We call quantum physics an ab initio model because it is based on the fundamental principles of quantum mechanics, such as the Schrödinger equation, the uncertainty principle, and the superposition principle. These principles describe the behavior of matter and energy at the atomic and subatomic scales, without relying on any empirical parameters or experimental data. Quantum physics is an ab initio model because it tries to explain the nature of reality from first principles.
We call classical mechanics an ab initio model because it is based on the fundamental principles of Newtonian physics, such as the laws of motion, the law of universal gravitation, and the conservation laws. These principles describe the behavior of macroscopic objects and systems, without relying on any empirical parameters or experimental data. Classical mechanics is an ab initio model because it tries to explain the motion of bodies from first principles.
Classical electromagnetism is also an ab initio model, because it is based on the fundamental principles of Maxwell’s equations, which describe the interaction of electric and magnetic fields, and the Lorentz force law, which describes the force on a charged particle in an electromagnetic field. These principles are derived from experimental observations, but they do not depend on any empirical parameters or experimental data. Classical electromagnetism is an ab initio model because it tries to explain the phenomena of electricity and magnetism from first principles.