Deriving Special Relativity from Particle Indistinguishability

In summary, it is not possible to derive special relativity from the principle of quantum mechanics based on the indistinguishability of particles. However, there is a connection between special relativity and quantum mechanics through the concept of charge-parity-time symmetry.
  • #1
accdd
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Is it possible to derive special relativity from the principle of quantum mechanics according to which particles of the same type are indistinguishable?
For example, if it is not possible to distinguish particles of the same type then particles colliding in a train at constant speed should produce the same result as those colliding in the lab. This would imply that the laws of physics are the same on the train and in the laboratory.
Is that a question that makes sense?
 
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  • #2
accdd said:
Is it possible to derive special relativity from the principle of quantum mechanics according to which particles of the same type are indistinguishable?
No.
For example, if it is not possible to distinguish particles of the same type then particles colliding in a train at constant speed should produce the same result as those colliding in the lab. This would imply that the laws of physics are the same on the train and in the laboratory.
That does not follow. The laws of physics apply to distinguishable particles just as they do to indistinguishable ones, so they can be the same on the train and in the lab regardless of the distinguishability of the particles.

Note that this notion that the laws of physics are the same in all inertial frames way predates the development of SR.
 
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  • #3
It’s not at all clear how “indistinguishable particles” implies the causal structure of Minkowski (lorentz-signature) spacetime
(with its finite maximum signal speed).
 
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  • #4
accdd said:
Is it possible to derive special relativity from the principle of quantum mechanics according to which particles of the same type are indistinguishable?
No, but SR is related to quantum mechanics charge-parity-time symmetry.
 
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1. What is the concept of particle indistinguishability in special relativity?

Particle indistinguishability refers to the principle that particles of the same type are identical and cannot be distinguished from one another based on their intrinsic properties, such as mass or charge. This concept is essential in understanding special relativity, as it plays a crucial role in the derivation of many of its fundamental equations.

2. How does particle indistinguishability relate to the speed of light in special relativity?

In special relativity, the speed of light is considered to be the same for all observers regardless of their relative motion. This is because the principle of particle indistinguishability requires that particles with the same speed and direction of motion must be indistinguishable from one another. Therefore, the speed of light must be constant for all observers in order to maintain the principle of particle indistinguishability.

3. Can particle indistinguishability be violated in special relativity?

No, particle indistinguishability is a fundamental principle in special relativity and cannot be violated. Any violation of this principle would lead to inconsistencies and contradictions in the theory.

4. How does particle indistinguishability affect the concept of time dilation in special relativity?

According to special relativity, time is relative and can appear to pass at different rates for observers in relative motion. This is known as time dilation. However, the principle of particle indistinguishability requires that particles with the same speed must experience the same amount of time. Therefore, time dilation can only occur for particles with different speeds, not for particles with the same speed.

5. Can the concept of particle indistinguishability be applied to macroscopic objects?

No, the principle of particle indistinguishability only applies to particles at the quantum level. Macroscopic objects, such as everyday objects, are made up of a large number of particles and do not exhibit the same quantum behavior as individual particles. Therefore, the concept of particle indistinguishability does not apply to macroscopic objects in special relativity.

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