correspondence principle: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Formal, Academic, Technical (Physics/Philosophy of Science)
Quick answer
What does “correspondence principle” mean?
The requirement that quantum mechanics must agree with classical mechanics in the limit of large quantum numbers or small wavelengths.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The requirement that quantum mechanics must agree with classical mechanics in the limit of large quantum numbers or small wavelengths.
A general methodological or philosophical principle that a new, more advanced theory must reduce to or agree with an older, established theory under conditions where the older theory is known to be valid.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical or semantic differences. Pronunciation differences follow general patterns (see IPA).
Connotations
Identical technical connotations in both varieties.
Frequency
Used exclusively in academic/scientific contexts in both varieties, with equal frequency within those domains.
Grammar
How to Use “correspondence principle” in a Sentence
The [THEORY] obeys/satisfies the correspondence principle with respect to [ESTABLISHED THEORY].[SCIENTIST] formulated/proposed the correspondence principle.According to the correspondence principle, ...Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “correspondence principle” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The new theory must correspond with classical mechanics in the appropriate limit.
- The equations correspond precisely under the stated conditions.
American English
- The model needs to correspond with Newtonian physics for large objects.
- Their predictions should correspond in the classical regime.
adverb
British English
- The theories agreed correspondingly in the macroscopic limit.
- The results scale correspondingly with system size.
American English
- The predictions match correspondingly for slow-moving particles.
- The formulas reduce correspondingly as Planck's constant tends to zero.
adjective
British English
- The correspondence-based argument was central to Bohr's thinking.
- They sought a correspondence-theoretic justification.
American English
- A correspondence-theory approach guides the development.
- The correspondence limit is clearly defined.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Core term in history and philosophy of science; advanced physics.
Everyday
Not used.
Technical
Fundamental concept in quantum mechanics and theoretical physics.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “correspondence principle”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “correspondence principle”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “correspondence principle”
- Using it as a fancy synonym for 'similarity' or 'correlation'.
- Omitting 'principle' and just saying 'correspondence' in the technical sense.
- Confusing it with the 'correspondence theory of truth' in philosophy.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
The physicist Niels Bohr introduced the correspondence principle around 1920 as a key conceptual tool in the development of quantum theory.
While originating in physics, the concept is also discussed in the philosophy of science as a general principle about the relationship between successive scientific theories.
The orbit of an electron in a very high energy level (large n) around a nucleus should, according to the correspondence principle, behave almost like a classical orbiting planet, and the frequencies of light it emits should approach the classical orbital frequency.
No. Here, 'correspondence' means 'agreement,' 'consistency,' or 'matching relationship.' It refers to the necessary agreement between two theories under specific limiting conditions.
Correspondence principle is usually formal, academic, technical (physics/philosophy of science) in register.
Correspondence principle: in British English it is pronounced /ˌkɒr.ɪˈspɒn.dəns ˌprɪn.sə.pəl/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌkɔːr.əˈspɑːn.dəns ˌprɪn.sə.pəl/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None directly; the term itself is a technical compound.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a 'correspondence' (letter-writing) between an old theory (Classical) and a new one (Quantum). The 'principle' states they must 'write the same answer' under familiar, old conditions.
Conceptual Metaphor
BRIDGING/MATCHING. The principle is a BRIDGE that must connect the new, unfamiliar land (quantum theory) to the old, familiar mainland (classical theory).
Practice
Quiz
In which field is the term 'correspondence principle' primarily used?