Is Quantum Mechanics Incompatible with Newton’s First Law?

Abstract

Quantum mechanics (QM) clearly violates Newton’s First Law of Motion (NFLM) in the quantum domain for one of the simplest problems, yielding an effect in a force-free region much like the Aharonov-Bohm effect. In addition, there is an incompatibility between the predictions of QM in the classical limit, and that of classical mechanics (CM) with respect to NFLM. A general argument is made that such a disparity may be found commonly for a wide variety of quantum predictions in the classical limit. Alternatives to the Schrödinger equation are considered that might avoid this problem. The meaning of the classical limit is examined. Critical views regarding QM by Schrödinger, Bohm, Bell, Clauser, and others are presented to provide a more complete perspective.