Entangled Lotto: Simulating Mermin's Bell Gedanken Experiment

In summary, you have developed an entangled lotto game that simulates the Bell Gedanken experiment and accurately predicts the expected outcomes. The game uses a random ordering of words and the scratch-off method to reveal the random selections for Bob and Alice, resulting in a 1/3 chance for a same-switch outcome and a 2/3 chance for a different-switch outcome. This game provides a fun and interactive way to explore the concepts of quantum theory and entanglement.
  • #1
rlduncan
104
1
I have been developing an entangled lotto game to simulate a simple Bell gedanken experiment described by David Mermin in his article: "Is the moon there when nobody looks? Reality and the quantum theory" where the polarizations are measured at 120 degree angles. I know this is not possible for all quantum predictions, and the simulation only works for the 120 degree setting, but have I succeeded for this special case?

It is interesting that when only two orientations are considered at a time the expected outcome is observed, that is, P = (1/3)(1/2) + (2/3)(1/2) = .5. However, when the simulation takes into account the third unmeasured orientation then the quantum theory result is obtained which is P = (1/3)(1) + (2/3)(1/4) = .5.

The words "Different" and "Same" are hidden and the scratch-off method is used to reveal the random selection which is the 1/3 and 2/3 probabilities for same-switch and different-switch outcomes respectively.

Also, for the a+, b+, c+, a-, b-, c- pair selections are hidden and the scratch-off method is used to reveal the random selections for Bob and Alice.

Entangled Lotto Scratch Game Rules

1. First section is a random ordering of the words “Different”, "Different", and “Same”. Player Wins if selection reveals the word “Same”. Game Over! If Player selects “Different” they are given a second chance to Win!

2.) For Bob and Alice all a, b, c entries are always in the same relative positions and all + and - characters are anti-correlated. Player randomly selects one of six from Bob's section and randomly selects one from the three different columns of Alice's section. (Example shown below is one of 24 possible permutations that could be used to randomly generate the data set).

Lotto Ticket

Pick “Same”. You Win! Game Over!
*Different* **Same** *Different*

Pick “Different” Try Again!

Bob: Pick One
b+ a+ c-
b- a- c+

Alice: Pick One from each Column
b- a- c+
b+ a+ c-

(Ex. To Win if Bob's pick is a-, then Alice’s picks must be b- and c-)

Note: The Alice pick that’s a match to Bob’s column (switch) is a free pick and has no effect on the outcome of the other picks and there is ¼ chance that Alice’s other two picks match Bob’s.
 
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  • #2
It sounds like you have succeeded in creating a simulation that is consistent with the expected outcomes of the Bell Gedanken experiment. It's great to see how the random ordering of words and the scratch-off method are used to reveal the random selections for Bob and Alice. Congratulations on your success!
 

1. What is Entangled Lotto?

Entangled Lotto is a simulation of a thought experiment proposed by physicist David Mermin to illustrate the concept of quantum entanglement.

2. How does Entangled Lotto work?

In Entangled Lotto, two participants are each given a random number and are separated so they cannot communicate. The numbers are entangled, meaning they are correlated in a way that cannot be explained by classical physics. The participants then select a number from a predetermined set, and if the sum of their numbers equals the selected number, they win. This demonstrates the non-locality and randomness of quantum mechanics.

3. Why is Mermin's Bell Gedanken Experiment important?

Mermin's Bell Gedanken Experiment is important because it provides a clear and simple way to understand the phenomenon of quantum entanglement. It also highlights the differences between classical and quantum mechanics, and challenges our intuition about how the universe works.

4. Can Entangled Lotto be used to prove the existence of quantum entanglement?

No, Entangled Lotto is a thought experiment and cannot be used to prove the existence of quantum entanglement. However, it can help us better understand the concept and its implications.

5. What are the real-world applications of quantum entanglement?

Quantum entanglement has potential applications in quantum computing, quantum cryptography, and quantum teleportation. It also plays a crucial role in understanding the behavior of matter at the quantum level and could lead to new technologies in the future.

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