correspondence principle

noun

, Physics.

1. the principle that the laws of quantum mechanics and of any new theory that may be developed reduce to the laws of Newtonian mechanics and electromagnetic theory when applied to systems in which Planck's constant can be regarded as negligible, wavelengths are comparatively small, dimensions are relatively large, etc.

Word History and Origins

Origin of correspondence principle¹

First recorded in 1920–25

Example Sentences

Francl is nudging students toward understanding the Bohr correspondence principle, a cornerstone concept in quantum mechanics that’s as easily discernible as Mona Lisa’s smile.

From Washington Post

“You’re discovering the Bohr correspondence principle — for yourself,” Francl says as she adjusts her round, 1920s-style eyeglasses.

From Washington Post

Quantum physics and "normal" or classical physics start to look similar when quantum numbers get high; this is called the correspondence principle, and it applies to many areas of physics.

From Scientific American

"It means we have to take the correspondence principle with a large grain of salt," Zeilinger said.

From Scientific American

His famed Correspondence Principle was postulated in 1913, was later abandoned when it was found not to work for atoms having more than one electron.

From Time Magazine Archive