Do Particles Always Follow Fixed Laws in the Universe?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on whether all particles and entities in the universe adhere to fixed laws in their behavior and interactions. The Uncertainty Principle is highlighted as a key factor that may introduce randomness at the sub-atomic level. The inquiry seeks to understand if an isolated system will consistently follow the same path across infinite repetitions, despite the inherent unpredictability suggested by quantum mechanics. The conversation indicates that while fixed laws govern particle behavior, randomness can emerge due to quantum effects.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of the Uncertainty Principle in quantum mechanics
  • Basic knowledge of particle physics and sub-atomic interactions
  • Familiarity with concepts of isolated systems in physics
  • Awareness of classical versus quantum behavior of particles
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the implications of the Uncertainty Principle on particle behavior
  • Explore quantum mechanics and its effects on isolated systems
  • Study classical physics laws and their limitations in quantum contexts
  • Investigate the concept of determinism versus randomness in physics
USEFUL FOR

Students of physics, researchers in quantum mechanics, and anyone interested in the fundamental laws governing particle behavior and interactions in the universe.

Hanny
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Hi,

I'm totally new to these forums and only have knowledge of physics up to around about a first year university standard. I recently had quite an interesting idea that I wish to delve into deeper but a key flaw of this idea was that I did not understand the physics of it enough to be able to determine whether there was a chance of it being true.

I'd be very grateful if someone (or even a couple :smile: of people) would give some input by answering this question. To date I have accessed only non-physics forums and tbh the answers I have received have been poor to none.

Anyway, to the question:

Do all particles and entities (energy, radiation etc) in the universe adhere to fixed laws in their behaviour and interactivity with other particles?

I know there is probably (almost certainly) not a clear answer to this but I was hoping really to determine whether the Uncertainty Principle (or anything else that is relavent) causes random behaviour of some particles at the sub-atomic level. I am not concerned with whether such behaviour can be measured and predicted but simply am interested in whether the behaviour of a completely isolated system (isolated from ALL uncontrolled outsite intervention) will follow the same path in an infinite number of repetitions.

If the question has parts which are vague I would be more than happy to elaborate to the best of my ability.

Thanks very much to everyone,
Hansen
 
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