Published March 31, 2006 | Version v1
Journal article

Mechanical similarity as a generalization of scale symmetry

  • 1. INFN, Trieste (Italy)
  • 2. Department of Theoretical Physics, University of Trieste, Strada Costiera 11, Miramare-Grignano, 34014 Trieste (Italy)

Description

In this paper, we study the symmetry known (Landau and Lifshits 1976 Course of Theoretical Physics vol 1: Mechanics (Oxford: Pergamon)) as mechanical similarity (LMS) and present for any monomial potential. We analyse it in the framework of the Koopman-von Neumann formulation of classical mechanics and prove that in this framework the LMS can be given a canonical implementation. We also show that the LMS is a generalization of the scale symmetry which is present only for the inverse square and a few other potentials. Finally, we study the main obstructions which one encounters in implementing the LMS at the quantum-mechanical level

Availability note (English)

Available online at http://stacks.iop.org/0305-4470/39/3411/a6_13_018.pdf or at the Web site for the Journal of Physics. A, Mathematical and General (ISSN 1361-6447) http://www.iop.org/

Additional details

Publishing Information

Journal Title
Journal of Physics. A, Mathematical and General
Journal Volume
39
Journal Issue
13
Journal Page Range
p. 3411-3424
ISSN
0305-4470
CODEN
JPHAC5

INIS

Country of Publication
United Kingdom
Country of Input or Organization
International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)
INIS RN
37051281
Subject category
S71: CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSICS;
Descriptors DEI
CLASSICAL MECHANICS; MATHEMATICAL MODELS; POTENTIALS; QUANTUM MECHANICS; SYMMETRY
Descriptors DEC
MECHANICS