How Can Quantum Mechanics and General Relativity Coexist?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on the relationship between Quantum Mechanics and General Relativity, exploring why Quantum Mechanics is perceived as governing all physical phenomena while General Relativity is limited to large-scale structures. Participants question the compatibility of these two frameworks and whether the large can influence the small in the realm of physics.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants suggest that Quantum Mechanics is seen as the foundational theory for all things, while General Relativity applies only to the vast and large scales.
  • There is a reference to the ultraviolet catastrophe in blackbody radiation, indicating historical challenges in physics that may relate to current discussions.
  • One participant asserts that gravity is described by General Relativity, while Quantum Mechanics describes the other fundamental forces.
  • Participants mention the concept of gravitons in String Theory as potential carriers of gravity, noting that they remain purely theoretical and unproven.
  • It is highlighted that gravity is considered a significant enigma, with many theories attempting to explain its relationship to other forces.
  • There is a mention of the wave-particle duality of subatomic particles, suggesting complexity in understanding fundamental physics.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the relationship between Quantum Mechanics and General Relativity, with no consensus reached on how these theories coexist or influence each other.

Contextual Notes

The discussion reflects ongoing uncertainties in the field regarding the integration of gravity with other fundamental forces and the theoretical nature of gravitons.

Erus
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Quantum Mechanics and General Relativity do not like each other. Yet, we perceive that Quantum Mechanics are the 'basics' of all things, or the startings of all larger things. But this is just it, why is it Quantum Mechanics governs ALL and General Relativity only runs the vast and large? Why do we not percieve that the very large govern the very small? Could it be looked at either way in the spectrum of Physics?

Summarizing the question: Why do we see that Quantum Mechanics controls everything yet General Relativity doesn't work with it?
 
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Reminds me of the old ultraviolet cascade catastrophe problem in blackbody radiation.
 
Erus said:
Quantum Mechanics and General Relativity do not like each other. Yet, we perceive that Quantum Mechanics are the 'basics' of all things, or the startings of all larger things. But this is just it, why is it Quantum Mechanics governs ALL and General Relativity only runs the vast and large? Why do we not percieve that the very large govern the very small? Could it be looked at either way in the spectrum of Physics?

Summarizing the question: Why do we see that Quantum Mechanics controls everything yet General Relativity doesn't work with it?


Answer: we don't.

Relativity describes gravity, Quantum Mechanics describes all the other forces.
 
What controls Gravity?
I heard, in String Theory, that a Graviton does such, which is a particle.
 
Erus said:
What controls Gravity?
I heard, in String Theory, that a Graviton does such, which is a particle.

Gravitons are a purely theoretical particle, no one has ever proven they exist. Because Relativity only deals with gravity and QM deals with all the other forces except gravity, it is gravity that is considered the biggest enigma today. No one has been able to prove how it relates to the other forces, and there are countless theories on the subject.

In addition, all subatomic particles are also, somehow, simultaneously waves.
 

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