformations We have seen that time evolution may be represented either in the Schrödinger picture (state vectors evolve and observables are kept constant) or in the Heisenberg picture (states vectors remain constant and observables evolve) (see Subsec. 3.6.1 and Sec. 5.3).

Cambridge University Press eBooks•Apr 16, 2009•1 citation

Symmetries in quantum mechanics

Giampiero V. M. Esposito, Giuseppe Marmo, Gennaro Miele +1 more

The meaning of symmetries is studied in some detail, and a study is performed of transformations which preserve the description, of transformations of frames and the corresponding quantum symmetries. The second part of the chapter outlines Galilei transformations, time translations, spatial reflection and time reversal Meaning of symmetries Symmetries and constants of motion have already appeared here and there in this book, most notably in Appendix 3.A. Recall that, therein, we have defined symmetries as those transformations that generate new solutions out of known solutions; more generally, that permute solutions among themselves. Constants of motion are functions on the carrier space which, when restricted to solutions, acquire a constant value depending on the solution considered. This point of view may be viewed as a dynamical point of view, i.e. depending on the specific system under consideration. There is, however, another meaning of symmetry, which deals with the symmetry of the description that ensures the covariance of the equations of motion, e.g. transformations that map equations of motion in Hamiltonian form into other equations still in Hamiltonian form, or transformations that map second-order differential equations into second-order ones, i.e. equations admitting a Lagrangian description into new ones also admitting a Lagrangian description. Transformations of the dynamical type emerge out of the previous ones when we further require that the Hamiltonian is preserved or the Lagrangian is preserved up to a total time derivative.

Cambridge University Press eBooks•Oct 31, 2014•1 citation

Transformations, Conservation Laws, and Symmetries

Arjun Sharma

Transformations, conservation laws, and symmetries have played an important role in the development of modern quantum mechanics. This chapter includes translation in space and time, rotation in space and rotation operator, parity operations and space inversion, time reversal operator and its properties for both zero and non-zero spin particles, solved examples, and unsolved exercises. The chapter discusses in detail how the rotation in space leads to important relations between various components of orbital and total angular momenta, which play an important role in formulations of quantum mechanics. Parity conservation and the most striking properties of the parity operator, relevance of time reversal in classical and quantum mechanical descriptions, and the antiunitary and antilinear properties of the time reversal operator are also featured details in the chapter.

CRC Press eBooks•Jun 18, 2021•0 citations

Principle of General Q Covariance

David Finkelstein, J. M. Jauch, Samuel Schiminovich +1 more

In this paper the physical implications of quaternion quantum mechanics are further explored. In a quanternionic Hilbert space HQ, the lattice of subspaces has a symmetry group which is isomorphic to the group of all co-unitary transformations in HQ. In contrast to the complex space HC (ordinary Hilbert space), this group is connected, while for HC it consists of two disconnected pieces. The subgroup of transformations in HQ which associates with every quaternion q of magnitude 1, the correspondence ψ → qψq−1 for all ψ∈HQ (called Q conjugations), is isomorphic to the three-dimensional rotation group. We postulate the principle of Q covariance: The physical laws are invariant under Q conjugations. The full significance of this postulate is brought to light in localizable systems where it can be generalized to the principle of general Q covariance: Physical laws are invariant under general Q conjugations. Under the latter we understand conjugation transformations which vary continuously from point to point. The implementation of this principle forces us to construct a theory of parallel transport of quaternions. The notions of Q-covariant derivative and Q curvature are natural consequences thereof. There is a further new structure built into the quaternionic frame through the equations of motion. These equations single out a purely imaginary quaternion η(x) which may be a continuous function of the space—time coordinates. It corresponds to the i in the Schrödinger equation of ordinary quantum mechanics. We consider η(x) as a fundamental field, much like the tensor gμν in the general theory of relativity. We give here a classical theory of this field by assuming the simplest invariant Lagrangian which can be constructed out of η and the covariant Q connection. It is shown that this theory describes three vector fields, two of them with mass and charge, and one massless and neutral. The latter is identifiable with the classical electromagnetic field.

Journal of Mathematical Physics•Jun 1, 1963•161 citations

Time Reversal Invariance in Quantum Mechanics

Reza Moulavi Ardakani

Symmetries have a crucial role in today's physics. In this thesis, we are mostly concerned with time reversal invariance (T-symmetry). A physical system is time reversal invariant if its underlying laws are not sensitive to the direction of time. There are various accounts of time reversal transformation resulting in different views on whether or not a given theory in physics is time reversal invariant. With a focus on quantum mechanics, I describe the standard account of time reversal and compare it with my alternative account, arguing why it deserves serious attention. Then, I review three known ways to T-violation in quantum mechanics, and explain two unique experiments made to detect it in the neutral K and B mesons.

arXiv:1802.10169•Feb 16, 2018•1 citation
A simple, unified discussion of invariance principles in nonrelativistic classical and quantum mechanics is presented. In particular, space-translation, space-rotation, space-inversion, Galilean, and time-reversal invariance are discussed from the point of view of possible physical motions. In addition, there is a discussion of the classical connection between space inversion, time reversal, and what may be considered a type of “charge conjugation.”
A symmetry is an equivalence of different physical situations, and is therefore strictly associated with the concept of invariance . One of the main aims of physics is the search in nature for symmetries and, therefore, for observables that are invariant under certain classes of transformation. In this context, it becomes particularly interesting to look for the conditions under which a certain symmetry is eventually broken. We have already discussed some symmetries of quantum mechanics: time translations (Ch. 3), space translations (Ch. 2) and rotations (Ch. 6). Another example of invariance is represented by the indistinguishability of identical particles, which we discussed in the previous chapter. Symmetries are induced by physical transformations that generate some invariant properties (see Sec. 8.1). In Sec. 8.2, the continuous transformations induced by rotations and space translations are analyzed, whereas in Sec. 8.3, space reflection and time reversal ( discrete symmetries) are discussed. As we shall see in the next chapter, time reversibility is lost in the measurement process. The rigorous mathematical framework of a theory of transformations and of their invariance is called group theory (the subject of Sec. 8.4). Quantum transformations and symmetries Active and passive transformations We have seen that time evolution may be represented either in the Schrödinger picture (state vectors evolve and observables are kept constant) or in the Heisenberg picture (states vectors remain constant and observables evolve) (see Subsec. 3.6.1 and Sec. 5.3).
The meaning of symmetries is studied in some detail, and a study is performed of transformations which preserve the description, of transformations of frames and the corresponding quantum symmetries. The second part of the chapter outlines Galilei transformations, time translations, spatial reflection and time reversal Meaning of symmetries Symmetries and constants of motion have already appeared here and there in this book, most notably in Appendix 3.A. Recall that, therein, we have defined symmetries as those transformations that generate new solutions out of known solutions; more generally, that permute solutions among themselves. Constants of motion are functions on the carrier space which, when restricted to solutions, acquire a constant value depending on the solution considered. This point of view may be viewed as a dynamical point of view, i.e. depending on the specific system under consideration. There is, however, another meaning of symmetry, which deals with the symmetry of the description that ensures the covariance of the equations of motion, e.g. transformations that map equations of motion in Hamiltonian form into other equations still in Hamiltonian form, or transformations that map second-order differential equations into second-order ones, i.e. equations admitting a Lagrangian description into new ones also admitting a Lagrangian description. Transformations of the dynamical type emerge out of the previous ones when we further require that the Hamiltonian is preserved or the Lagrangian is preserved up to a total time derivative.
Transformations, conservation laws, and symmetries have played an important role in the development of modern quantum mechanics. This chapter includes translation in space and time, rotation in space and rotation operator, parity operations and space inversion, time reversal operator and its properties for both zero and non-zero spin particles, solved examples, and unsolved exercises. The chapter discusses in detail how the rotation in space leads to important relations between various components of orbital and total angular momenta, which play an important role in formulations of quantum mechanics. Parity conservation and the most striking properties of the parity operator, relevance of time reversal in classical and quantum mechanical descriptions, and the antiunitary and antilinear properties of the time reversal operator are also featured details in the chapter.
In this paper the physical implications of quaternion quantum mechanics are further explored. In a quanternionic Hilbert space HQ, the lattice of subspaces has a symmetry group which is isomorphic to the group of all co-unitary transformations in HQ. In contrast to the complex space HC (ordinary Hilbert space), this group is connected, while for HC it consists of two disconnected pieces. The subgroup of transformations in HQ which associates with every quaternion q of magnitude 1, the correspondence ψ → qψq−1 for all ψ∈HQ (called Q conjugations), is isomorphic to the three-dimensional rotation group. We postulate the principle of Q covariance: The physical laws are invariant under Q conjugations. The full significance of this postulate is brought to light in localizable systems where it can be generalized to the principle of general Q covariance: Physical laws are invariant under general Q conjugations. Under the latter we understand conjugation transformations which vary continuously from point to point. The implementation of this principle forces us to construct a theory of parallel transport of quaternions. The notions of Q-covariant derivative and Q curvature are natural consequences thereof. There is a further new structure built into the quaternionic frame through the equations of motion. These equations single out a purely imaginary quaternion η(x) which may be a continuous function of the space—time coordinates. It corresponds to the i in the Schrödinger equation of ordinary quantum mechanics. We consider η(x) as a fundamental field, much like the tensor gμν in the general theory of relativity. We give here a classical theory of this field by assuming the simplest invariant Lagrangian which can be constructed out of η and the covariant Q connection. It is shown that this theory describes three vector fields, two of them with mass and charge, and one massless and neutral. The latter is identifiable with the classical electromagnetic field.
Symmetries have a crucial role in today's physics. In this thesis, we are mostly concerned with time reversal invariance (T-symmetry). A physical system is time reversal invariant if its underlying laws are not sensitive to the direction of time. There are various accounts of time reversal transformation resulting in different views on whether or not a given theory in physics is time reversal invariant. With a focus on quantum mechanics, I describe the standard account of time reversal and compare it with my alternative account, arguing why it deserves serious attention. Then, I review three known ways to T-violation in quantum mechanics, and explain two unique experiments made to detect it in the neutral K and B mesons.