From Micro to Macro physics (Emergence)

[jake jot]

Let's say Mary has mastered every microscopic physics from quantum theory to particle physics. But she hasn't encountered iron or other macro objects. Can she predict using say a super computer at her disposal the properties of macroscopic objects? Let's say the super computer can assemble the atoms into all elements and combine them in all sorts of combinations. What objects can she predict and not? In other words, what objects or emergent properties can microscopic physics able to predict given super computer that can assemble all sorts of combinations, even ability to create sentient beings, making love, etc.

 

[jedishrfu]

You have entered the Twilight Zone with this question. While there are some things that might be predicted via quantum mechanics in the real world, the statistical uncertainty would prevent even a supercomputer from coming up with a valid and viable macroscopic prediction.

The one example I can think of is ferro-magnetism where theory says elements with half filled outer shells are mostly likely to have magnetic properties which then extends to crystalline structure of the element’s atoms that macroscopic magnetism emerges. Even with that there is still a possibility that magnetism won’t emerge if the crystalline regions don’t all line up.

here is a discussion on quantum effects seen today

https://www.pnas.org/content/116/45/22413

Veritaseum and Minute Physics have a couple of videos on this very subject.