The ab initio way

[rashurko]

Quantum mechanics is called an “ab initio model” because it’s a mathematical model that describes accurately a very large set of natural phenomena, and where the starting point (the Schrödinger equation) of the model cannot be further reduced.

Classical mechanics can also be called an “ab initio model” as it provides very accurate movement predictions of object with the speed in classical limit (v << c). The starting point of the model (the laws of motion) can be further reduced by including the results from the special and general relativity theory, but the results only change marginally (the difference is comparable or below the error margin).

Classical electromagnetism can also be viewed as an “ab initio model”. The Maxwell’s equations are derived mathematically, without any experimental fitting. Thus the Maxwell’s equations can be seen as the first principles.

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