Ehrenfest theorem

proper noun

A theorem that relates the time derivative of the expectation values of the position and momentum operators x and p to the expectation value of the force F=-V'(x) on a massive particle moving in a scalar potential V(x).

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Meanings

proper nounthe Ehrenfest theorem
  1. natural sciencesA theorem that relates the time derivative of the expectation values of the position and momentum operators x and p to the expectation value of the force F=-V'(x) on a massive particle moving in a scalar potential V(x).

Origin

Named after Paul Ehrenfest.

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Cite this entry
APA

Ehrenfest theorem. (n.d.). In WatkinsX Dictionary. Retrieved November 4, 2026, from https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/Ehrenfest%20theorem

MLA

“Ehrenfest theorem.” WatkinsX Dictionary, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/Ehrenfest%20theorem. Accessed November 4, 2026.

Chicago

WatkinsX Dictionary, s.v. “Ehrenfest theorem,” accessed November 4, 2026, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/Ehrenfest%20theorem.

Source: Ehrenfest theorem on Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.