Relative Time for Quantum Mechanics

In summary, the conversation discusses the paradox of Einstein's Twin, where the twin on Earth sees his twin on a spaceship moving very slowly due to near light speed travel and returning younger. This same paradox is then applied to the existence of subatomic particles in multiple places at once, with the suggestion that our perspective may be responsible for this illusion. The concept of time and probability in relation to quantum physics is also mentioned, with the idea that the measurement of time may break down at smaller scales. However, it is clarified that particles can only be observed in one position at a time and the probability of finding them in that position is determined by their wave function. The equating of time and probability is then questioned as it does not seem to
  • #1
torinmccabe
2
0
Einsteins Twin Though Paradox: The twin on Earth watching his twin on the spaceship fly away at near light speed sees his twin moving very slow, and when the spaceship twin returns he is younger than his twin.

Can't this same paradox be applied to why we see the a single subatomic particle in more than one place at the same time?

Do we see time moving and spinning faster for particles (reverse of slower for things moving at near speed of light) giving the illusion that it is in more than one place at the same time just because of our perspective?
 
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  • #2
torinmccabe said:
Can't this same paradox be applied to why we see the a single subatomic particle in more than one place at the same time?

We don't see that.
 
  • #3
Vanadium 50 said:
We don't see that.

Isn't this fundamental of quantum physics that particles exist in many places at once as waves?

Einstein saw the measurement relative of time break down at the speed of light, I would guess that we are seeing the measurement of time (probability) break down as we look at smaller and smaller matter. Matter is not behaving strangely it is just our perspective is wrong in that we are large and it is small, like perspective of time traveling at different velocities.
 
  • #4
torinmccabe said:
Isn't this fundamental of quantum physics that particles exist in many places at once as waves?

Einstein saw the measurement relative of time break down at the speed of light, I would guess that we are seeing the measurement of time (probability) break down as we look at smaller and smaller matter. Matter is not behaving strangely it is just our perspective is wrong in that we are large and it is small, like perspective of time traveling at different velocities.


When we observe a particle's position, we will always find it in one position eigenstate, never in more than one. Therefore, we never see a particle in two places at once.

The relative probability of finding the particle in anyone position eigenstate can be found from the wave function of the particle.

What do you mean by equating time and probability? That statement doesn't make any sense to me.
 

1. What is relative time in quantum mechanics?

Relative time in quantum mechanics refers to the concept that time is not an absolute quantity, but rather a relative one that can vary depending on the observer's frame of reference. This is in contrast to classical mechanics, where time is considered an independent and absolute variable.

2. How does relative time affect quantum systems?

Relative time can affect quantum systems in various ways. It can impact the measurement of time-dependent phenomena, such as the decay of a particle or the evolution of a quantum state. It can also influence the concept of simultaneity, as different observers may experience different times for the same event.

3. Is there a universal clock in quantum mechanics?

No, there is no universal clock in quantum mechanics. The concept of time is relative, and there is no absolute reference frame. This means that different observers may measure time differently, and there is no single standard for time in quantum mechanics.

4. Can absolute time and relative time coexist in quantum mechanics?

No, absolute time and relative time cannot coexist in quantum mechanics. The principles of relativity and quantum mechanics are incompatible, and the concept of absolute time is not applicable in the quantum world.

5. How does the uncertainty principle relate to relative time in quantum mechanics?

The uncertainty principle, which states that it is impossible to know both the position and momentum of a particle with absolute certainty, is closely related to relative time in quantum mechanics. This is because, in order to measure the position and momentum of a particle, time must also be taken into account, and the measurement of time is relative to the observer's frame of reference.

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