Indirectly measure if particle spin is in superstate or not?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the possibility of measuring whether a particle's spin is in a superposition state, drawing a parallel to the double slit experiment. The implications of such measurements on faster-than-light (FTL) communication are also explored, particularly in the context of entangled particles.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions if it is possible to measure a particle's spin state in a manner analogous to the double slit experiment, suggesting that this could enable FTL communication.
  • Another participant argues against the feasibility of FTL communication, stating that the spin state yields a random result upon measurement.
  • A participant seeks clarification on the term "superstate," which is later corrected to "superposition," indicating a misunderstanding of terminology.
  • A further explanation is provided regarding the nature of entangled particles, asserting that communication is impossible due to the lack of shared information before measurement, as outlined by the no-communication theorem.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the implications of measuring spin states for communication. While one participant suggests potential for FTL communication, another counters this claim, leading to an unresolved debate on the topic.

Contextual Notes

The discussion reflects limitations in understanding of quantum mechanics concepts, particularly regarding superposition and entanglement, and the implications of measurement on these states.

hydrowolfy
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Hey I'm curious if it would be possible to measure if a particle's spin is in a superstate similar to how the double slit experiment can show whether or not an electron's location is in a superstate. Wouldn't such a machine allow for FTL communications, since if we measure one of two entangled particles spin state, we force the other particle's superstate to collapse.
 
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hydrowolfy said:
Wouldn't such a machine allow for FTL communications, since if we measure one of two entangled particles spin state, we force the other particle's superstate to collapse.

No, as the spin state has a random result when measurement is made.
 
Just out of curiosity: What is a "superstate"?
 
haha, sorry, I meant superposition (I though super position only referred to a particle's location state). Also, if anyone's wondering, communication is impossible between two entangled particles [A,B] because the entanglement is the only thing the two particle's have in common, since we can't know the state of the particle A before we measure it, we have no way of checking if someone else measured particle B, making it impossible to determine not only what the state was, but even if a state change happened!

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/No-communication_theorem goes into it a bit more, showing that according to the Rules of Quantum Mechanics, none of the properties of particle A that we can glean without measuring are changed in anyway when we measure the state of particle B.
 

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