Is there anything in the physical world that is actually random even

In summary, physicists used to believe that everything in the physical world could be predicted if all the necessary data was known. However, with the discovery of quantum physics, it was found that this is not the case. In quantum physics, there is a level of uncertainty and probability that cannot be fully known or predicted. This is demonstrated through Heisenberg's uncertainty principle which states that while we can measure the position of an electron, we cannot accurately predict its speed and therefore cannot predict its future location. Despite not fully understanding why this is the case, there is experimental evidence to support it.
  • #1
tahayassen
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Is there anything in the physical world that is actually random even after we were given every single bit of information needed to calculate an outcome? Rolling a die or flipping a coin doesn't count, because if we did all the calculations, we would be able to calculate what the outcome would be. In quantum physics, they always talk about the probability of electrons being at a certain area. Would we some day be able to know where the location is? Or is it impossible, because it is truly random?
 
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  • #2


Once upon a time, physicists though everything could be predicted exactly, if you only knew all the data required.
However, with the development of quantum physics, we found out that we can't know everything. We can only describe probability distributions.

Experimentally, Heisenberg found and postulated his uncertainty principle that yes, we can measure the position of an electron.
But the direct consequence is the we've got no clue how fast it is going, so we cannot predict where it will be next.

We don't know why this is, but we have experimental confirmation that it is.
 
  • #3


This thread does not meet the minimum criteria for posting in this forum. tahayassen, you must read and follow both sets of rules which are stickied at the top of this forum.
 

1. Is there any scientific evidence that suggests that anything in the physical world is truly random?

Yes, there is evidence from quantum mechanics that suggests that certain phenomena, such as radioactive decay and the behavior of subatomic particles, are truly random and cannot be predicted with certainty.

2. Are there any experiments that have been conducted to test the randomness of physical events?

Yes, there have been numerous experiments conducted, such as the double-slit experiment and the Bell inequality test, that have demonstrated the random nature of certain physical events.

3. Can randomness be observed in everyday life?

Yes, randomness can be observed in everyday life in events such as the weather, lottery drawings, and the stock market. These events are influenced by numerous factors and cannot be predicted with complete certainty.

4. Is it possible that randomness is simply a result of our lack of understanding or technology?

While it is always possible that our understanding and technology may improve in the future, the current scientific evidence suggests that there are aspects of the physical world that are truly random and cannot be fully explained or predicted.

5. How does the concept of randomness impact scientific research and theories?

The concept of randomness is crucial in scientific research as it allows for the discovery of new phenomena and the development of theories that can better explain the unpredictable nature of certain events. It also highlights the limits of human knowledge and understanding in the face of complex and random systems.

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