Gravitational/Electrostatic self-interactions of wave function

In summary, the paper discusses how if the wave function is a physical field, its mass and charge density would be distributed in space simultaneously for a charged quantum system, causing gravitational and electrostatic self-interactions. This would violate the superposition principle of quantum mechanics and contradict experimental observations.
  • #1
O'Fearraigh
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So, I am reading this paper on the physicality of the wave function and I have a question.

Here's the passage:

"If the wave function is a physical field, then the mass and charge density will be distributed in space simultaneously for a charged quantum system, and thus, there will exist gravitational and electrostatic self-interactions of its wave function. This not only violates the superposition principle of quantum mechanics but also contradicts experimental observations."

How would this violate the superposition principle?
 
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  • #2
O'Fearraigh said:
So, I am reading this paper on the physicality of the wave function and I have a question.

Here's the passage:

"If the wave function is a physical field, then the mass and charge density will be distributed in space simultaneously for a charged quantum system, and thus, there will exist gravitational and electrostatic self-interactions of its wave function. This not only violates the superposition principle of quantum mechanics but also contradicts experimental observations."

How would this violate the superposition principle?

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Zz.
 

1. What is the concept of gravitational/electrostatic self-interaction of wave function?

The concept of gravitational/electrostatic self-interaction of wave function is based on the idea that a wave function can interact with itself due to the influence of gravity or electrostatic forces. This means that the wave function is not only affected by external forces, but also by its own energy and momentum.

2. How does the gravitational/electrostatic self-interaction affect the behavior of a wave function?

The self-interaction of a wave function can cause it to become more localized or spread out, depending on the strength of the self-interaction compared to external forces. It can also lead to the formation of standing waves and other complex patterns.

3. Is the gravitational/electrostatic self-interaction significant in everyday situations?

No, the gravitational/electrostatic self-interaction is generally only significant at very small scales, such as in the quantum realm. In everyday situations, the effects of self-interaction are usually negligible compared to external forces.

4. How do scientists study the effects of gravitational/electrostatic self-interaction?

Scientists use mathematical models and simulations to study the behavior of wave functions and how they interact with themselves and external forces. They also conduct experiments using particle accelerators and other advanced techniques to observe these interactions at the quantum level.

5. What are the potential implications of understanding gravitational/electrostatic self-interaction?

Understanding self-interaction of wave functions could have important implications for fields such as quantum computing and particle physics. It could also help us better understand the fundamental forces of nature and how they interact with matter at a subatomic level.

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