Accuracy of Relativity vs Quantum Mechanics Measurement

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the accuracy of measurements in relativity compared to quantum mechanics, exploring which theory has achieved more precise experimental confirmations. The scope includes theoretical implications and specific experimental tests related to both fields.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions which theory, relativity or quantum mechanics, has the most accurate measurements, suggesting a comparison based on decimal places of confirmation between theory and experiment.
  • Another participant argues that modern quantum mechanics (QM) is built on relativity, implying that a direct comparison may not be valid.
  • A later reply mentions specific measurements, such as time dilation in atomic clocks and the anomalous magnetic moment of an electron, as precision tests for either theory.
  • Another contribution states that the magnetic moment of an electron and the operation of atomic clocks cannot be understood without relativistic quantum theory, suggesting that relativistic quantum theory provides superior predictive accuracy.
  • It is noted that relativistic quantum theory makes predictions that match experimental results to a greater extent than any other theory, although this claim is not universally accepted.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the comparison between relativity and quantum mechanics, with no consensus on which theory has more accurate measurements. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the validity of direct comparisons.

Contextual Notes

Some claims depend on the definitions of accuracy and measurement, and the discussion does not resolve the implications of relativistic quantum theory on the measurements of either theory.

windy miller
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Just for a bit of fun, which theory , relativity or quantum mechanics has the most accurate ( i.e to how many decimal places confirmation between theory and experiment) measurement ever made?
 
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windy miller said:
relativity or quantum mechanics
Modern QM is built on relativity, so there is no either-or comparison possible.
 
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Dale said:
Modern QM is built on relativity, so there is no either-or comparison possible.

But here are certain measurement that are considered to be precision test of either theory, time dilation in atomic clocks or the anomalous magnetic moment of an electron. This question really is just for a bit of fun.
 
The magnetic moment of an electron cannot be understood without relativistic quantum theory.

The operation of an atomic clock cannot be understood without relativistic quantum theory.

Relativistic quantum theory makes predictions that match experimental results to a greater extent than any other theory ever created.
 

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