In quantum mechanics, the probability current (sometimes called probability flux) is a mathematical quantity describing the flow of probability (i.e. probability per unit time per unit area). Intuitively; if one pictures the probability density as an inhomogeneous fluid, then the probability current is the rate of flow of this fluid. This is analogous to mass currents in hydrodynamics and electric currents in electromagnetism. It is a real vector, like electric current density. The notion of a probability current is useful in some of the formalism in quantum mechanics.
Read more about Probability Current: Connection With Classical Mechanics, Definition (relativistic 4-current)
Famous quotes containing the words probability and/or current:
“Crushed to earth and rising again is an author’s gymnastic. Once he fails to struggle to his feet and grab his pen, he will contemplate a fact he should never permit himself to face: that in all probability books have been written, are being written, will be written, better than anything he has done, is doing, or will do.”
—Fannie Hurst (1889–1968)
“The work of the political activist inevitably involves a certain tension between the requirement that positions be taken on current issues as they arise and the desire that one’s contributions will somehow survive the ravages of time.”
—Angela Davis (b. 1944)