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Time reversal in classical and quantum mechanics

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Abstract

A review of Wigner's time reversal is presented and some important aspects are emphasized. The subject is introduced via classical mechanics. Non-physical statements as “time running backwards” are avoided. Comments are made on the roles of time and of the operatoriħ(∂/∂t) in quantum mechanics. The role of symmetries and conservation laws and some properties of the time-reversed states are discussed.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Departamento de Fisica, Universidade de Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal

    J. M. Domingos

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  1. J. M. Domingos
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Work supported by Instituto Nacional de Investigação Científica, Portugal.

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Domingos, J.M. Time reversal in classical and quantum mechanics. Int J Theor Phys 18, 213–230 (1979). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00670397

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00670397

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