Gerry Quinn
Nov4-06, 03:38 PM
In article <1157318598.689695.111180@i3g2000cwc.googlegroups.c om>,
jimgoetz316@yahoo.com says...
> I am hoping that some quantum physicists could answer a question for a
> non-physicist. I have heard according to various cosmogonies that a
> quantum fluctuation can generate a new universe. And generating a
> universe similar to the observed universe would involve extraordinarily
> small probabilities such as one in a googolplex. Well, I am wondering
> if such quantum fluctuations could cause an apparent miracle such as
> the duplication of a loaf of bread. Can anybody answer some related
> questions that could be understood by a general audience?
>
> Can a quantum fluctuation duplicate a loaf of bread?
>
> Why or why not?
Could the molecules in a cubic metre of air come together by chance,
fuse atomically and react chemically so as to create a loaf of bread?
Yes, if you are prepared to accept a chance that is small enough. No,
if you are talking about a chance that is any way sensible. In fact
it's extremely unlikely that a single atom of oxygen in the air has
ever(while grabbing a bit of energy from somewhere) converted itself
into a carbon and four hydrogens anywhere on earth. So a loaf of bread
is utterly out of the question.
It's just too unlikely. That applies to quantum fluctuations just as
much as any random classical process that might have the same effect.
The stuff about 'quantum fluctuations creating a universe' comes from
various theories in which a quantum fluctuation is in some sense a
*seed* for a universe, which then expands and evolves over time. They
don't suppose that a universe like our own instantly comes into
existence.
From various posts I've read from you recently, it seems you have a
knack for picking on some exotic concept, and asking what it means! No
offence, but answers won't mean anything to you unless you understand
the basic contexts in which the concept is used.
The usenet physics and relativity FAQs:
http://www2.corepower.com:8080/~relfaq/faq.html
http://www2.corepower.com:8080/~relfaq/relativity.html
...are useful sources for context in some of the areas you have asked
about.
- Gerry Quinn
jimgoetz316@yahoo.com says...
> I am hoping that some quantum physicists could answer a question for a
> non-physicist. I have heard according to various cosmogonies that a
> quantum fluctuation can generate a new universe. And generating a
> universe similar to the observed universe would involve extraordinarily
> small probabilities such as one in a googolplex. Well, I am wondering
> if such quantum fluctuations could cause an apparent miracle such as
> the duplication of a loaf of bread. Can anybody answer some related
> questions that could be understood by a general audience?
>
> Can a quantum fluctuation duplicate a loaf of bread?
>
> Why or why not?
Could the molecules in a cubic metre of air come together by chance,
fuse atomically and react chemically so as to create a loaf of bread?
Yes, if you are prepared to accept a chance that is small enough. No,
if you are talking about a chance that is any way sensible. In fact
it's extremely unlikely that a single atom of oxygen in the air has
ever(while grabbing a bit of energy from somewhere) converted itself
into a carbon and four hydrogens anywhere on earth. So a loaf of bread
is utterly out of the question.
It's just too unlikely. That applies to quantum fluctuations just as
much as any random classical process that might have the same effect.
The stuff about 'quantum fluctuations creating a universe' comes from
various theories in which a quantum fluctuation is in some sense a
*seed* for a universe, which then expands and evolves over time. They
don't suppose that a universe like our own instantly comes into
existence.
From various posts I've read from you recently, it seems you have a
knack for picking on some exotic concept, and asking what it means! No
offence, but answers won't mean anything to you unless you understand
the basic contexts in which the concept is used.
The usenet physics and relativity FAQs:
http://www2.corepower.com:8080/~relfaq/faq.html
http://www2.corepower.com:8080/~relfaq/relativity.html
...are useful sources for context in some of the areas you have asked
about.
- Gerry Quinn