Parallel Concepts in the Derivation of the Classical and Quantum Boltzmann Equations.
Abstract
The kinetic equation describing a spacially inhomogeneous dilute gas is derived from the appropriate hierarchy equations according to both classical and quantum mechanics. In the former case one obtains the Boltzmann equation, in the latter the Uehling-Uhlenbeck equation. The derivations in the two cases are completely parallel and assume only that two-particle correlation functions factor into products of one-particle functions when the two particles are separated by distances greater than the range lambda of the interaction potential, and that terms of order n(lambda cubed) <<1, where n is the particle density, may be dropped compared with terms of order unity in equations of motion. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 01, 1974
- Accession Number
- AD0784992
Entities
People
- David L. Book
- Ira B. Bernstein
Organizations
- United States Naval Research Laboratory