Can/do relativistic effects explain select quantum phenomena

In summary, relativistic effects may provide some explanations for select quantum "phenomena" such as the behavior of photons. These effects can also help understand concepts like time dilation and the lack of distance traveled for a photon. However, there is no direct connection between these effects and quantum entanglement, which exists in both non-relativistic and relativistic quantum mechanics. Non-relativistic refers to situations where the speed of particles is significantly lower than the speed of light.
  • #1
San K
911
1
Can/do relativistic effects explain select quantum "phenomena"

Can/do relativistic effects explain select quantum "phenomena"?

A photon (a mass less "particle" that travels at the speed of light) experiences space-time in a different manner.

A photon does not experience time.

Would the sun and earth, for example, seem, in a sense, joined for the photon?

There is our frame of reference and the other is from the photons' view.

Does the photon, in a sense, travel outside space-time when not interacting with any matter-energy?

Does the photon length, in a sense, equal infinity? (from the length/time dilation, Lorentz transformation, equations)

Can quantum entanglement be explained by relativistic effects?
 
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  • #2


San K said:
Would the sun and earth, for example, seem, in a sense, joined for the photon? [..] Does the photon length, in a sense, equal infinity? (from the length/time dilation equations)

If you like; a photon essentially 'leaves' and 'arrives' at the same instant, and the 'length' it traveled (in the c reference frame) is zero.
Does the photon, in a sense, travel outside space-time when not interacting with any matter-energy?

Nope.
Can quantum entanglement be explained by relativistic effects?

Certainly not directly; entanglement exists in both non-relativistic and relativistic quantum mechanics. We've reconciled QM and SR without managing to explain it, so it doesn't seem there's any direct connection. On the other hand, any theory which ultimately does explain entanglement and other mysteries of QM must be compatible with SR. But there's no apparent reason to believe they're directly connected.
 
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alxm said:
If you like; a photon essentially 'leaves' and 'arrives' at the same instant, and the 'length' it traveled (in the c reference frame) is zero.


Nope.


Certainly not directly; entanglement exists in both non-relativistic and relativistic quantum mechanics. We've reconciled QM and SR without managing to explain it, so it doesn't seem there's any direct connection. On the other hand, any theory which ultimately does explain entanglement and other mysteries of QM must be compatible with SR. But there's no apparent reason to believe they're directly connected.

well said alxm.

just a thought

from viewpoint of us (i.e. our frame of reference), there is distance between the entangled twins and is equal to the distance we separated them by

from the viewpoint of the photon, there is no distance between the entangled twins (length traveled is zero)

does this, in some sense, explain instantaneous effects in quantum entanglement?

alxm said:
Certainly not directly; entanglement exists in both non-relativistic and relativistic quantum mechanics.

what do we mean by non-relativistic? can we observe entanglement effects between particles that move much slower than speed of light...say less than 50%?


alxm said:
If you like; a photon essentially 'leaves' and 'arrives' at the same instant, and the 'length' it traveled (in the c reference frame) is zero.

the length, as well as the time traveled, is zero
 
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FAQ: Can/do relativistic effects explain select quantum phenomena

1. Can relativistic effects explain quantum tunneling?

Yes, relativistic effects can play a role in explaining quantum tunneling. According to the theory of relativity, mass and energy are equivalent, meaning that particles can behave as waves and have a probability of passing through barriers, even if they do not have enough energy to do so in classical physics.

2. How do relativistic effects impact the behavior of particles in a quantum system?

Relativistic effects can cause particles to move at high speeds and have their mass increase, which can affect their behavior in a quantum system. This can lead to phenomena such as time dilation and length contraction, which have implications for how particles interact with each other and their surroundings.

3. Can relativistic effects explain the uncertainty principle?

While relativistic effects do not directly explain the uncertainty principle, they do play a role in it. The uncertainty principle states that it is impossible to know both the position and momentum of a particle with absolute certainty, and relativistic effects such as time dilation and length contraction contribute to this uncertainty.

4. Do relativistic effects play a role in the double-slit experiment?

Yes, relativistic effects can play a role in the double-slit experiment, which is a classic experiment used to demonstrate the wave-like behavior of particles. The speed of the particles and their energy levels can be affected by relativistic effects, leading to different interference patterns and outcomes.

5. How do relativistic effects explain the entanglement of particles in quantum systems?

Relativistic effects, specifically time dilation, can help explain the seemingly instantaneous communication between entangled particles in a quantum system. As the particles move at high speeds, time appears to pass at different rates for each particle, making it seem as though they are communicating faster than the speed of light.

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