Exploring the Reality of Field Quanta in Quantum Field Theory

In summary, the conversation discusses the concept of field quanta in quantum field theory and whether they can be considered real. The book being referenced suggests that there are states in which the number of quanta present is not well-defined, but this does not mean they are not real. Quantum mechanics does not attempt to define what is real and what is not, but rather explains how things behave in the real world. This may leave some gaps in our understanding, but this is a common frustration in the study of quantum mechanics.
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  • #2
I2004 said:
are field quanta in quantum field theory real? this book seems to suggest they are not? on the link just scroll down a bit.
but as reality is made of field quanta? does that mean nothing is real? am I missing something again?

It's not so much that you're missing something, as that you're looking for something that's not there. Quantum mechanics will tell you how real things really behave in the real world. It will not pretend to tell you what's real and what's not, and it won't tell you anything about things whose behavior you cannot directly or indirectly observe. You aren't the first person to be exasperated by this aspect of QM and you aren't going to be the last.

You might want to search around for the "Minimal Statistical Interpretation" - try Google, and look for some of VanHees71's posts here. You'll probably find it to be unsatisfying (but the universe is under no obligation to satisfy you about much of anything); but it will tell you what sorts of questions you can expect QM to answer for you.
 
  • #3
are field quanta in quantum field theory real
? this book seems to suggest they are not?
What it says is that there are states in which the number of quanta present is not well-defined. This does not mean they fail to be real. He immediately goes on to compare this situation to states in which the momentum is not well-defined, which does not mean that momentum fails to be real either!
 
  • #4
Nugatory said:
It's not so much that you're missing something, as that you're looking for something that's not there. Quantum mechanics will tell you how real things really behave in the real world. It will not pretend to tell you what's real and what's not, and it won't tell you anything about things whose behavior you cannot directly or indirectly observe. You aren't the first person to be exasperated by this aspect of QM and you aren't going to be the last.

Does this mean there is a big, unfillable gap in our knowledge here, then, or what?
 

1. What is quantum field theory?

Quantum field theory is a theoretical framework that combines the principles of quantum mechanics and special relativity to describe the behavior of particles at the smallest scale, such as atoms and subatomic particles.

2. What are field quanta?

Field quanta are the smallest units of energy and momentum in a quantum field. They are considered the building blocks of particles and are responsible for the interactions between particles.

3. How do field quanta explain the behavior of particles?

In quantum field theory, particles are seen as excitations of their respective fields. Field quanta are responsible for these excitations and their interactions, and their behavior can be described by mathematical equations.

4. How is the reality of field quanta explored in quantum field theory?

In quantum field theory, field quanta are explored through mathematical calculations and experiments. The theory allows scientists to make predictions about the behavior of particles and compare them to experimental results.

5. What is the significance of understanding the reality of field quanta?

Understanding the reality of field quanta is essential for a deeper understanding of the fundamental laws of nature. It also has practical applications in fields such as particle physics, cosmology, and technology development.

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