Clarification of relativity that makes the quantum world possible

In summary, the conversation discusses the concept of relativity and its application to explaining the quantum world. The scenario involves a stationary laser being fired at a moving observer, with the key detail being that the moving observer sees the light hit the stationary observer before it actually does in the stationary observer's eyes. The conclusion drawn is that if the stationary observer remained still, the moving observer would have seen the future, but if the stationary observer moved out of the light's path, the moving observer would have seen a future possibility that did not happen. The speaker points out the fallacy in this conclusion, as it ignores the concept of simultaneity at distance and the importance of location in space-time for events.
  • #1
carl fischbach
I worked on this problem a few years ago and
remembered an important detail of how I applied
relalivity to explain the quantum world.
You take a powerful stationary laser light source
that diverges slightly and fire it at a stationary
observer 30,000,000 kilometers away. Then you have
a moving an observer traveling 80% of c that is
somewhere between the laser light source and the
stationary observer,when the laser is fired,travelling in a straight line
towards the stationary observer.The moving
observer is positioned so he arives next
the stationary observer when the laser light
source strikes the moving observer from
the moving observer's eyes.From the stationary
observer's eyes at the same instance the light
has yet to strike him.The key here is that the
moving observer will see the light strike the
the stationary observer at this instance even
though in the stationary observers eyes it has
yet to strike him.Now say the stationary observer
moves out of the path of light after the
moving observer passes him by, the light will
miss the stationary observer in his eyes, yet in
eyes of the moving obsever the light struck
the stationary observer.Which led me to draw this
conclusion if the stationary obsever remained
stationary then the moving obsever would have
seen his future,if the stationary observer moved
out of the path of light,then the moving observer
would have seen a future possibility that did not happen.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
Your conclusion is fallacious, for a start you've ignored the failure of simultaneity at distance, an instant is meanigless it's only useful to talk about events that happen at certain locations in space-time.
 
  • #3


The concept of relativity is crucial in understanding and explaining the quantum world. In the example given, the use of relativity allows for an explanation of how the moving observer can see the light strike the stationary observer before it actually reaches him. This is possible because of the relativity of simultaneity, which states that two events that appear simultaneous to one observer may not appear simultaneous to another observer in a different frame of reference.

In this scenario, the stationary observer and the moving observer are in different frames of reference due to their different velocities. The moving observer is traveling at 80% of the speed of light, which causes time dilation and length contraction. This means that time is passing slower for the moving observer and distances appear shorter. As a result, the moving observer perceives events differently than the stationary observer.

In the case of the laser light striking the stationary observer, the moving observer sees it happen before the stationary observer because of the relativity of simultaneity. The moving observer's perception of time and distance is different, causing them to see events in a different order than the stationary observer.

This concept of relativity is what makes the quantum world possible. In the quantum world, particles can exist in multiple states simultaneously, and their behavior is described by probabilities rather than definite outcomes. This is because at the quantum level, the principles of relativity apply and can cause different observers to perceive events differently.

In summary, the use of relativity in explaining the quantum world is essential in understanding how events can appear simultaneous to one observer but not to another. The example given highlights how relativity allows for different perceptions of time and distance, leading to a better understanding of the quantum world.
 

What is the theory of relativity?

The theory of relativity is a scientific theory developed by Albert Einstein in the early 20th century to explain the relationship between space and time. It consists of two main theories: special relativity and general relativity. Special relativity deals with objects moving at a constant speed, while general relativity includes the effects of gravity on space and time.

How does relativity relate to the quantum world?

Relativity plays a crucial role in understanding the quantum world because it helps explain how particles behave at high speeds or in strong gravitational fields. In particular, the principles of special relativity are used to understand the behavior of particles moving at near-light speeds, while general relativity is used to explain the effects of gravity on the behavior of particles in the quantum world.

What is the connection between relativity and quantum mechanics?

The connection between relativity and quantum mechanics lies in the fact that both theories are necessary to fully understand the behavior of particles in the universe. While relativity explains the macroscopic world, quantum mechanics explains the microscopic world. The two theories are often used together to explain complex phenomena such as black holes and the origins of the universe.

How does relativity help to make the quantum world possible?

Relativity is essential in making the quantum world possible because it provides a framework for understanding how particles behave at high speeds and in strong gravitational fields. Without relativity, it would be impossible to accurately describe the behavior of particles in the quantum world, which is crucial for advancements in fields such as quantum computing and quantum mechanics.

What are some key principles of relativity that aid in understanding the quantum world?

Some key principles of relativity that aid in understanding the quantum world include the idea of space-time being curved by massive objects, the concept of time dilation at high speeds, and the idea that the laws of physics should be the same for all observers. These principles, along with others, help to explain the strange and counterintuitive behavior of particles in the quantum world.

Similar threads

Replies
33
Views
2K
Replies
64
Views
4K
  • Special and General Relativity
2
Replies
51
Views
3K
  • Special and General Relativity
Replies
7
Views
836
Replies
15
Views
2K
  • Special and General Relativity
Replies
17
Views
1K
  • Special and General Relativity
7
Replies
221
Views
9K
  • Special and General Relativity
Replies
29
Views
2K
  • Special and General Relativity
Replies
21
Views
4K
  • Special and General Relativity
Replies
16
Views
2K
Back
Top