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klw289
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Does the indeterminacy of quantum mechanics arise from the lack of knowledge of the time-evolution of the wave function between measurements or do it have another origin
jeremyfiennes said:So there are two possibilities, both neither provable nor refutable, and hence equally valid. Namely that reality is a) indeterminate; b) determinate. Why is the second never considered?
It is, see the Bell inequality.jeremyfiennes said:But the "inherently indeterminate" hypothesis is likewise neither provable nor refutable.
The concept of indeterminacy of wave function, also known as the uncertainty principle, states that it is impossible to know both the exact position and momentum of a subatomic particle at the same time. This is due to the wave-particle duality of quantum mechanics, which suggests that particles can act as both a wave and a particle.
The indeterminacy of wave function challenges our traditional understanding of the physical world, which is based on classical mechanics. It suggests that at the subatomic level, things behave in a probabilistic manner and cannot be predicted with certainty. This has significant implications for our understanding of causality and determinism.
The Heisenberg uncertainty principle is a mathematical representation of the indeterminacy of wave function. It states that the product of the uncertainties in position and momentum of a particle must be greater than or equal to a certain value, known as Planck's constant. This principle applies to all subatomic particles, including electrons, photons, and atoms.
The indeterminacy of wave function has had a significant impact on the development of technology, particularly in the field of quantum computing. The probabilistic nature of subatomic particles means that they can exist in multiple states simultaneously, allowing for more efficient and powerful computing. However, it also poses challenges in controlling and measuring these particles, which is crucial for the success of quantum technology.
This is a highly debated question in the scientific community. Some argue that the indeterminacy of wave function is a limitation of our current knowledge and that there may be underlying hidden variables that can explain the probabilistic behavior of particles. Others believe that it is a fundamental aspect of nature and that we must accept that there are inherent uncertainties in the universe. Further research and experimentation are needed to fully understand the nature of the indeterminacy of wave function.