Does QM break down at large scales?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the behavior of quantum mechanics (QM) at large scales, specifically whether QM breaks down or continues to apply as systems increase in size. Participants explore the implications of QM in relation to classical mechanics and the probabilities associated with quantum events.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests that QM does not break down at large scales, but rather that the probabilities become smaller, making QM harder to apply.
  • Another participant argues that QM approaches the classical limit and aligns with classical mechanics predictions, referencing Bohr's principle of correspondence.
  • A third participant concurs with the idea that QM does not break down, mentioning the extremely low probability of quantum events, such as passing through a wall, becoming less likely as the size of the system increases.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on whether QM breaks down at large scales, with some asserting it approaches classical mechanics while others emphasize the persistence of quantum probabilities, indicating a lack of consensus.

Contextual Notes

Participants reference the principle of correspondence and the probabilistic nature of quantum events, but the discussion does not resolve the implications of these concepts at large scales.

cragar
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My friend and I were talking , and my friend said that the laws of QM break down at large scales , But i was thinking that they don’t break down the probabilities just become smaller and it becomes harder to use QM . So what do you guys think
 
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As far as I know I would concur with your opinion. We all have heard sometime in our life that there's the possibility to pass through a wall, even though the probability is so small that the universe would reach the heat death before.

I guess these kind of calculations are made according to the amount of particles in the body that has to pass through such a wall. So I would say that the bigger, the less unlikely to happen.
 
i see , thanks for your answers
 

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