Are Probability Waves Real Physical Entities or Just Theoretical Constructs?

  • Context: Graduate 
  • Thread starter Thread starter Charlie G
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Probability Waves
Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the nature of probability waves in quantum mechanics, specifically whether they should be considered real physical entities or merely theoretical constructs. Participants explore the implications of probability wave collapse and its relation to different frames of reference, as well as the philosophical underpinnings of what constitutes "reality" in physics.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Philosophical inquiry

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants question whether probability waves should be regarded as real physical waves or just tools for explaining phenomena, with one suggesting they should not be considered as real as physical objects like the Earth.
  • Another participant proposes that the collapse of the probability wave is a reflection of updated knowledge rather than a physical event occurring in the universe, arguing that it happens "on paper" rather than "out there."
  • There is a mention of the lottery ticket analogy to illustrate the concept of collapse, comparing it to how knowledge changes the perceived value of a ticket based on new information.
  • One participant raises a philosophical question about the nature of existence in physics, asking whether concepts like the number "2" are invented or discovered, which adds a layer of complexity to the discussion of what is considered "real."

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the reality of probability waves and the nature of wave function collapse, indicating that multiple competing perspectives remain without clear consensus.

Contextual Notes

The discussion touches on interpretations of quantum mechanics and the philosophical implications of what constitutes reality, highlighting the complexity and nuance in understanding these concepts.

Charlie G
Messages
115
Reaction score
0
I have two questions about probability waves.

Are we supposed to consider them as real physical waves, or are they just used to explain certain phenomenon? Should I consider them as real as the the Earth itself?

Does the probability wave collapse simultaneously in all frames of reference? If it doesn't then for an electron measured in California, could still be found in the center of the galaxy to an observer in motion relative to the earth, and what would happen if he did find it even though it had been found in California? Would there suddenly be two electrons? I thought that he couldn't find it because it had already been measured, but according to his frame (which is just as valid as any others) the measurment may not have happened so he could find the electron in the center of the galaxy, right?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Charlie G said:
I have two questions about probability waves.

Are we supposed to consider them as real physical waves, or are they just used to explain certain phenomenon? Should I consider them as real as the the Earth itself?
From an operational viewpoint (my source of "should"s) how we use a probability amplitude wave i.e. a wave-function defines their meaning... and as such they represent what we know about how some quantum may behave. So in this sense, No they shouldn't be considered real. Others will disagree.

Does the probability wave collapse simultaneously in all frames of reference?
Again from my operational viewpoint the cause of the "collapse" is our updated knowledge about the system and thus it is not a matter of frames but of our integration of that knowledge. In short the collapse happens on paper and not "out there".

Edit: Take the analogy of the "collapse" of the value of a lotto ticket. Before the drawing it has an expectation value equal to each prize times the probability of winning the prize. After the drawing...or if you suddenly find out the drawing is fixed and know what if any prize the ticket will win then the ticket's value (as well as all other tickets' values) "collapses" into the expectation calculated from the updated information.

This is one of the issues surrounding "interpretations" of QM and you'll find many many posts here debating the topic as well as much in the online and published literature.
 
Last edited:
It depends on what view-point one has regarding what is "real" and "existing" or not.

Physics is a way to describe the world and what is in it. Does the number "2" exist? Do we invent or discover mathematics / physics?
 
Thx for the replies. The lottery ticket analogy I thought was pretty cool way to put it :)
 

Similar threads

Undergrad Schrödinger equation and classical wave equation
  • · Replies 39 ·
2
Replies
39
Views
4K
Undergrad "Wave-particle duality" and double-slit experiment
  • · Replies 36 ·
2
Replies
36
Views
9K
High School Can someone please explain to me the motion of an electron?
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
3K
Undergrad Why is Photon Energy Quantized in Terms of Sine Wave Frequency?
  • · Replies 78 ·
3
Replies
78
Views
7K
Undergrad Measurement problem - will this work?
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K
Undergrad Locality and Wave Function Collapse Implications
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
3K
Undergrad Quantum Mechanics as a Probabilistic forecast of reality
  • · Replies 21 ·
Replies
21
Views
2K
Undergrad Probability of finding a particle outside its light cone
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
2K
Undergrad Instantly reformable wave packets instead of "particles"?
  • · Replies 17 ·
Replies
17
Views
3K
High School Is the wave function physical ?
  • · Replies 26 ·
Replies
26
Views
4K