J. A. Arnaud

Am. J. Phys. 44, 1067 (1976)

ABSTRACT

The identification, medium refractive indexn = nonrelativistic particle velocityv, in the analogy of geometrical optics with nonrelativistic particle mechanics is physically correct and useful, but can easily be misinterpreted. The conditions under which the analogy holds are outlined. The significance of Descartes’s mechanical models is also discussed.

LIEN VERS  L’ARTICLE : ANALOGY BETWEEN OPTICAL RAYS AND NONRELATIVISTIC PARTICLE TRAJECTORIES : A COMMENT