Can All Particles of a Cat Be in Superposition Simultaneously?

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    Decoherence
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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the concept of decoherence in quantum mechanics and its implications for macroscopic objects, specifically addressing whether all particles of a cat can exist in superposition simultaneously. Participants clarify that while decoherence causes an apparent collapse of superpositions, the underlying quantum states still exist. The conversation emphasizes that macroscopic objects are in mixed states rather than pure superpositions, and that decoherence occurs continuously, preventing observable interference effects between distinguishable states. The measurement problem and the implications of the Many-Worlds Interpretation (MWI) are also explored.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of quantum mechanics principles, particularly decoherence.
  • Familiarity with the measurement problem in quantum mechanics.
  • Knowledge of the Many-Worlds Interpretation (MWI) of quantum mechanics.
  • Basic grasp of quantum states, including pure and mixed states.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the implications of decoherence in quantum computing applications.
  • Explore the measurement problem in greater detail, focusing on its philosophical implications.
  • Investigate the Many-Worlds Interpretation and its stance on superposition and mixed states.
  • Learn about the mathematical framework of quantum states, including the representation of mixed states.
USEFUL FOR

Physicists, quantum mechanics students, and anyone interested in the foundational aspects of quantum theory and its implications for macroscopic objects.

  • #61
durant35 said:
What do you exactly mean or on what did you refer when you mentioned this amount of time?

I thought I was explicit. You can resolve the Schroedinger's Cat paradox in a number of ways. One way is you consider the cat and nucleus as an entangled system. But its not as good a model as I have been discussing which is closer to what's going on - although it probably has some explanatory advantages. At all times the classical objects the cat, the detector, the table etc etc are classical because they are always interacting with the environment.

The time came from your concern, that has been addressed in a number of threads you participated in, that because the time or interference terms or whatever is theoretically not exactly zero. It was pointed out very very small quantities can be taken as zero. But even after that it worried you. Hopefully you now understand its a non issue. As I said in one of those threads some get caught up in it. If you do then I can't help you because the whole decoherence program falls to pieces and I will not be drawn into arguing it.

Thanks
Bill
 
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