Does Quantum Wavelength Follow From Classical Entropy in the T→0 Limit?

Note Nov. 12, 2022  In (1) the discrete energy is e=bn   b=constant and n=0,1,2,3... not n=1,2,3 .. as listed below.

Ideas of entropy appeared before quantum mechanics was developed. In particular Planck introduced discrete energy levels: en where e= constant and n=1,2,3 to describe allowed energies of an oscillator representing allowed light in a blackbody as shown in (1). In such a case average energy and entropy may be calculated using formulas from Boltzmann. In (1) it is shown that if continuous energy is used entropy is undefined as T=temperature→0  while entropy→0 as T→0 if there are discrete energy levels. As noted this problem applies to light and uses an oscillator model, but leads to the notion of discrete energy levels.

     In this note we suggest using a particle in a box instead and consider only two levels for simplicity. We still use Boltzmann’s probability factor exp(- energy(i)/T) where i=1,2. In such a case the two probabilities are 1-exp(-e(i)/T) and exp(-e(i)/T). If there is a gap between e(1) and e(2) then as T→0 the particle is in state e(1) i.e. has an entropy of 0. If there is no gap then one has a problem as e(2)-e(1)-->0, but T→0 as well. Thus it seems that a gap must be introduced in order that entropy behave properly as already argued in (1). 

   This gap for the particle in a box, however, violates Newtonian mechanics which allows all momentum p values. As a result given that a gap is needed it may also be the case that e1 does not correspond to p1=0 as in Newtonian mechanics.

   We used the term box above and argue that the concept of equilibrium and T seem to apply to a confined system i.e one with a length constraint for a 1D example.. For example, the Boltzmann factor exp(-e/T) may be derived considering probability densities n(e(i)) with e1+e2=e3+e4 and n(e1)n(e2) = n(e3)n(e4). This is the reaction balance approach, but it seems that the particle must be confined for such an approach to even be defined. Thus we argue that there is something “special” occurring due to this constraint i.e. confinement in space. If energy has gaps then for a particle in a box:  energy = pp/2m so p=momentum itself must have gaps. Furthermore these gaps must be somehow linked to the length of the box. Thus momentum is being linked (and energy too) with length. In fact ,given that one has gaps and uniformity throughout the 1D box, one may consider the length being broken into integer equal sized portions L/n. This is already a crude notion of a wavelength and leads to the idea of allowed p momentum values being associated with L/n in some manner.

   Finally we note that Fermat’s principle already links an invariant space variable with momentum conservation in the same direction. The classical analogue is Maupertuis’ principle for particles with rest mass. In both cases one may link these approaches with the Lorentz invariant A=-Et+px which happens to be both the relativistic and nonrelativistic classical actions of a free particle. dA/dx partial = p so an eigenvalue equation is: -id/dx exp(ipx) = p exp(ipx) with b/p representing the wavelength. Thus one has a frequency proportional to 1/E and a wavelength proportional to 1/p. Any p, however, is allowed so there is no gap. There is, however, an association of length with p. Thus if a box with a T has a length constraint  one may suggest fitting integer numbers of sine wave crests into the box to create the “gap” required by entropy considerations.