The ab initio way

[Robbe Daelman]

We consider quantum mechanics an ab initio model because it allows us to explain different types of behavior at the atomic scale. Classical mechanics is also an ab initio model since a lot of phenomena in our daily lives can be explained mathematically starting from the law’s of newton or the Hamiltonian and Lagrangian formalism. I would consider electromagnetism an ab initio model since the four Maxwell equations and the Lorentz force law form a closed set of equations from which all of electromagnetism follows. It could of course be argued that these equations follow form quantum field theory, more specifically QED, but since they form a closed set of equations that describe all of electromagnetism this reasoning does not hold in my opinion.

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