Abstract

In this paper, we discuss some interesting properties of the electromagnetic potentials in the quantum domain. We shall show that, contrary to the conclusions of classical mechanics, there exist effects of potentials on charged particles, even in the region where all the fields (and therefore the forces on the particles) vanish. We shall then discuss possible experiments to test these conclusions; and, finally, we shall suggest further possible developments in the interpretation of the potentials.

Keywords

PhysicsElectromagnetic fieldInterpretation (philosophy)Quantum mechanicsClassical mechanicsQuantumTheoretical physicsQuantum electrodynamicsComputer science

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Publication Info

Year
1959
Type
article
Volume
115
Issue
3
Pages
485-491
Citations
6744
Access
Closed

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Cite This

Yakir Aharonov, David Böhm (1959). Significance of Electromagnetic Potentials in the Quantum Theory. Physical Review , 115 (3) , 485-491. https://doi.org/10.1103/physrev.115.485

Identifiers

DOI
10.1103/physrev.115.485