Do Computer Icons Follow Classical or Quantum Physics?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on whether computer icons are governed by classical or quantum physics. Participants assert that icons are not physical objects but abstract representations created by the operating system's user interface, such as Windows XP, OS X Aqua, and Gnome. They emphasize that these icons operate under classical physics principles, as they are macroscopic entities that do not exhibit quantum behavior. The concept of decoherence is introduced to explain why icons cannot be described by quantum mechanics.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of classical physics principles
  • Familiarity with quantum mechanics basics
  • Knowledge of user interface design in operating systems
  • Concept of decoherence in quantum mechanics
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the principles of classical physics and their applications in computing
  • Explore quantum mechanics and its implications for macroscopic objects
  • Study the concept of decoherence and its relevance in quantum theory
  • Investigate user interface design and how it creates abstract representations
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This discussion is beneficial for computer scientists, physicists, and software developers interested in the intersection of physics and computer science, particularly in understanding how abstract representations in user interfaces relate to physical theories.

  • #31
The book has physical properties that can be measured regardless of whether or not you are bouncing photons off of it. The spot on the wall does not. A simple question can demonstrate how simply wrong you are: Where is the spot? With your definition (a set of photons), the spot is a constantly flowing set of photons... but it isn't the spot on the wall.

Again, the photons are physical objects, the spot is not. Grouping the photons together does not change that. And no one mentioned it, but what you said about gravity affecting the spot is wrong too. Gravity affects the photons, but it does not affect the spot like it does a physical object.
 
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  • #32
russ_watters said:
Gravity affects the photons, but it does not affect the spot like it does a physical object.

Thanks for that, Russ. For some reason, I froze up trying to point that out. :redface:
 
  • #33
chroot said:
There is no "exact" boundary. Quantum mechanics becomes indistinguishable from classical mechanics in the limit of a large ensemble. The larger your ensemble is, the more accurate the agreement between the two theories.
Thank you. But, as in the concept of the "limit" of the calculus, which can be viewed as a boundary never to be reached, would not the "limit of a large ensemble" then correspond to the "exact boundary" condition between classical and QM ?
 
  • #34
russ_watters said:
The book has physical properties that can be measured regardless of whether or not you are bouncing photons off of it. The spot on the wall does not. A simple question can demonstrate how simply wrong you are: Where is the spot? With your definition (a set of photons), the spot is a constantly flowing set of photons... but it isn't the spot on the wall.

Again, the photons are physical objects, the spot is not. Grouping the photons together does not change that. And no one mentioned it, but what you said about gravity affecting the spot is wrong too. Gravity affects the photons, but it does not affect the spot like it does a physical object.
Forgive me if I keep asking about this subject. Actually I have never seriously thought that a spot is a real object, but I found it interesting to talk about it.

About where is the spot, I could ask the same about a photon. Where is a photon?
 

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